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Washington

Whales & Trails: A San Juan Island Adventure With Your Grandchild

Program No. 19929RJ

On this “whale” of an adventure, explore the waterways and trails of the San Juan Islands afoot and afloat in search of orca whales, and learn all about these intelligent animals!

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Seattle

Program Concludes

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Meals

14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )

Activity Level

Does your grandchild love whales? On this “whale” of an adventure on Washington’s San Juan Islands, search for orca whales in their natural habitat and visit an orca research station in a historic lighthouse. Meet whale experts to find out how orcas communicate, what’s being done to protect them, and “adopt” a whale so you can follow its journey across the ocean. Explore the waterways and trails of the magnificent San Juan Islands afoot and afloat in search of these beautiful and intelligent animals. Hike to island vistas with an expert naturalist to learn about other wildlife and flora and fauna on the islands!

Best of all, you'll...

During a three-hour boat expedition, search for orca whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea birds and sea lions.
Learn about the orcas’ social intelligence on a field trip to a whale research outpost station, and choose a whale to “adopt” as you learn about its history and follow its future.
Hike through spectacular San Juan Island National Park to spot wildflowers, butterflies, Bald Eagles and prairie grasses, and learn why the Americans and British quarreled over a perished pig.

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General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-13.

Cindy Hansen

Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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Shona Aitken

Shona Aitken is the education coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and has worked in education and rehabilitation positions at the center for over three decades. Born and raised in Scotland, she has a degree in ecology and environmental science from Stirling University and worked in a range of ecology and wildlife-based positions in Scotland and Sweden before coming to the U.S. Shona teaches about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impacts of human activities on these animals and their habitats.

Kevin Culmback

Kevin Culmback's years of travel as well leading wildlife excursions in Western Washington, make him a perfect group leader for the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest. Growing up outside Seattle, Kevin has always enjoyed all things outdoors. Kevin has spent years traveling the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii and beyond, exploring the natural world and capturing those areas through his camera lens. After 20 years in the San Juan Islands, his heart is in the Northwest... until the travel bug bites again.

Lilly Dukes

Lilly Dukes was interested in teaching and education from a very early age. In this way, education and travel became linked. Lilly graduated from Fairhaven College with a BS in education, and a specific focus on culturally relevant educational modalities and experiential education tools. Lilly has worked in a variety of settings including women's shelters, intergenerational learning groups, teacher training, parent education, and field studies programs. You will often find her on a trail or beach with her husband, son, and rescue dog.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles over gently rolling terrain; some stairs.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (6 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.