Embark on an incredible 6-da small ship cruise across the San Juan archipelago. Discover the wonders of the Salish Sea while making your way from Seattle to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and back! Transit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and cruise Lakes Union and Washington. Enjoy unique birding opportunities and see eagles, seabirds, and migrating flocks. Join the educational presentations by your expert expedition team.
Highlights
Explore the Salish Sea’s San Juan archipelago
Hike across incredible rainforest, old-growth forest, and state parks
Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in island channels formed by glaciers
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
In a region renowned as a boaters’ paradise, your discovery begins from Fishermen’s Terminal. Set sail via the ship canal to Lakes Union and Washington—their glacially-formed basins dug more than 12,000 years ago. After dinner, a sunset cruise through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and into Elliott Bay sets you right for the night. Seattle was founded along these shores and you don’t want to miss the skyline!
Mudflats, watersheds, and a microclimate feed the riches of the South Sound. Explore the intertidal zone by kicking in the mud with your guides looking for anemone and hermit crabs. Kayaking, hiking, and skiff rides are on tap, too—in one of the regions many state parks. At about 100 miles long, Puget Sound offers ample opportunity for observing the serpentined shore as you cruise through Tacoma Narrows and past Point Defiance, Vashon Island, and Bremerton. Cap off your first full day of play watching for Dall’s Porpoise, with a front-row view from the bow.
Wake up surrounded by the wilds of the Salish Sea, a humbling 360 degrees of wilderness. It’s the captain’s choice where you’ll land today, but rest assured, you’ll be away from the crowds. There are unending options for investigating this sea-salty playground. If you’re kayaking, keep your eyes peeled above and below the surface. Rocky outcroppings play host to harbor seals—and it’s also orca territory. Ashore, it’s one boot in front of the other, hike through the forest or “take the high road” to ridges overlooking the archipelago. Join your expedition team on deck to search for whales, seals, sea lions, and bird rookeries as you cruise through the myriad San Juans—no two islands are the same
A guided kayak reveals local inhabitants—sea stars, anemones, jellyfish, perhaps even inquisitive harbor seals. Walk along a curiosity-rich intertidal zone or stretch your legs on a mossy hike. And tides and current permitting, perhaps even sail through the swirling waters of Deception Pass. Later in the day, keep watch for marine mammals as you venture into the open waters where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Puget Sound. Drop anchor for the evening in a tucked away cove.
The treats keep coming! With no paved roads or even ferry access, enjoy your day on picturesque Sucia Island—a total year-round population of four—a Washington State Marine Park filled with hidden coves and bays. You feel a million miles away from it all, exploring the intertidal zone, hiking across the island, and kayaking in a protected bay. It’s all up for grabs. Top off your adventure with a celebratory Farewell Dinner and a special presentation from your expedition team.
Day 6: Seattle | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning, cruise through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and tie up back in Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal. After breakfast, the captain and crew bid you a fond farewell. Safe travels to all!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Navigator
Cabins 103, 104, 319, 320 (double bed),
View window, private bath with shower. 103 and 104 may be sold as single occupancy. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Cabins 212, 214 (queen)
211, 213 (queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
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Admiral
Cabins 101, 102 (queen)
201 (twins), 202, 309, 310
(queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
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Jr Commodore
Cabins 301 and 302 (queen bed)
View windows, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
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Commodore Suite
King bed.
Two-room suite with view windows, private bath with tub. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Any stateroom (except designated single) may be sold as a single for 175% of the double occupancy rate. Triple and quad rooming arrangements are available, please contact us for rates.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 144 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 144 reviews on
5 hours ago
We have used Adventure Life Travel before and we where impressed with the outcome of their handling of our travel arrangements. So we are using them again on this vacation. Tilly has been very helpful and we put our complete confidence in her! We feel very comfortable using Adventure Life.
Jerry Hatley
7 hours ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 day ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
3 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
3 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.