Washington

The San Juan Islands by Land and Sea: Hidden Anchorages

Program No. 21786RJ
Cruise the San Juan Archipelago aboard privately chartered vessels, visiting national parks, spotting Orca whales and other wildlife, and enjoy guided scenic walks as we explore trails.

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7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6B 5L 5D
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At a Glance

Orcas breach nearby, harbor seals caper in the straits and bald eagles soar overhead as you navigate the pristine waters and narrow passageways of Washington’s San Juan archipelago. During three daylong voyages, observe porpoises, whales and seabirds from the deck of the privately chartered vessel as you learn from the knowledgeable local captain and crew. Discover the islands’ unique ecology and geology on shore excursions with a local expert. You will dine on cracked crab as you make your way between islands and enjoy comfortable lodgings in the seaside port of Friday Harbor, the heart of the San Juan Islands.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2.5 miles daily on varied terrain and standing for up to one hour. Walking up/down boat ramps and various docks, getting on/off vessel; climbing stairs. Elevators and lifts unavailable on vessel and mini-buses.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy three days of private study cruises in the San Juan Archipelago aboard the Salish Express and Salish Sea vessels, highlighted by onshore explorations, historic sites and hidden corners of several islands.
  • Experience the history and beauty of San Juan Island with lodgings and museum visits in charming Friday Harbor.
  • Delight in a beach excursion and short guided hike on the Northern island of Sucia, an exclusive jewel only accessible by private vessels.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Michael Vouri
Michael Vouri retired as the chief of interpretation and historian for San Juan Island National Park after more than 21 years. He has written books about the Pig War, the Royal Marines and San Juan Island. He has worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers, a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer, and as assistant director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Michael has been a Road Scholar instructor on San Juan Island since 1997 and a Group Leader since 2016.

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

Profile Image of Michael Vouri
Michael Vouri View biography
Michael Vouri retired as the chief of interpretation and historian for San Juan Island National Park after more than 21 years. He has written books about the Pig War, the Royal Marines and San Juan Island. He has worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers, a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer, and as assistant director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Michael has been a Road Scholar instructor on San Juan Island since 1997 and a Group Leader since 2016.
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 Kevin Loftus
Kevin Loftus View biography
Kevin Loftus is the executive director at the San Juan Historical Museum. Kevin spent his formative years in Chicago before heading to Northern Arizona University. After graduating, he answered a call to the corporate world in Dallas, Texas. A love of cycling led to learning about the San Juan Islands. Upon first visiting San Juan Island in 2000, Kevin realized the Islands were calling, becoming his home in 2005. Kevin became the executive director of the San Juan Historical Museum in 2008.
Profile Image of Lorraine McConaghy
Lorraine McConaghy View biography
Dr. Lorraine McConaghy is the public historian at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle and a lecturer in museum studies at the University of Washington. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching History and the Robert Gray Medal, the most distinguished award in Washington State for a historian. Her ongoing research interests are focused on the Civil War in Washington Territory.
Profile Image of Kevin Culmback
Kevin Culmback View biography
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.
Profile Image of Bill Engle
Bill Engle View biography
Bill Engle is a retired postmaster of Shaw Island. He grew with a mountain-climbing father and a gardening, birding, environmental activist mother, and has always had a passion for the outdoors. He has lived in the San Juan Islands for more than 30 years and is the founding president of the San Juan Islands Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Before becoming postmaster, his role as a part-time flex clerk placed him in every post office in San Juan County.
Profile Image of Nancy Spaulding
Nancy Spaulding View biography
Nancy Spaulding and her husband Lewis have lived on San Juan Island since 1978. The island and their garden have remained major influences in their artistic expression. Nancy approaches landscape from a broad and intimate perspective. She continues to create new works using pure pigment, soft pastel. She enjoys exploring new materials such as mixed media, often in combination with her pastels. Nancy recently showed her art at the National Botanic Garden in Washington as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of U.S. National Parks.
Profile Image of Kathleen Foley Lewis
Kathleen Foley Lewis View biography
Kathleen Foley is the Stewardship Manager of the San Juan Preservation Trust and has been a staff member since 2005. In this role, she oversees the management of 30+ different nature preserves, conducts annual monitoring visits, and coordinates restoration activities and youth education. She is a Washington native with a long history of exploring the San Juan Islands and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. Kathleen lives with her son, Evan, and partner, Bill, near the lovely False Bay on San Juan Island.
Profile Image of Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok View biography
Kelley Balcomb-Bartok spent his early summers in the San Juan Islands immersed in Orca whale culture. As a researcher for the Center for Whale Research, he became intimately familiar with the Southern Resident Orca whale population as they traveled through the inland waters of Washington and British Columbia. Kelley's experiences with whales led him to a career in the media communication field, developing a greater appreciation and understanding of the beauty and diversity of the San Juan Islands and surrounding region along the way.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Aug 11 - Aug 17 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • May 19 - May 25 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jun 02 - Jun 08 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jul 28 - Aug 03 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Aug 11 - Aug 17 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Aug 25 - Aug 31 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 14 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Oct 06 - Oct 12 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Aug 11 - Aug 17 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • May 19 - May 25 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jun 02 - Jun 08 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jun 23 - Jun 29 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jul 28 - Aug 03 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Aug 11 - Aug 17 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Aug 25 - Aug 31 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 14 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Oct 06 - Oct 12 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Seattle
D
Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration & Orientation: After you have your room assignment, head to the conference room at 5:00pm to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where our Orientation session will take place. You’ll receive a welcome packet with up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you will arrive later than 8:00 p.m., please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the Conference Room, we’ll enjoy a catered Northwest-style dinner plus coffee, tea, water.

Evening: Continuing to get acquainted with our fellow Road Scholars, we’ll settle in for a short presentation given by our Group Leader on the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands, during which we’ll learn some of the basics about the archipelago and prepare for what we will see and learn throughout the program. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
2
To Bellingham, South San Juan Islands Cruise
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B,L,D
Friday Harbor Suites

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approx. 100 miles; about 2.5 hours total. Walking approx. 1/2 mile throughout the day. Getting on/off boat, requiring walking up/down stairs and ramps; ride is approximately 5 hours; up to 40 miles depending on currents, sightings, etc.

Breakfast: You'll receive a breakfast voucher. Breakfast is served in the lobby restaurant.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we will board a motor coach for transfer to Bellingham where we will meet our vessel, the Salish Express, a comfortable 100-foot motor vessel with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing areas. During our coach ride to the port of Bellingham, our group leader will give a presentation highlighting contemporary life in the islands, with emphasis on current issues facing the islands. Once onboard the vessel and upon clearing Bellingham Bay, we will work our way south to explore the southern end of the San Juan archipelago and keep our eyes on the sights as we cruise past Burrows Island Lighthouse and other points of interest such as Iceberg Point, Deadman's Island, and Cattle Pass. Our yacht captain and Group Leader will provide informative and entertaining commentary on the area’s history and native species as we progress on our field trip.

Lunch: Aboard the boat, we’ll have a hearty buffet meal, plus salad, bread, and dessert; coffee, tea, water included.

Afternoon: As we navigate Rosario Strait and the southern San Juan Channel in the late afternoon, we will be treated to an early evening wine tasting led by the crew during our cruise to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival in Friday Harbor, we will transfer with our luggage to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel cafe, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal featuring salad, a main entrée, sides, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Cruise around Fidalgo Island, La Conner, Deception Pass
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B,L,D
Friday Harbor Suites

Activity note: Early rise and walk less than 1 mile to the dock. Getting on/off boat; full day field trip. Riding approx. 37 miles total throughout the day; about 6 hours total, with stops. Getting on/off mini-buses; minimal driving. Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; paved, and uneven dirt trails and paths.

Breakfast: Aboard the boat, we will be served a buffet breakfast featuring an egg dish, breakfast meats and breads, jam and honey butter, fresh fruit, and a choice of juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: As we eat, enjoy a presentation from a local expert on our area's resident orca pods. After breakfast, we will be making our way east through the San Juan archipelago to circumnavigate Fidalgo Island. In order to do this, we’ll venture into the narrow Swinomish Channel through the Skagit River Delta farmland area. We’ll dock in the quaint historic artists’ colony of La Conner. Settled in 1867, La Conner is filled with art, history, and scenic beauty. Many of the buildings in the town’s historic downtown corridor are listed on the National Historic Register. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Museum of Northwest Art. If you prefer, you may wish to explore on your own.

Lunch: In the early afternoon, we’ll re-board the Salish Express for lunch aboard and continue our journey. Aboard the boat, we’ll enjoy buffet meal - an old fashioned cracked crab feast, featuring a choice of entrée, sides, bread, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: As lunch is served, we’ll cruise out under LaConner’s iconic “Rainbow Bridge” and out the southern end of the Swinomish Channel for an exciting exploration through Deception Pass. This dramatic saltwater gorge is rich with native and European lore, and known for its extreme tidal currents. The seascape and scenery is stunning as we pass under the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island, making Deception Pass one of the top “must see” locations in Washington State. Upon arrival at the dock, we’ll take the short walk back to the hotel.

Dinner: Served in the hotel cafe. Coffee, tea, and water are provided and other beverages may be purchased.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Cruise to Sucia Island, Short Island Hike
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B,L
Friday Harbor Suites

Activity note: Early rise and walk less than 1 mile to the dock. Getting on/off boat; ride is approx. 35 miles roundtrip; about 3 hours each way. Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; gravel and uneven dirt trail with exposed rock and tree roots.

Breakfast: A breakfast featuring hot and cold choices and beverages will be served in the hotel cafe.

Morning: After breakfast, we'll walk down to the dock to board our second sailing vessel, the Salish Sea vessel. Once aboard, making our way toward the top of the San Juan archipelago aboard the boat, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for orca whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, Dall's porpoise, minke whales, sea birds and other magnificent wildlife. Catching a glimpse of these animals in their natural environment is always a treat to behold! On our way up north to the unique, horseshoe shaped destination called Sucia Island State Park, we’ll continue soaking in the informational narratives of our captain focused on the islands, their history, and marine life. We’ll then have an opportunity to stretch our legs by taking a short hike with our Group Leader through the forest and along the coast while enjoying some of the most stunning shorelines and views that the Northwest has to offer. During our exquisite private island adventure, we’ll take in the untamed flora and fauna while keeping our eyes peeled because we may just happen upon some marine fossils on the beaches of Fossil Bay on the Southeast arm of the island. After returning to the boat, we’ll transfer back to San Juan Island.

Lunch: Aboard the boat on our return trip back to San Juan Island, we will be treated to a freshly prepared buffet lunch with various dishes, plus dessert, sparkling wine or non-alcoholic cider, water.

Afternoon: On our final leg of the voyage traveling through channels and past islands not yet explored, we’ll return to the hotel.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
San Juan Island Creativity & Art, Island Parks by Land
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B,L,D
Friday Harbor Suites

Activity note: Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; sidewalks, paved walkways, uneven pathways, dirt trails with exposed rocks and tree roots. Getting on/off mini-buses; driving approx. 55 miles total; 5 segments of about 1/2 hour each.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Joined by a local artist, we’ll enjoy a presentation showcasing the creative and artistic spirits that are abundant in the archipelago. Following our presentation, we will split into two groups and each will set out for a walking field trip to either the San Juan Island Historical Museum or the Whale Museum. A docent will lead an exploration showcasing the exhibits at each. Tomorrow, these activities will be repeated and the groups swapped so everyone will have a chance to do both. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: Served in the hotel cafe.

Afternoon: Then, we’ll set out via mini-buses for a field trip with our Group Leader around the south end of San Juan Island to American Camp National Park where we will stop at the Visitor’s Center for an overview of the Pig War, during which both American and British troops occupied the island. Afterwards, we’ll walk to the redoubt area and view the remaining American Camp structures. Our field trip will continue with our Group Leader at Limekiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to view whales from land, and home to Orca research outpost and lighthouse. Keeping an eye out for the whales as they search for their main food source, salmon, we’ll make our way with our Group Leader to the lighthouse research center to see the studies being done on orcas. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Dinner: Served in the hotel cafe.

Evening: After dinner, an expert historian will join us for a presentation on some dynamic pioneers of the region. We will learn about and discuss three influential women as we review their voyages and reflections on life in the Gulf and San Juan Islands.

DAY
6
Island Preservation, Whale Museum, Free Time
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B,L,D
Friday Harbor Suites

Activity note: Walking approx. 1 mile total during group activities; more dependent on personal preference; some sidewalks and paved walkways.

Breakfast: Served in the hotel cafe.

Morning: We’ll gather in the hotel conference room for a presentation by a local expert from San Juan Island Preservation Trust Stewardship, which will highlight the island's most precious resource: undeveloped land! Swapping activities from yesterday, we will then split into two groups and set out for walking field trips to either the San Juan Island Historical Museum or the Whale Museum. A docent will lead an exploration showcasing the exhibits at each.

Lunch: Served in the hotel cafe.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Some excursions may require a reservation in advance. Please plan accordingly.

Dinner: At the hotel cafe, we’ll enjoy a tasty farewell dinner, including coffee, tea, water. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: In the conference room, we'll gather for a quick wrap-up and review of the program, including a review of the departure details. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
7
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 7:15 a.m. Ferry transfer to Anacortes, WA, is approx. 20 miles; about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 100 miles from Anacortes to Seattle; about 2.5 hours. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel will be at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively. Scheduling outbound flights after 2:30 p.m. is advised.

Breakfast: Early breakfast will be served in the hotel cafe.

Morning: Once checked-out of the hotel, we’ll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, via the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking in Anacortes, we’ll transfer to a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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