This is a random sampling of NTA members in this
region. For a complete list of potential partners, please
use the member search on NTAonline.com.
Pacific Northwest
COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON
Whales and ales
in Washington’s
San Juan Islands
Since it was founded in 1987, San Juan Cruises has
showcased the mighty orcas that inhabit the waters
off the coast of Bellingham, Washington, to travelers as
part of its sightseeing tours.
“Bellingham is uniquely situated between mountains
and the sea,” says Drew Schmidt, owner of San Juan
Cruises. “By taking a cruise you get to enjoy the amazing scenery of the San Juan Islands, with Mt. Baker
in the background, and experience the abundance of
wildlife such as orca whales and bald eagles.”
The longtime NTA member’s operating season typically goes from mid-May to late September. Its signature tour, the Deluxe Whale Watching Adventure
Cruise, combines seeing the magnificent marine
wildlife with a lunch of Northwest wild salmon and
chicken and shore visits to the town of Friday Harbor.
Starting this year, the company added a new halfday whale watching tour aboard its latest vessel, the
Chinook, that is offered on weekends and includes a
lasagna and Caesar salad lunch.
In addition to its whale-watching excursions, San
Juan Cruises offers the following three weekly culinary-themed rides:
Bellingham Bay BREWers Cruise
(Wednesdays, July to September)
Three rotating Northwest breweries bring along some of
their best brews, and people also can sample regional
snacks and hors d’oeuvres.
Chuck