Everyone has their travel fantasy. Some want to climb the highest peak, others to sip fine wine in an Italian villa.
Then there are those who want to see their favorite fauna in the wild. Well, if you’ve ever wanted to see an
Orca, you’re best bet is to paddle the San Juan Islands in Washington State.
Three large pods (whales, you know, travel in pods, as opposed to lions which travel in prides, and lawyers who travel
in cheats), um, three large pods ply the channel here, in a wilderness filled with an assortment of wildlife that will
make you proud to be an American.
The best time to head to the San Juans is right now, when the weather is good. You can paddle around
the San Juans on your own. Rent a kayak at an outfitter like
San Juan Safaris, and bring a map. Or you can go with an
outfitter like Sea Quest Expeditions or
San Juan Kayak Expeditions, and friendly guides will point out local flora
and fauna and tell you a bit of the history of the place.