SEATTLE (February 4, 2018) –  Gray whale watching season is almost here, and there is no better way to view these magnificent mammals than on one of Clipper Vacations’ Gray Whale Watching day trips.

This year marks Clipper Vacations’ eighth season offering the local excursion, which is a rare and unique opportunity for passengers to enjoy the majestic gray whales as they migrate north from Baja, Mexico to Alaska. Reaching up to 50 feet in length and weighing up to 35 tons, these baleen whales are a magnificent sight to see. The whales are often spotted feeding close to shore in the shallow waters between Seattle and north Whidbey Island, and can easily be seen from the outside and inside seating areas on the triple-decked San Juan Clipper.

“Gray whales are tremendous mammals and it is a treat this time of year for Seattleites to be able to witness the journey as they feed and store up energy before heading north,” said Jason Mihok, a veteran Captain of the San Juan Clipper. “The trip makes for a great weekend day trip to get out on the water, learn about some amazing wildlife and enjoy a beautiful stopover in Langley.”

Unique to a Clipper Vacations whale watching tour is a featured two hour stop in picturesque Langley, WA on Whidbey Island. Passengers are able to enjoy a wide array of activities in Langley including: great dining, boutique clothing and art gallery shopping, exploring the Langley Whale Center, glassblowing, tasting local beer and wine or taking a stroll along the beach.

“We are always incredibly excited to welcome the whales as they pass by Whidbey Island this time of year,” said Langley Mayor Tim Callison. “It’s also a great opportunity for Seattle residents to hop over and enjoy everything we love about our quaint and relaxing town outside of peak season.”

Another popular feature of this trip is the opportunity to view other sealife, such as Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, otters, sea lions, bald eagles and other birds. An expert naturalist will be onboard to help spot these animals, as well as educate passengers about them and answer any questions.

The best time to view gray whales in Puget Sound is in early spring. Clipper Vacations departures are available on March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31; April 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. The $55 rate (March) is available for all adult departures when booked at least three days in advance and kids under age 11 are only $28. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 800-888-2535 or visit www.clippervacations.com. Make sure to book early, as the gray whale excursion is popular and tends to sell out.

Contact
Scott Meis
VP of Marketing, Clipper
T 206-443-2560 x3307
C 773-308-4526
smeis@victoriaclipper.com

About Clipper

Clipper, operator of Clipper Vacations, is well known as travel experts for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Since 1986, Seattle-based Clipper has provided transportation, tours and accommodation packages for over eight million customers. Clipper offers opportunities to experience picturesque and popular destinations such as: Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, San Juan Island, Whistler, Portland and Vancouver Island. For more information about Clipper, visit www.clippervacations.com.

About Langley, WA

Langley Washington is commonly referred to as The Village by the Sea. Langley enjoys breathtaking views of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountain Range. Langley has become a destination point for those looking to see Orca Whales in their natural habitat. Langley is also known as a premiere Bald Eagle viewing area. The City of Langley has been listed in multiple national publications and is a recommended destination point for travel aficionados the world over.

Gray Whale Watching Trip Itinerary:

  • 8:15 am – 8:45 am Boarding San Juan Clipper at Pier 69 downtown Seattle
  • 9:00 am Depart Seattle
  • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Cruise and whale watching
  • 12:00 pm Arrive Langley, Whidbey Island (may arrive/depart 1 hour earlier if determined that whales will be viewed in the afternoon)
  • 2:30 pm Depart Langley
  • 4:00 pm Arrive Seattle

Times are approximate to allow for whale watching flexibility.

Image and B-Roll Available Upon Request.