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
Filling Fast!
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2024
Per Adult
2,249
Per Child
1,699
Jun 18 - Jun 23, 2024
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,749
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Filling Fast!
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
Per Adult
2,299
Per Child
1,799
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024
2,299
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
2,299
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
2,999
/ Adult
1,799
/ Child
Full Inventory
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
Per Adult
2,249
Per Child
1,699
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,749
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Jul 12 - Jul 17, 2025
Per Adult
2,349
Per Child
1,899
Jul 12 - Jul 17, 2025
2,349
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child
2,349
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child
3,049
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child

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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen View biography
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.
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.
Profile Image of Lilly Dukes
Lilly Dukes View biography
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.
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