Bird Watching Cruise

Depart Bellingham and view tufted puffins in the Salish Sea

Bird Watching In The San Juan Islands

 

  • Depart from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven and cruise through the San Juan Islands on our way to Smith Island to search for tufted puffins. View birds from a unique vantage point! As we cruise, our captain and professional naturalist will discuss, and help you spot, the wide variety of birds that you’ll see on this cruise.
  • The cruise also includes a delicious picnic pack, boxed for your convenience. Lunch includes a salmon caesar wrap, potato salad, fresh fruit, potato chips, and a chocolate chip cookie. Our vessels also have additional snacks and beverages available for purchase.
  • Smith Island is one of few areas left that tufted puffins are regularly seen in the San Juan Islands. Historically, these birds had many nesting colonies throughout the islands, but they have become rare and listed as a species of concern due to population declines.

SCHEDULE 2024

  June 6 – August 29
(Thursdays)

Depart Bellingham: 10:00 am
Cruise Duration: 6-7 hours

RATES

Adult: $99
Youth (6-17): $49.50
Child (Under 6): FREE

June 8 – August 25

Smith Island Puffin Search

Smith Island is one of few areas left that tufted puffins are regularly seen in the San Juan Islands. Historically, these birds had many nesting colonies throughout the islands, but they have become rare and are listed as a species of concern due to population declines.

Bring your binoculars, a camera, sun screen, and jacket/windbreaker. Our vessels have plenty of indoor seating, as well as ample outdoor viewing areas on two levels of the boat.

This tour departs from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in the Fairhaven District of Bellingham. Reservations can be made by booking online, or calling 1-800-443-4552.

View birds seen on past cruises on our blog.

About Our Naturalist

Victoria Souze is a Marine Naturalist, member of the Salish Sea Marine Naturalists Association (SSMNA), Education Director of Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN), an avid birder from Alaska to Hawaii, and a 20-year resident of Lummi Island.

Common Birds:

Pigeon Guillemots
Rhinoceros Auklets
Bald Eagles
Great Blue Herons
Cormorants (Pelagic, Double-Crested, and Brandt’s)
Harlequin Duck
Black Oystercatcher
Caspian Tern
Turkey Vultures
Red Tail Hawk
Western Sandpiper
Belted Kingfisher
Numerous Gulls
Common Murres (later in the season, towards late June)
Marbled Murreletts (later in the season, towards late June)

Birds Seen Seasonally:

Tufted Puffins
Parasitic Jaegers
Peregrine Falcon
Red Throated Loon
Surf Scoter
Northern Harrier
Hooded Merganser
Long Tailed Duck
Black Turnstone
Red-Necked Phalarope

Other Wildlife Commonly Seen:

Harbor Porpoises
Harbor Seals
California and/or Stellar Sea Lions

TESTIMONIALS

“We went on a day cruise to Smith Island to see the tufted puffins and had a fabulous time. The staff were very organized and knowledgeable. Our cruise stopped by several bird-friendly sites and islands as well as Smith Island, the home to over a dozen puffins. The captain made sure the boat was angled correctly so photographers could get the best photos possible. Lunch was a choice of meat or veggie lasagna. I had the veggie and it was delicious. There is an inside cabin and washroom available. A wonderful experience and everyone came off the boat happy!”

-Quentin B

“We went on a full Puffin Cruise to Smith Island where there is a breeding colony. We ended up seeing twenty puffins and two rare birds a long tailed jaeger and an ancient murrelet plus a whole host of other local birds. Fantastic trip and the lasagna lunch was delicious”

-Canadiatravelgoddess

“This was a great experience. The timing when the birds are nesting and in showing their colours was really beautiful. We saw a lot of birds…the Pigeon Guillemonts were small but there red feet were lovely! The Surf Scoters were a bonus as the well as Black Oystercatchers. The large group of Harlequin Ducks was spectacular. I didn’t see any Rhinoceros Auklet but some passengers did. I did see 14 different birds. The day was calm on the water.I would love to go again. Oh! The lunch was very good. The crew was very nice. “

-Marily.n W

“We enjoyed a wonderful day spotting birds along the shore as well as other wildlife. The crew was wonderful. The naturalist on board was very knowledgeable and the captain added a lot of historical information about the islands we visited. Highly recommended!”

-M9808PRnancyd

Location / Directions

Cruises depart from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Bellingham, WA. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The address is: 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 

Bird Watching Cruise Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift for friends or family? We have gift certificates available – You can purchase one online, by phone at 800-443-4552 or you may stop by our office.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change and you need to cancel your reservation, or change it to a different date, please give us a call at least 24 hours prior to departure. Reservations cancelled within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. When you make a reservation, we will send you a confirmation letter detailing our cancellation policy.