Skip to Main Content
Washington

Whales & Trails: A San Juan Island Adventure With Your Grandchild

Program No. 1992960MEADV-1116-60
On this “whale” of an adventure, explore the waterways and trails of the San Juan Islands afoot and afloat in search of orca whales, and learn all about these intelligent animals!

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Age 9 - 13
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
Per Adult
2,249
Per Child
1,699
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,249
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,749
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Jul 12 - Jul 17, 2025
Per Adult
2,349
Per Child
1,899
Jul 12 - Jul 17, 2025
2,349
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child
2,349
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child
3,049
/ Adult
1,899
/ Child
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Does your grandchild love whales? On this “whale” of an adventure on Washington’s San Juan Islands, search for orca whales in their natural habitat and visit an orca research station in a historic lighthouse. Meet whale experts to find out how orcas communicate, what’s being done to protect them, and “adopt” a whale so you can follow its journey across the ocean. Explore the waterways and trails of the magnificent San Juan Islands afoot and afloat in search of these beautiful and intelligent animals. Hike to island vistas with an expert naturalist to learn about other wildlife and flora and fauna on the islands!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over gently rolling terrain; some stairs.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • During a three-hour boat expedition, search for Orca Whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea birds and sea lions.
  • Learn about the orcas’ social intelligence on a field trip to a whale research outpost station, and choose a whale to “adopt” as you learn about its history and follow its future.
  • Hike through spectacular San Juan Island National Park to spot wildflowers, butterflies, Bald Eagles and prairie grasses, and learn why the Americans and British quarreled over a perished pig.

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-13.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen View biography
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Profile Image of Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken View biography
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Profile Image of Lilly Dukes
Lilly Dukes View biography
Lilly Dukes was interested in teaching and education from a very early age. In this way, education and travel became linked. Lilly graduated from Fairhaven College with a BS in education, and a specific focus on culturally relevant educational modalities and experiential education tools. Lilly has worked in a variety of settings including women's shelters, intergenerational learning groups, teacher training, parent education, and field studies programs. You will often find her on a trail or beach with her husband, son, and rescue dog.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Seattle
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals
14 | 5B | 4L | 5D |
Activity Level
Does your grandchild love whales? On this “whale” of an adventure on Washington’s San Juan Islands, search for orca whales in their natural habitat and visit an orca research station in a historic lighthouse. Meet whale experts to find out how orcas communicate, what’s being done to protect them, and “adopt” a whale so you can follow its journey across the ocean. Explore the waterways and trails of the magnificent San Juan Islands afoot and afloat in search of these beautiful and intelligent animals. Hike to island vistas with an expert naturalist to learn about other wildlife and flora and fauna on the islands!)
Best of all, you'll...
  • During a three-hour boat expedition, search for Orca Whales, porpoises, harbor seals, sea birds and sea lions.
  • Learn about the orcas’ social intelligence on a field trip to a whale research outpost station, and choose a whale to “adopt” as you learn about its history and follow its future.
  • Hike through spectacular San Juan Island National Park to spot wildflowers, butterflies, Bald Eagles and prairie grasses, and learn why the Americans and British quarreled over a perished pig.
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 9-13.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Profile Image of Lilly Dukes
Lilly Dukes
Lilly Dukes was interested in teaching and education from a very early age. In this way, education and travel became linked. Lilly graduated from Fairhaven College with a BS in education, and a specific focus on culturally relevant educational modalities and experiential education tools. Lilly has worked in a variety of settings including women's shelters, intergenerational learning groups, teacher training, parent education, and field studies programs. You will often find her on a trail or beach with her husband, son, and rescue dog.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles over gently rolling terrain; some stairs.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (6 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
5 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration & Orientation: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, head to the conference room at 5:00 p.m. to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where our Orientation session will take place. You’ll receive a welcome packet with up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you will arrive later than 8:00 p.m., please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the Conference Dining Room.
Evening:
Our Group Leader will provide us with a brief program overview. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles total throughout the day, approximately 3 hours combined riding time with stops. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; paved paths; standing about 1 hour at Hibulb. Getting on/off a ferry; riding about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Short shuttle ride from ferry to Friday Harbor hotel.
Breakfast:
A voucher will be provided for breakfast, which is served in the lobby restaurant.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll visit the artfully designed Hibulb Cultural Center for a field trip led by a museum docent. The cultural center has over 23,000 square feet of exhibits and classrooms and the natural history preserve is 50 acres dedicated to telling the story of the “salmon people,” the Tulalip Nation. The artifacts, carvings, art and interactive displays weave insight and understanding to the land, the people, and the culture of the many Northwest Tribal ancestors.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we'll board our motorcoach and travel northward to Anacortes where we'll board the Washington State Ferry bound for San Juan Island. You may wish to enjoy the view of the National Scenic Byway through a tapestry of Islands from the inside passenger cabins or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5-hour journey through the archipelago to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival at the dock in the late afternoon, we’ll make a quick transfer to the hotel via shuttle and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wish to socialize with new friends, play games, or enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Activity Note
Walking about 2.5 miles during group activities throughout the day; more dependent on personal preference. Walking about 1 mile to/from museum; 25 steps with railing; standing up to 1 hour. Hiking about 1.5 miles in the afternoon, up to 1 hour; well-maintained dirt trail; uneven gravel and driftwood on beach. Getting on/off minibuses; driving about 15 miles total, less than 1/2 hour riding for each of four drives.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Starting off the day in the hotel conference room, we’ll learn from a local expert about how incredible orca pods are. A uniquely social population, we’ll also hear recordings of their communication with one another – their language. Next, we’ll walk to the nearby Whale Museum for a docent-led field trip. At the first museum in the country dedicated to the representation of whales living in the wild, we’ll learn about the social intelligence of these amazing creatures, what efforts are being made for orca preservation, and also how each whale is unique. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Then, after transferring via minibuses, we’ll go on a hike through San Juan Island’s American Camp National Park, where we’ll learn from an expert naturalist about its historical and archaeological importance while also enjoying multiple opportunities along the way to stop and observe and reflect on the flora and fauna. We’ll end our short hike at South Beach to take a break and enjoy some time exploring the beach before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room.
Evening:
A local art instructor will join us at the hotel for a surprise art project. We’ll create our own keepsakes to take home. Please note, this activity is not just for kids!
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles total throughout the day: about 1/2 mile to/from boat dock, and up/down ramp when boarding; hiking about 1 mile, approximately 1 hour at a leisurely pace, on a logging road and a well-maintained trail with some exposed tree roots and some rocky footing. Getting on/off a boat; ride is approximately 3 hours; onboard restroom available. Getting on/off minibuses; driving about 20 miles total, approximately 1/2 hour riding time for each of two rides.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After walking from the hotel, we’ll board a chartered boat through the islands with our Group Leader. While searching for orca whales, bald eagles, porpoises, seals, sea birds and sea lions in their natural environment, we’ll hear fascinating commentary about these critters and their natural habitat. At the end of our ride, we’ll walk back to the hotel.
Lunch:
In the hotel conference room.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll transfer to San Juan Island's English Camp National Park where we will learn about its historical importance from a naturalist during a hike through the park. We’ll make some stops to admire native flora and fauna along the way. Returning from our hike in the mid-afternoon, we’ll have some free time to enjoy the pool or other activities of your choice.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room.
Evening:
In the hotel conference room, we’ll hear a presentation by a resident of San Juan Island focusing on what it is like to grow up and live on an island. Are there really no traffic lights or fast food restaurants?
Activity Note
Walking about 1/2 mile during group activities throughout the day; more dependent on personal preference. Some paved terrain, some uneven dirt trails with exposed rocks and tree roots; beach is gravel and driftwood. Getting on/off a minibus; driving about 20 miles total, approximately 1/2 hour riding time for each of three drives.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A wildlife rehabilitation expert will join us at the hotel for an informative visit, during which we’ll get an up-close look at a raptor rescued by a local rehabilitation organization. We’ll learn about the rehabilitation efforts and techniques of the organization while also learning about the specific characteristics of local species. Then, we're off to the west side of the island via minibuses for a visit to Limekiln State Park. Limekiln Park offers great wildlife viewing from shore, as well as a lighthouse that currently serves as an Orca research station. Led by our Group Leader, we’ll go in the research station to learn about Orca acoustics and how researchers interpret Orca dialects from the station’s underwater hydrophone.
Lunch:
We’ll stop at a nearby beach to enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. Afterwards, we’ll spend some time on the beach. You might like to try your hand at building sand castles or beach forts, look for sea critters along the shore or play some games with the group.
Afternoon:
In the early afternoon, we'll head back to the hotel for free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
As part of a farewell program, we’ll gather as a group to present the kids with their own “orca adoption" kits to take home. After learning about the individual whales and species throughout the program, the kids will choose the whale they would like to receive information on. Kits include a personalized adoption certificate with a 3x5" photo of the chosen whale, a personal biography of the whale, a genealogy chart, a 16-page informational booklet about the Southern Resident Orcas, an annual subscription to our Cetus newsletter, monthly orca updates delivered via email, one "Orca Steward" patch, one bumper sticker, and a one-year Whale Museum individual membership. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 7:15 a.m. Boarding/disembarking a ferry; transfer to Anacortes, WA is about 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles from Anacortes to Seattle; approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel will be at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively. Scheduling outbound flights after 2:30 p.m. local time is advised.
Breakfast:
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, via the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking in Anacortes, we’ll transfer to a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
  • Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
  • Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
  • Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, day spa on site, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site and limited exercise facility on-site. The Earthbox Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront.
1 night
Location: Seattle
The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located directly across the sky bridge from Seattle Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the Light Rail station, less than 1/2 mile from the airport.
4 nights
Location: Friday Harbor
You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, dry sauna, day spa on site, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site and limited exercise facility on-site. The Earthbox Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 5 Reviews
Sort By:
Ginni – Class of 2013 | St Louis, MO
What a wonderful trip! Everything that happened was special. The kids on the trip had so much fun together, we saw so much natural beauty on San Juan Island and even though the whale watching trip did not find any whales, we did see some harbor seal pups and some bald eagles. It's like entering a magical world where whales are the center of the universe and all is right with the world.
— Review left July 21, 2024
Lillian – Class of 2009 | Neenah, WI
Great program! My almost 12 year old granddaughter loved it. The young people bonded almost immediately and shared their enthusiasm for orca whales with one another. We saw the orcas several times thanks to our leaders, Cindy and Lily. They went above and beyond to get the group to a location to view the whales.
— Review left July 1, 2024
Kristine – Class of 2008 | Mesa, AZ
The Whales and Tails program in the San Juan Islands is fun as well as educational. The accommodations in Friday Harbor is easy walking distance from the ferry and the town. And the swimming pool offers the grandchildren free time options!
— Review left June 25, 2024
Penelope – Class of 2015 | Boulder, CO
Beautiful country, fun activities, interesting talks and old fashioned kid fun. A great opportunity to share with your grandchild.
— Review left June 24, 2024
Sheila – Class of 2007 | Westminster, CO
This was my fifth intergenerational program. All have been great, but this one has to rank at or near the top. As usual, all the kids hit it off right away and got along well together. Most were in the middle of the age range, which definitely helps. Our two main instructors, Cindy and Allie, were just amazing. Although the main focus was whales - particularly Orcas - we all learned a lot about local marine life in general. The field trips were great, and the mix between learning and fun was perfect. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone remotely interested in the topics. My granddaughter, Penelope, loved it all, even though it did take more than half an hour to get home !!(Inside joke other participants will understand!)
— Review left July 20, 2019





Recommended For You