Chosen as the 'Best Tourist Activity' in a Citizens'
Poll.
Our 2008 season starts on Saturday, May 31!
Acutal photo taken from bow of the Island Caper
The object of our Whale watch cruise is, of course, to find the magnificent
Orca whales. We may also see gray or minke whales, little known relatives of the great blue whale.
On our 70-90 mile cruise, you will experience a seven hour long narrated
scenic tour by our excellent qualified naturalists. There are always
at least 2 on board. The San Juan Islands are home to extensive bird
species like the Tufted Puffin, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle, as
well as Harbor Seals, Porpoises, Sea Lions, Minke & Gray Whales.
Our naturalists will take you back to the history of the area, guide
you through the geology of the Islands, point out significant landmarks
(Light Houses, etc.) and our specialty; bring you closer to the Orca
or Killer Whales. The experience of seeing the whales in their natural
setting is extraordinary, and at times they breach so close to our boat
that our passengers get splashed! Over 80 resident Orca whales make
up "J", "K" & "L" pods, who call these
waters home.
3 Orcas porpoising - photo taken from the Island Caper
Orca breaching - photo taken from the Island
Caper
Our trips continue to be an overwhelming favorite with our passengers.
Surveys show that our #1 source of customers are repeat customers. Our
#2 source is word of mouth. Clearly, we're doing something right because
our customers are going home happy, and they continue to come back again
and again. Most years, people from all 50 states and over 30 countries
enjoy our cruises.
Call or e-mail for available dates:
(360) 734-8866 in Whatcom County
(877) 734-8866 Toll Free
Schedule and Costs for the 2008 Season
Our Whale Watch Cruises are offered from May 31 through mid-September.
Cruises depart at 10:00 AM and return around 4:00 PM.
The cost is $75 per person. Sales tax is extra. Children 4 and under are free. There is no fuel surcharge!!
Parking is free!
You may bring your own lunch or purchase one at the snack bar on board. A microwave is available for your use. Coffee and tea are free! We also supply binoculars for your viewing pleasure.
1. Do you guarantee whale sightings?
YES, Island Mariner Cruises guarantee ORCA whale sightings or you can come again free until you do.
2. Does your boat have food service, heated cabins and a restroom?
YES, Island Mariner Cruises has food service, heated cabins, one with davenports, coffee tables and armchairs and the other with seating and tables, plus two restrooms on the main deck. We are also wheelchair accessible.
3. Does your vessel have enough rail space for all guests at once?
YES, The Island Caper has 350 feet of rail space and seldom carries more than 100 passengers. That leaves 3 1/2 feet per person.
4. Where are you located?
At the downtown marina in Bellingham, Washington. Stay on Interstate 5 until you are within 2 miles of our dock. Then you take a 4 lane truck route to the waterfront. There are no two lane roads, no towns to go through, and very little traffic.
5. Are there places to stay nearby?
There are 1500 rooms and 200 restaurants, plus the largest mall north of Seattle within a 3 mile radius of our dock.
6. How much does it cost?
Cost is $75.00 per person. There are no fuel surcharges and no dock or ramp boarding fees. Children 4 and under are free.
7. Is parking available?
Parking for autos and buses is free and is located within 150 feet of our dock. There is a loading and unloading zone within 40 feet of the boat.
8. When should we arrive? When will we return?
We would like you to check in around 9:30 am. We leave at 10 am, returning around 4 pm. (Occasionally, if the whales are putting on a good show, we may be a little late returning.)
9. How long have you been in the Whale Watching business?
Island Mariner Cruises started watching whales 44 years ago and started running scheduled whale watching trips 24 years ago.
10. Do you post your Orca whale sightings record from past years online?
Yes, since 2006. In addition, we are delighted to give you our latest sighting information here, or you may want to check out the orcanetwork to learn and see the latest Puget Sound whale info.
11. Do you have binoculars, a research quality hydrophone, and take home route maps?
We have binoculars available on board for customer use (free!). We have the best hydrophone we could buy and it is broadcast over 32 speakers. We have home route CHARTS (not maps) for a $5.00 fee. At days end, your route will be marked with where you saw wildlife. This is a quality chart meant for mounting if you wish.
12. Do you have more than one naturalist on board?
We always have at least 2 (and often more) naturalists on board. They have many years of experience and we feel they are the finest naturalists available.
13. Does your company give back to the community and environment?
YES - We give and donate to many causes, educational groups, school groups,
museums, church groups, etc... We are currently using bio-diesel fuel, and we are extremely careful to follow the guidelines and rules that are meant to keep our magnificent Orca whales as stress-free as possible.
14. Why should I choose Island Mariner Cruises for my Whale Watching tour?
Because we know you will love our delightful relaxed cruise through the beautiful San Juan Islands and thrill to the exciting Orcas and other mammals and wildlife. Read the testimonials
Sound Watch recognition for a perfect year in 2007!
Sound Watch is the patrolling and educational division of the San Juan Whale Museum. They are out on the waters of the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands, every day. Their primary goal is to educate all boaters in the State and Federal guidelines for safe viewing of wildlife. As for whales, there are rules pertaining distance, direction, speed, closeness to shore, blocking their path, etc. As for other wildlife such as Seal haul outs or bird sanctuaries, again there are rules pertaining to distance and speed. At times it is hard to comply because of tides, currents, wind and other boats in the area. We try very hard to be responsible and obey all the regulations. We thank Sound Watch for all the days they spend out on the water making sure these wonderful creatures of nature are looked after. We are proud that in the season of 2007 we were not observed making any mistakes. A PERFECT YEAR FOR US: few can say that.
The calm protected waters around the San Juan Islands offer excellent
boating throughout the year and the Island Caper
has plenty of indoor seating with air-conditioning and heating. However,
the wise boater is always prepared. Wear sensible, non-slip shoes. Bring
a sweater or wind breaker, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and suntan lotion
(sun block).
DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA AND BINOCULARS!
Reservations
Reservations are recommended for our whale watching excursions.
We suggest 2 weeks ahead of time. However, you can often just walk on.
To reserve please call us at:
(360) 734-8866
or
Toll-Free: 1-877-734-8866
Island Mariner Cruises 2621 South Harbor Loop
Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 734-8866 (Bellingham/Whatcom County) (877) 734-8866 (Toll Free Outside Whatcom County) (360) 734-8867 (Fax)
Island Mariner Cruises