San Juan Experience - 3 Day / 2 Night Tour
Day 1
Your adventure begins in the historic Fairhaven district at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. If you are arriving the night before departure or staying a night after returning, Bellingham is truly one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest, sandwiched between Mt. Baker and Bellingham Bay. You will find good public transportation, many hotel & B&B options, restaurants, brew pubs, museums and art galleries to choose from, making it easy to extend your experience on either end of our 3-day San Juan Islands adventure.
Your group may check in any time between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon with boarding commencing between 12:30 and 1:00 pm. The 60’ Viking Star was launched in 1978 as a sport fishing and sightseeing vessel. Framed of oak and planked with
Honduras mahogany, the Viking Star is heavily built and comfortable with interior seating for 40 passengers.
We depart the cruise terminal at 1:00 pm and head for the San Juan Islands. The San Juan Islands of Washington State are known as one of the top cruising destinations in the world and a must see for any serious yachtsman. They are an archipelago of 172 islands in Northwest Washington off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, north of Puget Sound. Discovered and explored in 1791 by the Spanish expedition of Francisco de Eliza these islands are rich with history, which you will learn from our captain and crew as they tell tales of discovery, smuggling and war. Your captain will choose a route to Friday Harbor based on the current weather conditions and wildlife reports, arriving in Friday Harbor around 4 pm. Along the way we will enjoy a complimentary snack of Northwest wines and cheeses.
Upon arrival you and your luggage will be 
transferred to the Friday Harbor Earthbox Motel and Spa. The Earthbox is inspired by the natural Pacific Northwest island vibe, a singular, uncommon, unconventional, unbelievably playful hybrid between a resort hotel and a classic motel. Located only two blocks from the center of Friday Harbor, an easy stroll to the many shops, restaurants, museums and galleries.
At 6:00 pm we will wander across the street for a group dinner at Jimmy’s Paradise Café. Don’t let the fact that Jimmy’s is located at the Paradise Lanes Bowling Alley fool you. We think Jimmy’s is one of the islands best kept secrets, featuring nightly dinner specials that include steak, chicken, BBQ Ribs, and seafood dinners. You will have your choice of up to three main course options that include salad and dessert. After dinner enjoy aleisurely stroll around Friday Harbor or head back to the Earthbox for a swim or soak in the hot tub.
Day 2
The second day of your San Juan adventure begins at 8:30 in the morning with Chef Dave of Jimmy’s preparing a special breakfast for us. You will then have plenty of time to return to the Earthbox to gather your belongings that you need for the day - don’t forget your camera and binoculars! San Juan Transit will pick us up at the Earthbox at 10:00 AM for a private tour of San Juan Island. With comprehensive knowledge of the island, the people and history, your driver/guide will take you to the most extraordinary spots on the island including: Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Lime Kiln State Park/Whale Watch Park, the Alpaca Ranch, English Camp – San Juan Island National Historic Park, Roche Harbor Resort, Westcott Bay Sculpture Park and San Juan Vineyards. This 2 hour and 15 minute tour will include opportunities to stretch your legs along the way and enjoy the sounds, scents and sights of this beautiful island.
Departing the dock in Friday Harbor by 12:30 we are off for the highlight of the day, our Old Fashioned Cracked Crab Lunch and whale and wildlife tour. Feast on the Northwest’s finest Dungeness Crab served with Baked 
Chicken, our signature Broccoli Salad, Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Locally Baked French Bread and for Dessert… Key Lime Cheesecake. As we finish lunch we will begin our search for the Orca Whale (Orcinus orca), the largest member of the dolphin family. In addition to Orca whales we will be watching closely for other marine mammals including Harbor Seals, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise, Minke Whales, and of course the many aquatic birds and Bald Eagles that inhabit the 172 Islands that make up the San Juan Archipelago. As we travel you will learn of the indigenous people and begin to understand why the European explorers founds this inland sea so unique and important as they competed for it’s riches.
At 4:00 PM we should be back at the dock in Friday Harbor where you’ll have time to explore the town and have dinner on your own at your choice of one of the many unique restaurants here. Transportation will be available for those that would prefer a ride directly back to the Earthbox.
Day 3
Place your luggage outside your motel room door at 8:00 am and it will be transported to the Viking Star. You can choose to have a nice morning walk back to the boat with time to pick up an espresso at one of the many coffee shops along the way, or board the shuttle van at 8:30 that will take you directly to the Viking Star for boarding. At 9:00 am we are underway from Friday Harbor with breakfast at sea today. The final leg of our voyage will take us through channels and past islands seldom explored before exchanging farewells in Bellingham around noon.
For more information and reservations for this tour, please give us a call at 1-800-443-4552 or send an e-mail to: tours@whales.com
San Juan Island Experience Package Includes:
2 nights accommodations at the Earthbox Motel & Spa in Friday Harbor.
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 afternoon snack, and 1 dinner.
Whale Watching
Guided Tour Of San Juan Island
All taxes and port fees.
2010 Season Package Pricing:
$775 per person, based on double occupancy
$1060 per person, based on single occupancy
Family Rates Available - Please call for details and pricing.
2010 Schedule:
July 18 - 20
August 8 - 10
Additional dates are available for groups of 20 or more people.