Wild Coastlines, Whales, and Pristine Wilderness aboard the Catalyst
Exploring the San Juan Islands
Overview
The coastlines of Washington and the San Juan Islands are a charming world apart filled with fascinating wildlife. Explore the best of this pristine realm aboard a small "gentleman's yacht" that carries just 8 or 12 passengers. On a six-day cruise, sail from Bellingham, crossing the San Juan channel to explore some of the 130 small islands that dot the area. Kayak alongside rocky cliffs and to small islands, walk along mossy beaches, and hike through old-growth forests to mountain peaks with incredible views of the San Juan archipelago. Traveling by small boat is the perfect way to navigate into hidden bays where large boats can't go, and you'll savor fantastic sea-to-table cuisine from the on-board chef. There is nothing quite like watching for whales, orcas, dolphins, and eagles from the deck of this historic vessel. Join us!
Arrive: Bellingham, Washington
Depart: Bellingham, Washington
Highlights
- Watch for whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and seabirds
- Kayak, paddle board, and explore by skiff in island channels formed by glaciers
- Hike in old-growth forests, relax aboard a "gentleman's yacht"
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
From Bellingham, board the ship and head south to Cypress Island for a picturesque hike through old-growth forests. Morning kayaking expeditions allow you to search for whales, orcas, and dolphins at water-level as eagles fly overhead.
Lopez Island is home to San Juan's oldest vineyard and beautiful orchards. Sample some of its award-winning organic wine as well as cider at a cidery. Walk through pear orchards and ornamental gardens at the historic British army camp at Garrison Bay.
Visit Speiden Island, with its large population of mouflon sheep, fallow deer, and sika deer that were once brought over for trophy hunters. A hike to Turn Point Lighthouse leads to the most northwesterly place in the continental US, and you'll enjoy a final kayak excursion at Echo Bay near Sucia Island, the gem of northern San Juan Islands. Depart on Day 6.
The captain and naturalist guide may make adjustments to the itinerary, including anchorages and hiking routes, depending on tides, local weather, and trail conditions.
Please note that while most guests on board are guests of Wilderness Travel, this is not an exclusive Wilderness Travel trip. In addition to Wilderness Travel guests, you may be joined onboard by others who booked directly with the Captain. We have worked with the owners and crew of the Pacific Catalyst for many years and the quality and style of this trip is an excellent fit for our travelers and we are sure you will have compatible shipmates and a wonderful experience.
Please note that while most guests on board are guests of Wilderness Travel, this is not an exclusive Wilderness Travel trip. In addition to Wilderness Travel guests, you may be joined onboard by others who booked directly with the Captain. We have worked with the owners and crew of the Pacific Catalyst for many years and the quality and style of this trip is an excellent fit for our travelers and we are sure you will have compatible shipmates and a wonderful experience.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is Level 1+, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You'll explore remote coastlines and island by day, then enjoy the comfort of the ship in the evening for good food, fine company, and a comfortable cabin. With just a few hours of cruising each day, there is plenty of time for walking, wildlife watching, or sea kayaking all in the company of an on-board naturalist who shares insights into the local botany, natural history, and native culture. The three hikes average 3-5 miles each, round trip.
No previous kayaking experience is required. Unlike whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking skills can be learned quickly and easily. The waters kayaked in are protected from the open ocean and are generally calm. It is not the intention to kayak on stormy days or when sea conditions are truly "rough" with high winds and waves (such occasions are infrequent in these waters during the summer). Nevertheless, unpredictability is the rule for the weather in this region, and good kayaking weather throughout cannot be guaranteed. And with such a comfortable "mother ship," you can always opt out of any kayaking or hiking to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and the great views from on board.
Be prepared for temperatures ranging from the 50sF to 70sF. The San Juan Islands have a marine climate, which means rain is to be expected at some point on every trip. The rain itself is often a gentle mist, casting an aura of magic and mystery over the land. We hope for sunshine most of the time, but recommend that you plan for wet, cool weather just in case. You will be comfortable as long as your rain gear is adequate!
You should be ready for a variety of weather conditions. Layered clothing works best in the changing weather conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Layers are easier to pack and more versatile than a single heavy coat. Don't bring down jackets or ski clothes (they don't dry well in the damp climate). Good rain gear is essential; it will enable you to remain comfortable in the wind or rain. Bring your high rubber boots (or use the ones provided on board) for wading and for use in the kayaks and small boats (you will wear these everywhere you go).
Meals onboard are elegant, locally sourced, and artfully presented. Fresh ingredients come from local providers whenever possible, including organic farmers, and fish is bought directly from local fishers. Complimentary beer and wine is offered on board. You are welcome to bring any special wines, liquors, and mixers you enjoy. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are always available.
Client Testimonials
"This trip was joy-filled, fellow passengers, crew, food, accommodations, scenery; my heart was filled with happiness throughout the entire trip!"
Donna J.
Camarillo, CA
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.