Seeing Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in the wild is one of Washington’s star attractions.
Cruises start at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (and other points), and last about four hours. Best watching is from May through July. During the cruise you may also see harbor seals, bald eagles, porpoises, great blue heron, and red-tailed hawks. You can also join a sea kayak whale watching tour in the islands.
For those who are driving or cycling, stop at Whale Watch Park on San Juan Island’s west coast for a chance to see passing orca. To see Gray Whales, try Westport in Grays Harbor and Ilwaco at the mouth of the Columbia River in March.
Sea Otters, once hunted nearly to extinction, have made a strong comeback on Washington’s north Olympic Peninsula. Look for them in kelp beds along coastal beaches such as Shi Shi and Cape Alava.