In Washington State’s San Juan Islands, June is Orca Action Month, a time to celebrate the presence of the orcas in the Salish Sea and take concrete action for their survival and recovery.  

For the little ones, fun and learning combine at The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to the stewardship of whales.  There are many actions we can take in our day-to-day lives to support the whales, from the grocery list and household chores to contacting elected officials. Learn more about how you can support orcas!  

Where to Spot the Whales: Lime Kiln Point State Park remains one of the best places in the world to watch for orcas and other marine wildlife from shore. The hydrophone at the lighthouse also gives visitors a chance to eavesdrop on the clicks and whistles of the foraging whales.

The greatest potential for spotting whales is with a professional whale and wildlife tour. An added benefit to a tour is that onboard naturalists provide identification, education, and stewardship suggestions for passengers. Each company also contributes to orca and salmon recovery efforts in the Islands and the greater Salish Sea ecosystem.