Island Adventure Paradise: San Juan Islands Activity Guide

Located between the Strait of Georgia to the north and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south, and just west of mainland Washington, USA and British Columbia, Canada, the San Juan Islands are part of an island chain that, together with BC's Gulf Islands, form an archipelago that attracts tourists with their supreme beauty and opportunity for adventure.

	Lucky Visitors Get an Eyeful of Orca from a Tour Boat1

While there are several hundred islands in the group, only six are inhabited and three of these are particularly favoured by thrill-seekers — Lopez Island, San Juan Island and Orcas Island. Each boasts its own unique and picturesque terrain, sporting anything from rolling prairies to steep mountains and everything in between. Traditionally, visitors looking for excitement make the trek to the islands to participate in the wealth of sea kayaking and whale watching opportunities available, but it would be a mistake to think that this is where the fun ends. Outdoor-adventurers will delight in all the islands have to offer, including glorious rounds of golf, challenging nature walks, underwater scuba explorations, scenic bicycle tours and much more.

Travelers hoping to journey to the San Juan's for an adventure holiday can learn more about accommodation options on each island by taking a peak at WorldWeb.com's San Juan Island Accommodation Article, which also highlights local sites, restaurants and shopping options, as well as the WorldWeb.com Accommodation Directory for the islands.

A Ferry Sets Sail at Sunset2

TRANSPORTATION

One of the easiest and most scenic ways to travel to the three main islands is onboard a Washington State Ferry. Service from Anacortes on the mainland to Lopez, San Juan and Orcas Islands commences daily around 5:30am and continues approximately every hour until just after 10pm.

Other options include one of the daily flights to Lopez Island from the Sea-Tac Airport, or a seaplane from Lake Union in downtown Seattle. Visitors with their own means of transport on the water can dock their boats at any of a number of marinas and ports located on each island. San Juan Safaris Water Taxi provides transportation to various points within the San Juans, as well as to Vancouver Island and mainland Washington.

Once on San Juan Island, travelers can get around via bus courtesy of San Juan Transit. Those determined to find their own way can hire a car, while visitors happy to let someone else do the driving may want to hop in a taxi. The Orcas Island Shuttle operates from May until September and drops passengers off at a variety of locations on the island, while Orcas Island Taxi will drop visitors wherever they need to go. Car rentals are available, or for the more adventurous, mopeds and scooters can be hired at an hourly rate from Orcas Moped Rentals. Cycling is a popular option for adventure-seekers on Lopez Island and visitors can either bring their own ride along on the ferry or seek out a bicycle rental company.

	A View of the Islands from Anacortes3

ACTIVITIES

Anacortes
The waterfront community of Anacortes, Washington is the jumping-off point for travel to the San Juan Islands as the Washington State Ferries that take visitors to and from the islands all depart from here. The city is no slouch when it comes to outdoor fun and visitors might want to plan a few days here before heading out to the San Juans. Some of the activities offered include sea kayaking and whale watching with Island Adventures Inc—a company that guarantees a whale sighting or the guests' next tour is free. In addition, there are a range of other companies offering whale-watching, scenic and wildlife-viewing tours.

A number of fishing charters operate out of Anacortes for anglers looking to benefit from local knowledge and guidance in their search for the perfect catch, and both beginner and experienced scuba divers can descend below the surface and check out the underwater world at one of 40 dive sites scattered around the area.

A Lone Sea Kayaker Experiences the Beauty of the San Juans4

Lopez Island
Known for being the most rural—as well as the friendliest—of the three major San Juan Islands, Lopez Island is located approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Anacortes. Inhabited by about 2,200 craftspeople, farmers, eccentrics and free-spirits, the local populace welcomes visitors but asks that they respect the beautiful and ecologically-fragile island by recycling, conserving water, keeping dogs leashed and making sure not to litter.

Visitors to the island looking to spend their days outdoors may want to swim, sunbathe, construct a towering sandcastle or just relax on the sandy beaches at Otis Perkins Day Park and Agate Beach County Park. The island is home to several additional local parks, including Spencer Spit Day Park and Odlin County Park, where visitors can enjoy some time outdoors.

Bring a rod and reel to Lopez Island and experience the thrill of hooking a bohemoth catch. Those who love being on the water can also check out a boat tour or rent a sea kayak and take to the waves. Cycling is a very popular option both as a means of transportation and also as a fun way of seeing the island. The Lopez Island Golf Course offers nine challenging holes and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while hitting the links.

Sailboats and Fishing Boats Dot the Waters Around Lopez Island5

San Juan Island
With a population of around 7000, San Juan Island is the most populated of all the islands in the archipelago. The majority of inhabitants live in the pretty and quaint seaside town of Friday Harbor, which began life as a local industrial center but now focuses mainly on tourism. The town, along with the Roche Harbor Resort, offers some of the best accommodation options on the island and is an ideal place to begin an adventure tour of the San Juan Islands as it is accessible by ferry, some flights and seaplane.

Boats Dock at Friday Harbor6

Two popular travel adventure companies based in Friday Harbor that have cultivated years of experience guiding visitors into some of the best tours available are San Juan Safaris and Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours. The former offers guided whale-watching and sea-kayaking tours with naturalists that boast 30-plus years of experience. Groups sizes for kayaking range from as few as two to as many as thirty adventurers. The company's three boats, which accommodate 16, 24 and 49 passengers, can take families and groups both large and not-so-large out on the thrilling search for orcas.

Providing eco-tours since 1986, Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours specialize in personalized excursions with small groups. Visitors set out on a 46-ft (14-m) ship sailed by the company's owner who is determined to make every trip a memorable one. Lucky guests not only have the chance to see the local killer whale population but may also spot bald eagles, porpoises, seals, sea lions and more. Sea-kayaking tours and private charters are also offered.

Much like on Orcas and Lopez Islands, other guided tours that are popular on San Juan Island — in addition to whale-watching and sea-kayaking—include airplane tours and fishing trips. Tourists looking for something a bit different may want to visit the local alpaca and lavender farms. Bicycle rental companies on the island do great business as many travelers choose to see the scenic island on two wheels, while others decide to experience things from below sea level by making a splash on a scuba or snorkelling voyage. Visitors who want to soak up some island serenity at a slower pace can do so over a round of golf at the San Juan Golf & Country Club.

The Beautiful San Juan Islands7

Orcas Island
The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is shaped like a horseshoe and boasts a population just shy of 5000. The artsy island—which includes a few small towns and hamlets such as Orcas Village, Westsound, Deer Harbor and Olga—is dominated by the more than 5200-acre (2100-ha) Moran State Park. Home to Mount Constitution, the park is one of the San Juan Islands' top draws, bringing in travelers excited to explore its farthest reaches.

Stretching over 2400 ft (731 m) toward Washington's azure skies, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juans, and those up for a climb should bring a good pair of shoes and head for the summit on the foot trails created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. An observation tower, erected by the Corps in 1936, awaits hikers and offers impressive views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Those not wanting to make the trek up the mountain but who would still like to check out the view can drive to within 100 steps of the tower and then walk the final portion.

	See the Islands from Above in a Seaplane8

Camping is permitted at a number of sites scattered throughout the park. Visitors who chose to stay in the park can fully take advantage of the wealth of activities on offer. Over 30 mi (48 km) of hiking trails, 11 mi (17 km) of cycling trails and 6 mi (10 km) of riding trails wind across the park. Swimming in one of the park's crystalline lakes is a summertime favorite and anglers will love the multitude of fishing opportunities. One of the most unique ways to experience the island is from above on a private airplane tour. Such adventures are usually pricey but offer unparalleled views of Washington and British Columbia.

Activities aren't limited to Moran Park however, and a number of local companies offer everything from fishing charters to whale-watching tours. Sea-kayaking is as popular on Orcas Island as it is on the rest of the San Juan's and visitors looking for a tiring-yet-rewarding experience have a number of guided tours to choose from. Parents who want to keep the kids entertained but still hope to enjoy some free time can send their children to a local summer camp. The YMCA Camp Orkila offers a variety of popular programs including marine science courses and teen expedition trips.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Lucky Visitors Get an Eyeful or Orca on a Tour Boat; City, San Juan Islands,WA, USA
2. A Ferry Sets Sail at Sunset; , San Juan Islands, WA, USA
3. Looking Toward the Islands from Anacortes; Anacortes, WA, USA
4. A Lone Sea Kayaker Experiences the Beauty of the San Juans; San Juan Islands, WA, USA
5. Sailboats and Fishing Boats Dot the Waters Around Lopez Island; Lopez Island, WA, USA
6. Boats Dock at Friday Harbor; Friday Harbor, WA, USA
7. The Beautiful San Juan Islands; San Juan Islands, WA, USA
8. See the Islands from Above in a Seaplane; San Juan Islands, WA, USA