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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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Age 9 - 13
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2024
Per Adult
2,249
Per Child
1,699
Select
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2024
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,749
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Select Date
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
Per Adult
2,299
Per Child
1,799
Select
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
2,299
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
2,299
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
2,999
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
Select Date

At a Glance

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!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over gently rolling terrain; some stairs.

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.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-13.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Cindy Hansen
Cindy received her Bachelor's degree in zoology with a focus on marine mammals from the University of Washington. She was the onboard naturalist for Mosquito Fleet Whale Watching for eight years, worked as the education curator for The Whale Museum from 2007 to 2016, and is currently the education and events coordinator for Orca Network. Since 2001, she has spent the winters migrating with the gray whales to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico and working as a naturalist and group leader for Baja Discovery.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen View biography
Cindy received her Bachelor's degree in zoology with a focus on marine mammals from the University of Washington. She was the onboard naturalist for Mosquito Fleet Whale Watching for eight years, worked as the education curator for The Whale Museum from 2007 to 2016, and is currently the education and events coordinator for Orca Network. Since 2001, she has spent the winters migrating with the gray whales to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico and working as a naturalist and group leader for Baja Discovery.
Profile Image of Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken View biography
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Friday Harbor
by Mike Vouri, San Juan Historical Society, Julia Vouri
A book that reviews the rich history and residents of Friday Harbor throughout the past 100 years.
San Juan Islands Wildlife: A Handbook for Exploring Nature
by Evelyn Adams
Natural beauty and a rich diversity of wildlife draw thousands of visitors annually to Washington's San Juan Islands. Until now, there has never been a book that provides an overview of natural life in this beautiful archipelago. San Juan Islands Wildlife is an informative and affectionate look at the habits and habitats of the flora and fauna found within the unique environment of the region.
Birding in the San Juan Islands
by Mark G. Lewis and Fred A. Sharpe
Handy guide for visitor's and residents alike to learn more about Island birds, seasonality, local "hot spots", and how the insular ecosystems affects bird behavior.
Rainshadow World: A Naturalist's Year in the San Juan Islands
by Susan Vernon
The San Juan Archipelago of Washington State is a wondrous place where the land meets the sea. In Rainshadow World, naturalist Susan Vernon explores the fascinating world of wildlife in one of the earth's richest biological realms. From rocky shores and tall grass prairies, to forests draped with mosses and lichens and resonating to the drumbeat of pileated woodpeckers, she encounters the first wildflowers of spring, watches a bald eagle's first flight, surveys rare island marble butterflies, and wonders at whales playing in the moonlight. Susan knows the secret places to explore and takes readers on a compelling journey through an island year.
North Puget Sound: Afoot and Afloat
by Marge & Ted Mueller
An insiders guide to the North Puget Sound region of Washington State.
Springer's Journey
by Naomi Black
Springer has the perfect Orca whale life, living and playing with the rest of her family in the kelp forests or Northern British Columbia until her idyllic life is suddenly shattered. Based on a true story, this is the account of a brave young whale, a surprising journey, and the discovery that the road home doesn't begin on any map: it begins in your heart.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.