Orcas Island Spring Whale Watching is in Full Swing

Deer Harbor Charters is already running spring whale watching tours which are spotting orcas, humpbacks and other stunning coastal wildlife in the San Juan Islands. End Quote

All Deer Harbor tours offer front-row seats with expert naturalist guides sharing in-depth knowledge of whale behavior & regional nature.

(1888PressRelease) May 16, 2025 - SAN JUAN ISLANDS, Wash. – The spring season means a renewal of life all over the Pacific Northwest and an excellent opportunity to witness nature. From Orcas Island, Washington, in the heart of the San Juan Islands, locally owned Deer Harbor Charters is currently running small group spring whale watching tours, providing guests with an up-close and personal view of many of the world’s majestic coastal creatures.

“Whale watching in the protected waters of Washinton’s Salish Sea is so much fun in the spring – there is so much to see and every trip is different,” explained Deer Harbor Charters’ Owner and Captain Nate Averna. “My family has been hosting guests on our tours for more than three decades and we still get excited about every trip out on the water – we never know what we will see that day.”

Led by expert guides, tours provide viewers prime vantage points to see orcas, humpbacks and gray whales as they socialize, forage for food, breach the surface, take a sounding dive and travel the waters around Orcas Island and the San Juan Islands.
The San Juan Islands come alive each spring as resident humpback whales return to local waters, and transient (Bigg’s) killer whales (orcas) are frequently spotted. Alongside the warmer spring days, abundant marine life—including harbor seals, northern sea lions, and bald eagles—make this a prime time to witness this dynamic ecosystem and stunning scenery. Deer Harbor Charters offers an intimate, educational, and eco-friendly tour experience.

Spring whale watching is known as one of the prettiest times of the year for viewing wildlife. The calmer weather ensures more encounters and a colorful and lush scenery backdrop is perfect for videos and photos. In addition to the numerous marine species, guests will likely spot migratory birds such as rhinoceros auklets, common murres, marbled murrelets. Best of all, the entire tour is set against the San Juan Islands’ coastline where 100-foot fir trees meet the water’s edge.

Averna continued, “We focus more on small group tours to ensure people get the full breadth of what our area offers. All our Deer Harbor Charters experiences provide a comfortable front-row seat while our expert naturalist guides offer in-depth knowledge about whale behavior, seabird migration and the region’s natural history. The result is a meaningful and eco-conscious experience that is truly unforgettable.”

Deer Harbor Charters is dedicated to providing a sustainable and eco-friendly whale & wildlife watching experience. The local team adheres to strict environmental guidelines to ensure the protection of marine life for future generations. They actively support conservation efforts and make every effort to minimize disturbances while observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Passengers are treated to modern, comfortable touring vessels with heated indoor cabins for those colder days and outdoor seating for sunnier expeditions. Onboard restroom is available, as well as a variety of complimentary perks, including:

● Free wildlife photos from the tour as keepsakes.
● Complimentary snacks and onboard hot beverages like coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
● Premium binoculars for a more immersive viewing experience.
● Warm blankets to remain safe and cozy while traveling on the ocean.

Special discounts are available for senior voyagers, active military members, school teachers and EMS personnel as an appreciation of service. Tours are designed to blend a comfortable onboard experience with educational insights and an adventure that brings guests close to the natural beauty of local wildlife.

To learn more, visit https://deerharborcharters.com/ or call 360.376.5989.

About Deer Harbor Charters – Established in 1988 on Orcas Island, Wash., the team at Deer Harbor Charters comprises passionate, knowledgeable individuals providing guests with an exceptional and educational adventure on the water. From expert naturalists to a skilled crew, each member brings a wealth of local insight into the region’s unique marine ecosystems and natural beauty around the San Juan Islands. With over three decades of industry experience, the company is deeply committed to responsible, respectful wildlife viewing and sustainable tourism. Whether it's guiding a whale watching tour, crafting a custom charter or ensuring every guest feels at home on board, the people of Deer Harbor Charters are what make the experience truly unforgettable. To learn more, visit https://deerharborcharters.com/ or call 360.376.5989.

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