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Point Wilston Lighthouse, Port Townsend

Explore Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Wilderness Discoverer
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Explore the Olympic wilderness and the San Juan Islands on this 8-day small ship expedition exploring coastal Washington. Highlights of your voyage include floating the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks; cruising Seattle's picturesque waterfront; kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff exploration in glacial fjords and the San Juan archipelago; and hiking in the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Constitution, and Washington State Parks. Look forward to unhurried time for watching gray whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, and sea birds while your ship explores scenic winding channels, temperate rain forest, and old growth forest. Uncover native cultures of the Pacific Northwest, spend time on your own exploring quaint Friday Harbor, and enjoy hand-crafted cuisine including an oyster and clam tasting hosted by local growers.
The stunning coastline of WashingtonA pair of spyhopping orcasColorful kayaks line the docks of coastal WashingtonFamily paddle boarding.Point Wilston Lighthouse, Port Townsend
Highlights
  • Hike in the Olympics as you look for bald eagles
  • Kayak, paddle board, and investigate bird rookeries on the emerald waters
  • Land in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea and watch for orcas
  • Discover the hidden coves and bays of the Washington State Marine Park
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Seattle, Washington | Embark

Seattle was founded along the shores of Elliott Bay. Today, set sail from Fishermen's Terminal, transit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and cruise the city’s picturesque waterfront before dropping anchor in a tucked away bay to begin your Pacific Northwest cruise.

Day 2: Salish Sea | Deception Pass

Wake up surrounded by the wilderness of the Salish Sea. Today, there will be many opportunities to investigate this sea-salty playground of islands. A guided kayak reveals local inhabitants—sea stars, anemones, jelly fish, 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, sail through swirling waters of Deception Pass. Cap off your first day of adventure with a front-row view of the sunset from the bow.

Day 3: Lopez Island | San Juan Island

You’ve landed in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea. The rocky outcroppings of Lopez Island play host to harbor seals—and it’s also orca territory. When kayaking, keep your eyes peeled above and below the surface. Join your expedition team on deck searching for whales, seals, and sea lions as you cruise through the myriad San Juans—no two islands are the same. Drop anchor near San Juan Island—the second largest landmass in the archipelago—to explore tide pools and skiff or kayak into hidden coves, as conditions permit.

Day 4: Orcas Island

Your Captain navigates through the islands to your basecamp at Orcas Island—for a day of play where the options are unending. A local favorite, hike Mt. Constitution—it’s the highest peak in the San Juan Islands and has a stunning view of the archipelago. If you’re interested in skiff exploration or more paddling, the kayaks and paddle boards are up for grabs.

Day 5: Sucia Island

The treats keep a-coming! Enjoy your day anchored at picturesque Sucia Island—total year-round population of four—a Washington State Marine Park filled with hidden coves and bays. Explore the intertidal zone with your guides, hike across the island, and kayak in a protected bay. Weather permitting; there’ll even be a barbeque ashore.

Day 6: Captain’s Choice

Make it an ideal morn by kicking it off with an early soak in the on-deck hot tub, a paddle along the shores of the Olympic Peninsula, or both! Your Captain sets the course today for explorations in the rain shadow of the Salish Sea. You may find yourself hiking deep into the mossy, towering old growth of the Olympic Peninsula or beachcombing for anemone and hermit crabs along the shores of Puget Sound. Or perhaps, a chance to kayak and paddle board, investigate bird rookeries, or search for whales in the Sea’s rich emerald waters.

Day 7: Olympic National Park

Wake up in one of the quietest reaches of Puget Sound—Hood Canal, a glacial fjord separating the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. You’ll be hiking in the Olympic Mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded by rainforest, old growth forest, and small quaint towns. Keep watch for resident bald eagles. And, enjoy the bounty of the sea—a tasting of locally-grown oysters and clams. This evening, wrap it up with a Farewell Dinner and slide show highlighting your week’s adventures.

Day 8: Seattle | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, say goodbye to your newfound friends and disembark the ship back at Fishermen’s Terminal. Transfer directly to the Seattle airport or to your Un-Cruise overnight hotel stay.

Ship/Hotel

Wilderness Discoverer

Wilderness Discoverer
Wilderness Discoverer in the San Juans PNW
Wilderness Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Pacific Northwest of the US Cruises & Tours.
Wilderness Discoverer's Navigator Cabin.
Navigator
Main Deck, cabins 201, 204-208 and 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Interior Cabin
Trailblazer
Observation Deck, cabins 310-325. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Pathfinder Cabin.
Pathfinder
Observation Deck, cabins 300-309. Outside entry, queen bed, sitting area, private bath with shower and view window.
Wilderness Discoverer's Explorer Double Cabin.
Admiral
Sun Deck, cabins 400-403. Separate sitting area, queen or twin beds, private bath with shower, large picture window with sofa bed/triple.

Notes

Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Wellness amenities 
  • From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
     
  • Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
  • Entry fees to national parks/preserves
  • Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
  • Exclusive activities and shore visits
  • Onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Port taxes/fees
  • Optional excursions and land tours
  • Onboard wifi

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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