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Land-Based Whale Watching
Meet up with an expert Whale Scout volunteer naturalist at a local beach to watch whales. Our team of over 50 volunteers are stationed throughout the Puget Sound region so there’s a good chance you can meet up with one close to where you live. Let us show you the whales and share more about them. We have binoculars to share and educational materials if the whales aren’t easily visible.
Find Us
Opportunistically
Naturalists respond to whale sightings year-round offering land-based whale watching experiences on an opportunistic basis throughout Puget Sound. Follow Orca Network on Facebook to stay informed about the latest sightings and contribute your own observations.
Summer
Whale Scout is part of the San Juan Island Naturalist Program, a collaborative effort to station naturalists on San Juan Island from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Find us at the Westside Preserve, Lime Kiln State Park, and at campfire talks at the San Juan County campground. Typically during summer months, resident orcas frequent the area and often travel very close to shore. Learn more here.
Special Events
Annual events where you can meet naturalists on the beach include Black Friday, or #OptOutside Day, and weekends in June celebrating Orca Action Month!
What To Look For
Our volunteers can be recognized by their distinctive blue Whale Scout vests. Feel free to ask them for help spotting wildlife or for more information.
What To Bring
Consider bringing binoculars, a spotting scope, or a camera. Also, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable, so please be prepared.
