Escape to Roche Harbor
- Lynne Krizik
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10
K'runa heard the dull thrum of the motors long before he espied the strange creatures floating on top. From beneath the water, they looked like trees perched on a small hill. Cautiously, curiously, he emerged from the chill embrace of his domain and ventured to get a closer look. Without so much as a splash or sound, he smoothly raised nearly half his girth out of the water and got one good glimpse of the alien creatures. The high-pitched noises and raised arms told K'runa they had seen him as soon as he saw them. The creatures frequented these waters during the warm season; he and his pod enjoyed observing them from a distance. They were so different from his own people, yet in many ways they were alike. K'runa sensed an otherworldly, kindred spirit among them, a kinship he couldn't quite touch but that kept him returning to this place year after year. He wondered if they enjoyed watching him as much as he enjoyed watching them.
I had the privilege of visiting an incredibly special place thanks to two words: weddings, and friendships. You can get there by water, sky, or you can ride the ferry to Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island, Washington.
There’s no better way to rest from the hustle and bustle of daily life than to escape to this beautiful island and enjoy harbor life at its finest. This pristine seaside village offers fine dining, which they refer to as freshly inspired Pacific Northwest Cuisine. Their website offers an array of dining opportunities, such as McMillin’s Dining Room, to suit nearly every palate, along with award winning wines. Because of its exquisite reputation, it's been featured in Conde’ Nast Traveler, Northwest Yachting, Travel + Leisure and others. If you’re used to being pampered or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this is definitely the place for you.
Of the many adventures available to visitors, such as sea kayaking, hiking and visiting island parks via the Scenic Washington Byway route, my favorite, without a doubt, was the 3 to 5 hour whale watching! We’ll get to that shortly, but do consider setting aside some time to pack a picnic and wander the island to see English Camp, San Juan State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park and American Camp. Not all at once mind you, as each gem is worthy of our attention and deserves to be enjoyed, not rushed through.
Located in the Salish Sea, with three local pods consisting of over 75 orca whales easily viewed three out of four seasons of the year, it's truly an unforgettable experience. The choppy, frigid waters of winter have kept San Juan Island Outfitters from offering whale watching tours during this time of the year. Too cold, too rough and too dangerous.
The whale tour boats are large enough to be comfortable, and small enough to maneuver, giving you a great view of the marine wildlife - best of all, the orca pods. Keep your cameras on a fast shutter speed and throw up the ISOs because the orcas can be remarkably fast.
You even get to tour with Marine Naturalists and learn as you view, which is always a plus.
Because the tour is a large loop, the views are always rewarding, with lighthouses and unique landscapes and even the occasional loner as pictured below. Extra points if you can name this handsome animal!
Bring your cameras, bring a lunch! When all is done, grab a chair and view the warm glow of the sunset at Roche Harbor after whale watching and some delicious fine dining. Savor the moments, and make each one count.
Until next time!
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