07/03/2012: "Land Based Wildlife Tours: Watch Orcas From Shore"

Join The Whale Museum for a Land Based Wildlife Tour of San Juan Island. The three-hour trips begin at The Whale Museum where a trained and certified naturalist will escort you via shuttle to the west side of San Juan Island.

You will have the opportunity to see killer whales, if present, and learn the benefits of watching wildlife from shore.

During the tour, you will learn about the biology, social structure, culture, endangered status, and threats of the Southern Resident killer whales.

Other wildlife you may see includes porpoises (Dall’s and Harbor), seals, sea lions, humpback whales, minke whales, bald eagles, and various species of seabirds. Stops along the Land-Based Tour may include Lime Kiln Point State Park, historic American Camp, and Cattle Point to explore the world of intertidal invertebrates, tides permitting.

Reservations are required as seating is limited. Participants should bring cameras, binoculars, and a water bottle, wear sturdy shoes for hiking, and bring a light jacket. Snacks are included. Thanks to generous underwriting from NOAA, the land-based tours are free to the public but must be scheduled in advance. Tours run on Fridays July 6, 20, 27 and August 10, 24, and 31 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Please contact The Whale Museum at 360 378-4710 ext. 23 or stop in to register. For a copy of the brochure or for more information, visit the store or our website: www.whalemuseum.org.