Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands

Description

A wild world of natural wonder. Explore islands, hike in rainforests and up mountains, paddle in Puget Sound waterways and the San Juan Islands, and watch for birds, orca, and other marine life.

From the winding channels of the San Juan Islands to the inlets of coastal Washington, meanderings in the Pacific Northwest put you in unique corners of this world. Out here, a hike for every level means just that. Casual beachcombers can poke around tide pools. Or, if a rigorous hike is more your style, the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park calls. Listen and find your place.

Trip Name

Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 36 m Passenger Capacity: 22 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2006 Unwind into adventure aboard our 22-guest boutique yacht. Four decks offer invigorating spaces to get away from it all and take in up-close views of surrounding wilderness. Recap the day's activities, relax, or watch a movie on the wide screen TV in the comfortable and sophisticated salon. The yacht also features a fully stocked bar and a library with large view windows for reading or discussing marine life with fellow guests. Ready for adventure, the Safari Quest is equipped with kayaks, paddle boards, skiffs, and hiking poles, includes a full-beam swim step for easy access to water activities, and hydrophones for listening to below-surface sounds. The onboard wellness program includes a hot tub and fitness equipment in the sun lounge. There are four cabin categories aboard the Safari Quest: Single; Mariner; Commander; and Captains. Captains are suited for single and double accommodation. Common to all cabins are: Heated tile floors in bathroom; air conditioning; private bath with shower; Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses; flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 Seattle, Washington – Embarkation

Seattle was founded along the shores of Elliott Bay. Today, set sail via either the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks orpicturesque Shilshole Bay and cruise along the city’s shoreline before dropping anchor in a tucked away cove. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2 Salish Sea / Deception Pass

Wake up surrounded by the wilderness of the Salish Sea. Today, there are many opportunities to investigate this sea-saltyplayground of islands. A guided kayak reveals local inhabitants—sea stars, anemones, jelly fish, perhaps even inquisitiveharbor seals. Walk along a curiosity-rich intertidal zone or stretch your legs on a mossy hike. And tides and currentpermitting, sail through swirling waters of Deception Pass. Cap off your first day of adventure with a front-row view of thesunset from the bow. (BLD)

Day 3 - DAY 3 Lopez Island

You’ve landed in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea. The rocky outcroppings of Lopez Island play host to harborseals—and it’s also orca territory. When kayaking, keep your eyes peeled above and below the surface. Go on an intertidalnature walk, hike through the forest to hidden lakes, or “take the high road” on trails that lead to ridges overlooking theIslands. Join your expedition team on deck searching for whales, seals, and sea lions as you cruise through the myriad SanJuans—no two islands are the same. (BLD)

Day 4 - DAY 4 Orcas Island

Your Captain navigates through the islands to your basecamp at Orcas Island for a day of play where the options areunending. A local favorite, hike Mt. Constitution—it’s the highest peak in the San Juan Islands (2,409 feet high) and hasa mind-blowing view of the archipelago. If you’re interested in skiff exploration or more paddling, the kayaks and paddleboards are up for grabs. You might also visit the charming community of Eastsound—it’s nestled above Fishing Bay andbeen around since the late-1880s. (BLD)

Day 5 - DAY 5 Sucia Island

The treats keep coming! With no paved roads or even ferry access, enjoy your day on picturesque Sucia Island—totalyear-round population of four—a Washington State Marine Park filled with hidden coves and bays. You feel a millionmiles away from it all, exploring the intertidal zone with your guides, hiking across the island, and kayaking in aprotected bay. Weather permitting; there’s even a barbeque ashore. (BLD)

Day 6 - 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 theOlympic 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 beachcombingfor 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. (BLD)

Day 7 - DAY 7 Olympic National Park

Hike (or snowshoe if the snow is still there!) in Olympic National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded byrainforest, old growth forest, and top of the world 360 degree views. Your trek at Hurricane Ridge takes you across fieldsof sub-alpine flowers in warmer weather and snow-covered hills in the colder months. On a clear day, you can see Canadaacross to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This evening, wrap it up with a Farewell Dinner and slide show highlighting your week’sadventures. (BLD)

Day 8 - DAY 8 Seattle – Disembark

This morning, cruise into Seattle either via the Hiram M. Chittenden Locksor at Shilshole Bay. After breakfast, the Captain and crew bid you a fondfarewell. Safe travels to all! (B)

Day 9 - Please Note:

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Olympic National Park—UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Juan archipelago, and Deception Pass
Hike in rainforest, old growth forest, state parks, and at Mt. Constitution and Hurricane Ridge
Transit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or cruise the Seattle waterfront
Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in island channels formed by glaciers
Watch for whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions
Birding opportunities—eagles, seabirds, and migrating flocks