The San Juan Clipper engines fire up, coming to life with a reverberating roar. The mooring lines are cast off and land with a soft thud against the deck as the vessel slowly eases out of downtown Seattle’s Pier 69. Clipper’s trusty captain of more than 20 years, Captain Jason Mihok, leans out the wheelhouse window to ensure all is clear as the vessel backs up into Puget Sound.
As the vessel navigates out into the protected waters of Elliot Bay, you scan the horizon. To the south lie the towering, orange, Port of Seattle cranes. A little further north are the domed stadiums that are home to the Seattle Seahawks’ and Mariners’ teams. Adjacent to the stadiums, the downtown skyline, windows of the buildings glinting in the early morning sunlight. Finally, the iconic Seattle Space Needle appears, standing head and shoulders above the surrounding environs.
The San Juan Clipper picks up speed as you embark on your journey to the emerald gems that make up the San Juan archipelago to seek out the world-renowned orcas. You settle in, relax and tune into the mysteries of this unexplored paradise located right in Seattle’s backyard. The marvelous scenery continues along the shoreline, passing a forest of masts at Shilshole Marina, the sandy beaches of Golden Gardens and the quaint town of Edmonds, with ferries crisscrossing the waters to Kingston.
As you continue along the eastern coast of Whidbey Island, snow-capped mountains loom in the distance on either side with the Cascade Range on the right and the Olympic Range on the left. Huge freighters whiz by from around the world as you clip along at 25 knots in your striking, sleek, high-speed catamaran.
In a short time, you’ve entered into a completely different landscape. “Ooohs” and “ahhhs” fill the air as well as phrases such as “stunning,” “mesmerizing” and “spectacular.” Words you’ll hear repeated throughout the day from locals and visitors alike as the scenery transitions from the steel, glass, brick and pavement of the city to the lush, green pristine forests and craggy coastline.
A voyage highlight is entering the waters of the narrow, swift-running Deception Pass. Perched upon steep, jagged cliffs, the impressive Deception Pass Bridge towers above the churning, dramatic waters. The historic bridge straddles Whidbey, Fidalgo and Pass Islands, connecting them to the mainland.
Spanning 1,487 feet, Deception Pass was created in less than one year in 1923 for a mere $482,000, an amount that doesn’t even cover the bridge’s paint job today. As you glide under the girders of the bridge, harbor seals are often spotted lounging on the rocky shoreline. Beautiful bald eagles circle overheard, cormorants and puffins bob in the waves and terns and sandpipers chase each other up and down the pebbled beach.
Your journey continues on to the Rosario Strait. A major shipping channel, it is often filled with massive oil tankers as they pass through to their final destination. Entering the San Juan archipelago, you wind through the serene channels and gorgeous islands, keeping an eye out for glimpses of wildlife. Porpoise race along the bow of boat, splashing in the surf as they play. Blacktail deer roam through the grassy meadows spotted on shore.
As you cruise past the tip of San Juan Island, Cattle Point Lighthouse appears, perched atop the sand dunes on the island’s south shore. The prominent and famous landmark welcomes you as you transit across the open water of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Follow the grassy, windswept coast of the upper San Juan Island to the west side. This area boasts tall, peeling madronas, rocky bluffs, spectacular views of the sapphire waters of the Haro Strait, the Olympic Peninsula and distant Canadian Islands. This site is home to Lime Kiln Lighthouse and Whale Watch Park, an amazing location catch sight of magnificent orcas, minke whales and porpoises.
Sail into the bustling port of Friday Harbor, joining an array of crabbing and fishing vessels, sailboats, powerboats, float planes and ferries. If you like boats, it is an excellent opportunity to snap some photos. Captain Mihok expertly maneuvers the boat into its slip while the crew lowers the dock bumpers and casts the lines to be tightly wrapped around the dock’s cleats.
Excitement mounts as you wait to venture back into the orcas’ playground. You come outside and lean against the railing, straining to see the telltale signs of the orcas in the water. You hold your breath, hoping you will make the first sighting.
Clipper Recommends:
• Leave the city behind and soak in the breathtaking scenery of Puget Sound on a cruise from Seattle to the San Juan Islands.
• Be sure to rent a pair of binoculars so you don’t miss out on sighting majestic whales and other marine life during your journey.
[…] and their inhabitants. The series will give you an inside look at every step of the voyage. From the journey across the Salish Sea, to an up close and personal look at the real locals of the San Juans, to countless opportunities […]
[…] you’ve made the journey from Seattle to the San Juans, with a quick stop in Friday Harbor, you’ll be underway, embarking on a two-hour voyage deep […]
[…] and their inhabitants. The series will give you an inside look at every step of the voyage. From the journey across the Salish Sea, to an up close and personal look at the real locals of the San Juans, to countless opportunities […]