Family-owned Deer Harbor Charters has been sharing the magic of the Salish Sea since 1988. Their fast, spotless vessels carry small groups led by friendly naturalists who know each inlet and tide. Complimentary binoculars, blanket...
Family-owned Deer Harbor Charters has been sharing the magic of the Salish Sea since 1988. Their fast, spotless vessels carry small groups led by friendly naturalists who know each inlet and tide. Complimentary binoculars, blanket...
Travelers consistently rave about the knowledgeable and entertaining naturalist guides like Trey, Natalie, and Trae, who bring genuine passion to every tour. The crews excel at tracking down orcas through their network of other boaters, and many guests spot whales within minutes of departure. What really sets these tours apart is the small boat size, which means everyone gets a front-row view without fighting for position, plus the naturalists capture professional photos with zoom lenses that guests can download for free afterward. The captains, including Nate and Robbie, work seamlessly with their naturalists to create experiences that feel well-choreographed yet authentic. Beyond whales, you're likely to encounter sea otters, bald eagles, harbor seals, and other wildlife while learning fascinating details about the ecosystem. The crew shows genuine care for accommodating all guests, including those with limited mobility, and they're flexible about rescheduling if weather threatens to impact the experience. People call this one of the best activities on Orcas Island, and the 5-star ratings reflect tours that consistently deliver memorable wildlife encounters combined with engaging, often humorous commentary.
Personable & Knowledgeable Naturalist Trey and the skipper, Robbie, of Palagic II were very good at finding and describing sea life and a couple of pods of Orcas. We saw a Stellar Sea Lion on the move, Otis, a favorite Sea Otter resting in a kelp bed, a pair of Bald Eagles at their huge nest along side a beach full of resting Harbor Seals before boating by a porpoise and then finding the first pod of Orcas. The next pod joined the first just before we left the area. The experience was the highlight of our trip this year to Orcas Island. We will treasure the memory of this excursion for years & hopefully be able to repeat it again on a future trip to the islands.
Andy Spicer
October 4, 2025
Personable & Knowledgeable Naturalist Trey and the skipper, Robbie, of Palagic II were very good at finding and describing sea life and a couple of pods of Orcas. We saw a Stellar Sea Lion on the move, Otis, a favorite Sea Otter resting in a kelp bed, a pair of Bald Eagles at their huge nest along side a beach full of resting Harbor Seals before boating by a porpoise and then finding the first pod of Orcas. The next pod joined the first just before we left the area. The experience was the highlight of our trip this year to Orcas Island. We will treasure the memory of this excursion for years & hopefully be able to repeat it again on a future trip to the islands.
Andy Spicer
October 4, 2025