What sets us apart?

Whale Watching

• Small family-owned and locally-operated business
• Owner Operated, 12 years of experience performing whale watch tours in the San Juan Islands
• US Coast Guard Certified Vessel – 42’ MV Sea Hawk 24 Passenger – Inspected Annually
• Best location in the San Juan Islands for whale watch departures; exclusive operator from Roche Harbor, San Juan Island.
• Low naturalist-to-guest ratio means your naturalist and captain are on deck with you in person. Our naturalists and guides are considered the best in the industry, and one of the reasons we know you’ll join us for future tours.
• San Juan Outfitters is part of the Pacific Whale Watch Association professional spotting network, which is a way for us to share information on the location of whales. If the whales are in the area, we’ll know about it, and have the equipment and experience to get you there.
• 90% sighting rate during peak season (May through September). April and October can be good months as well, depending on the salmon runs which govern the whale’s movements.

Multi-Day Trips

• Small family-owned and locally-operated business
• All inclusive tour: Our price includes everything! Tents, sleeping bags & pads, pillows, and all meals. Just bring your clothing and personal items.
• Lowest guests to guide ratio in the industry: Our standard of 5 guests to one guide contributes to high quality customer service and safety of your tour.
• Two exclusive departure locations: With our private docks at both Friday and Roche Harbors, we can provide unique itineraries and explore areas other companies seldom travel. This means we can access the best camping facilities first and provide point-to-point tours so you spend each day exploring a new area.
• Every meal is prepared fresh by your guides and 90% of our ingredients are local or organic. Our menu is seasonal and we buy directly from local farmers and fishermen. Because of our small tour size, we can easily accommodate vegetarians, food allergies, and any other specific diets.
• San Juan Outfitters is the best in the industry for family specific multi-days. We routinely take children as young as 6 on our special family tours. This allows us to create special itineraries with meals and activities with the whole family in mid.
• Because we operate smaller tours, we can often customize trips to meet your wishes. This means we can paddle more, hike more, or add other activities to you trip.
• We are the only company in San Juan Islands that operates both a whale watch vessel and offers kayaking. Captains and guides are in regular radio contact while on the water. Our guides receive information first about the location of marine wildlife

Day trips

• Small family-owned and locally operated business
• Our location: Perched right on the northwest corner of San Juan Island, we are just paddle strokes away from the Haro Strait – home to wildlife, undeveloped shorelines, and minimal boat traffic. The Haro Strait is the “Orca Highway” and is the best place to see whales in the San Juans. We’re also just a few paddle strokes away from the proposed Whale Sanctuary along the west side of San Juan Island.
• Our facilities: Conveniently located in a world class marine, Roche Harbor, our custom finger docks allow for safe and easy access to our boats – all without getting wet! Restrooms, shops, and fantastic restaurants are just steps away. With sheltered inland bays and harbors, we are able to paddle in inclement weather, and there is plenty to see for paddles of all ages and abilities.
• Our staff is highly trained by the industry’s best coaches (Body Boat Blade International). We have a retention rate of about 85%, which means our guides are highly experienced, seasoned naturalists, and trained outdoor professionals.
• Low guest-to-guide ratio: We average 8 guests on our half day trips, and 6 guests on our full day trips
• We are the only company on San Juan Island that operates both a whale watch vessel and offers kayaking. Captains and guides are in regular radio contact while on the water. Our guides receive information first about the location and direction of marine wildlife
• We are the first company on San Juan Island to offer family specific day trips for families with children ages 6-12. This means more hands on interactions with marine life and fun, educational information to keep kids excited and engaged!