Why the San Juans?
Set your mind to island time without leaving the mainland states.
The islands are wonderous with unique sites you would miss anywhere else. If you rent a boat go to June Island, where you will find tiny deer that get all of their liquids from plants (they especially love canteloupe). If you want a guided tour, you can get on a boat to see orcas, or ride across the islands to learn its history.
There is no shortage of activities for the whole family. For history buffs there are museums. For exploreres there are tours and hikes. For life-long learners there are aquariums, more museums, and camps. For the foodies in your life there is fabulous food wherever you go.
Activities
My highest recommended activities
Whale Watching
Book a tour to get on a boat and search with an experience team to find the native Orca pods.
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Visit San Juans - Whale WatchingWhy I recommend it
These pods are native to the San Juan Islands, and there are no words to describe the awe you feel when you see an orca breach the water or jump for joy. These magnificent creatures bring you to the present moment every time.
Kayak Tour
Get active and up close with nature by hopping in a kayak and going form island to island.
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Visit San Juans - KayakingWhy I recommend it
On a motorized boat it is easy to miss the creatures that hide from the noise. On a kayak, you can be quiet enough to see a bear coming to the water or a falcon taking flight to catch a fish.
Boating
Explore more on your own by renting a boat! Check out islands you can't get to otherwise.
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Visit San Juans - BoatingWhy I recommend it
Tours are all well and good, but exploring on your own allows you to find places unplanned that you might otherwise have missed. Sleep on a boat under the stars. Feed canteloupe to tiny deer. You never know what you might find.
Videos
A glimpse of your next adventure
Please note that I do not own these videos and am sharing other people's experiences.