Have you heard about our Orcas Ohana Photo Scavenger Hunt yet? It’s the best way to spice up your vacation (not that it needs to be spicy, but you get the idea), and it’s the bestest way to save money on a 2nd stay up at Orcas Island (if you go once to Orcas Island, you’ll wanna go twice–that’s the ‘bestest guarantee’).

If clicking on links to other blog entries isn’t your thing then here’s the quick rundown on the Photo Scavenger Hunt: we’ve got a great list of many obvious, secret and/or fun things, places and activities to photograph around Orcas Island (and the surrounding San Juan Islands). Print that list off before you go and get as many points as you can by taking pictures of these various island targets! If you reach a certain number of points (over 50 or 100) then you can save 5-10% off your next stay at Orcas Ohana (worth 100s of dollars if you stay long enough ).

The Scavenger Hunt is a perfectly unnecessary excuse to explore Orcas Island, perhaps with your beloved dog or exploratoration-loving cat. And we also welcome any creative additions that our guests offer up! If you suggest a target that we end up keeping we could add another 5 points to your total score! Could make all the difference in the world….

The Orcas Island Sensation that will be sweeping the Nation: Nightcrowing!

So if you take a moment to peruse the handy Scavenger Hunt pdf, you might notice “Nightcrowing” as one of the Orcas Island Activities. Just like Sasquatching and Blind Sasquatching, Nightcrowing is an activity designed to provide you with the maximum level of joy while also possibly teaching you something profound about yourself.

The concept is simple; however, it’s implementation is another story, particularly if one is unaccustomed to the wilderness (both the internal and external wildernesses!). At night, without the use of GPS guides or anything of that nature (keep a phone handy in case of disaster though), you must pick a destination relatively distant from your current location and travel there “as the crow flies”.

For example, imagine yourself in a field at night and between you and your home is a large forest. Instead of finding the proper path to navigate your way through the forest, you must crowline it. Point in the general direction of your home and start walking, climbing, crawling, slithering and/or swimming your way towards your safe haven. You will get very dirty. You will get scratched up and you will get frustrated and perhaps lose a shoe somewhere in the murky depths of your journey. But you will get home–one way or another. For it is your Nightcrowing Destiny.

For more information about our Orcas Island Vacation Rental, check out all the reasons you should be staying with us right here. Or to take a look at our rates and availability, please refer directly to this page here.

And as always we hope that your stay on Orcas Island is an enjoyable, awe-inspiring occasion, no matter where you stay!

Our award in hand and battle scars fresh, we continue on with the good, clean fight for Orcas Island’s best lodging and accommodations against this week’s opponent: The Orcas Hotel! Oh yeah, just the idea of this battle has got us all jazzed up, ripping, raring and revving our engines, and whatever other expressions there may be for ‘tense and excited’.

There’s no such thing as a clean victory. These former battles provide the proof (#1, #2, #3). In the end, however, everyone must admit that just being on Orcas Island itself, somewhere, at some point in time, is all the victory one needs. I mean, how many islands can say they have their own healing energy vortex?“Tons!” you answer? Well, yes, but I guarantee Orcas Island’s vortex is happier!

All right, enough with the happy, energy healing talk–on to some vicious best lodging battle!

Round 1: Location, Location, Location…..Fight!

You may need to toggle the zoom buttons for clear view of both locations.

View Orcas Ohana vs Orcas Hotel Location in a larger map

The Advantages of Orcas Ohana? Close proximity to Eastsound. Central location of island providing convenient driving access to both sides of the horseshoe. Nestled sense of private lodging and personal independence. Beautiful overlooking view of bay.

The Advantages of Orcas Hotel? Closest proximity to ferry dock, which provides convenient access to the ferry when you need it (good especially for traveling about to other nearby islands that have ferry access!). Clean hotel feel with good food and coffee provided–also has a bar. Easy access to many kinds of rentals.

Hmm, what do you think about this one? It all depends on what kind of Orcas Island vacation you’re looking to create, right? Orcas Ohana gives you the full-island experience while Orcas Hotel gives you transportation convenience and a good touristy touch. We shall just go ahead and call this a win for Orcas Ohana because we are uncertain. That’s how competition goes!

Round 2: Do you accept Dog Hair as money?

To start off, let’s link us up some price and availability charts for both places!

Orcas Ohana’s Rates and Reservations Page

Orcas Hotel Example Rates and Availability

Looks like Orcas Hotel (in June) has rooms from $89 to $219 and Orcas Ohana (in June) is $339 (or just $369 with pets!). Orcas Hotel offers rooms at those prices and Orcas Ohana offers an entire house! What a great choice to have!

And the winner? If you have a dog, then it’s Orcas Ohana (fido-friendly)! If you’re just looking to crash for a night, perhaps with a loved one, then it’s Orcas Hotel. No one wins and yet everyone does!

Final Round: General Awesomeness

Orcas Ohana is closer to the vortex. Enough has been said.

The award-winning Orcas Island Best Lodging Battle series continues! And yes, we give ourselves awards every once in awhile for arbitrary things. (mother told us we deserve awards, so if the world doesn’t give ‘em to us, we have to make our own! That’s just plain logical!)

To see why we’re winning awards from ourselves, check out Battle #1 (Orcas vs Doe Bay) and Battle #2 (Orcas vs Outlook). Both were epic, legendary, awe-inspiring and other adjectives, so we strongly recommend you check ‘em out to see why we think Orcas Ohana is a winner.

Anyhow—on to the battle!

Round 1: Location, Location, Location…..Fight!

You may need to toggle the zoom buttons for clear view of both locations.

View Orcas Ohana Vs The Rosario Resort in a larger map
Orcas Ohana had an admittedly difficult battle with Outlook last week since both locations were nearly side-by-side. But this week presents a whole new challenge: for though Rosario is located outside of Eastsound and farther than Ohana from the ferry dock, it sits right on the bay with a marina and beautiful viewpoints all about. It may not have as convenient or centrally-located a position as Orcas Ohana, but like Doe Bay, Rosario has a serene feeling of natural solitude and relaxing communal living.

In summation: Rosario has beauty and Marina while Orcas has beauty and Eastsound. Do you like boats or do you like convenience?

And so the Round 1 Winner is: Orcas Island! There’s no escaping the beauty of this entire place!

Round 2: Pricing….I checked my pockets–no holes.

Some accommodation and pricing examples from Rosario here.

Some of the same here from Orcas Ohana.

As you can see, we’ve run into the same comparison-debacle as with Battle #1 (Ohana vs Doe Bay): Rosario has a variety of different kinds of rooms and lodging with a variety of prices, while Ohana has limited choices (but with the possibility of pets!). So if you need more flexibility on the prices due to the different number of people you are traveling with, Rosario may be a better fit–unless of course you have a large traveling group, in which Orcas Ohana may work out better for your pockets. Also, if you’re traveling with a dog, we are unsure whether Rosario accommodates the lovely creatures, while we are very, very sure that Orcas Ohana does (check out our fido-friendliness here!).

Round 2 Winner: Really? Orcas Island, again? What are the odds!?

 Final Round: General Awesomeness

Rosario Resort has a beautiful wedding venue location.

Orcas Ohana is a great place for proposals. 

You can dock your boat right in the Rosario Marina.

Orcas Ohana has a photo scavenger hunt that will revolutionize the way you enjoy vacations.

Rosario Resort has a rich history with Orcas Island.

Orcas Ohana is newer and thus creating a newer, richer history with Orcas Island.

Rosario Resort has something called the Master Plan.

The owner of Orcas Ohana is a strong proponent of Blind Sasquatching.

And so the overall winner is…..to be continued?

These are my footprints....

Last week, we introduced our Photo Scavenger Hunt which offers our guests the chance to save some money while supplementing their relaxing stay with a new brand of intrigue and fun. On the Orcas Ohana Photo Scavenger Hunt List, there are a few that beg a bit more explanation. Today, we start with Sasquatching: the ancient art of good-natured, self-exploratory wilderness rambling.

There are two variations of Sasquatching–Nimble and Blind–both of which are equally-fun and equally-worthy of the great spirit of Orcas Island.

Nimble Sasquatching

First off, you must find a quiet yet expansive plot of wooded nature without signs of human development or trails. There are many to choose from throughout Orcas Island, but our recommendation would be to look in the area of Camp Orkila or Moran State Park. Secondly, once you’ve found the general area in which you wish to tramp-tromp about, you must take off your shoes (in this case it helps to have a bag handy or to finish Sasquatching wherever you leave your shoes). Thirdly, you must, barefoot, step off of whatever beaten path you have started from and navigate/explore the wild woodlands slowly and silently (whispering is allowed). Moving your arms about like a lumbering Sasquatch in this stage is recommended (for getting a good feel to it all), but not mandatory. Spend as much time as you like exploring the wilderness in relative silence and then return to the world beyond.

Blind Sasquatching

While Nimble Sasquatching, in our opinion, is best done alone to appreciate the silent wildness of the activity, Blind Sasquatching must be done with a partner. This activity is half-trust exercise and half-get wildling. One person removes their shoes and a blindfold is placed over their eyes (or they may close them without the blind fold, it just depends on the discipline level of the sasquatcher in question). A starting location and end point are chosen beforehand, and it is now up to the guide to direct the blind sasquatch from start to end without touching. The level of difficulty depends on the terrain and length of the journey, and we would recommend for the first-timers out there that they start with a somewhat clear, straight path. Naturally, it is hoped that the guide will not direct the sasquatcher into any trees, ravines, drop-offs or snake pits (that would be betraying the all-important trust essential to the sasquatching system).

Create Your Own Form Of Sasquatching

Orcas Island possesses the very spirit of creative action and we would be remiss if we disallowed others to channel that spirit to suit their own tastes. That being said, please feel free to make your own version of Sasquatching and share it with us when you’re done so that we can add it to our growing list of nature-full activities! The Great Orcas Spirit Salutes You!

Interested in finding out more about our lovely Orcas Island vacation rental? Check out our home page here or our rates and reservations page here.

And PS, even if you aren’t interested in the prize offered by our Photo Scavenger Hunt, we strongly recommend you try it anyways! It really does add a new layer of fun-flavor to any vacation.

Earn 5 or 10% OFF your 2nd stay (and have a great time doing it!)

As mentioned in a previous entry, we have put together a special photo scavenger hunt for any and all of our awesome Orcas Island guests! The game is simple and easy-to-do, but as we can attest from our scavenger hunt weekend, it’s loads of fun. Casually looking and finding objects and places of interest, talking to the locals and exploring new areas truly added another layer of excitement to the vacation. We weren’t just enjoying the moment of being there and doing particular activities; we were elevating our senses to a whole new level: our eyes peeled for any target, whether vulture or butterfly, our noses whiffing for any scent, whether breakfast burrito or rose petal and our hands groping for any safe bit of nature, whether while sasquatching or nightcrowing.

Official Contest Rules

50+ points = 5% off your next booking; 100+ points = 10%; the 2nd stay must be booked within a year of receipt; non-redeemable, no cash value.

With every photo we ask that you or one of your party be present somewhere in the picture excluding the Critters and Creatures Category. Capturing a photo of the Creatures is hard enough without a person trying to stand and pose with them .

So without further ado, we present to you….

The Orcas Ohana Scavenger Hunt List:

The more difficult it is to find/do/see/photograph, the more points you can earn! And we strongly suggest printing off this list to carry with you as you vacation around the island. It can guide you to many wondrous adventures!

Critters and Creatures Category: [General Difficulty Level: 5 of 5]

• A Bald Eagle (10 pts)
• Any Kind of Whale except Orcas Whale (10 pts)
• Orcas Whale (15 pts)
• Any Kind of Seal (5 pts)
• Any Bearded Local (2 pts per local)
• A Red Fox (10 pts)
• Horse (5pts)
• Goat (3pts)
• Blacktail deer (10 pts)–these are everywhere! Be careful when driving
• Any Bird on this List (excluding the aforementioned Bald Eagle) (1 pt)
• Island Marble Butterfly (extremely rare apparently) 10 pts
• Pacific Chorus Frog (5 pts)
• Townsends Vole (10 pts)
• North American River Otter (15 pts)
• Rabbit (8 pts)
• These purple starfish (7 pts)
• Garter Snake (3 pts) (liability disclaimer: ensure it’s a garter snake before approaching)
• Northern Alligator Lizard (15 pts) (they are sneaky and they bite!)

Pretty Plant Category: [General difficulty level: 3 of 5]

• Wildflowers (3 pts per flower type): Take this guide with you to capture them all for a Bonus 10 pts!
• Big Leaf Maple (2 pts)
• Pacific Madrone (3 pts)
• Red Alder (tree) (2 pts)
• Garry Oak (tree) (2 pts)
• Stinging Nettle (3 pts)
• Orange Honeysuckle (3 pts)
• Nootka Rose (3 pts)
• Oregon Grape (Tall/Low) (3 pts)
• White Moss Bed (5 pts)
• Skunk Weed (2 pts)

Poignant Places Category: [General Difficulty Level: 2 of 5]

3 Points except when marked otherwise

• Saturday Farmers Market
• Outlook Inn
• Cascade Falls
• Mt Constitution’s Lookout Tower
• Turtleback Mountain
• Turtleback Farm Inn
• Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
• Doe Bay Resort General Store
• Inn at Ship Bay
• Any Surrounding Island of Orcas (Matia, Turn, Sucia, etc) (7 pts each)
• Obstruction Pass State Park
• Orcas Island Vineyards
• Sea View Theater
• Any Orcas Island Church (2 pts each)
• Orcas Center
• Orcas Island Historical Museum
• Orkila Garden
• Camp Orkila
• Island Hoppin’ Brewery
• The Eastsound Labyrinth
• Any Organic Farm
• Eastsound Outdoor Ampitheatre (2 pts if empty, 5 pts if someone is dancing on stage–either you or a performer)
• Deer Harbor Park
• Eastsound Waterfront Park
• Westsound
• Beach Crescent
• Buckhorn
• Cormorant Bay
• North Beach
• The Secret Garden
• Agave Tequila Bar
• Secret Peace Grotto next to Ohana
• Warren Miller Skate Park
• Odd Fellows Hall
• The Moss Bed Secret Grotto
• The Mysterious, Abandoned Well

Active Activities Category: [General Difficulty Level: 4 of 5]

All the following activities are 5 points!

• Riding Mopeds
• Whale Watching Tours
• Kayaking
• Standup Paddling
• Music Festivals
• The Ferry Ride
• Massage + Spa Relaxing
• Boating
• Scuba Diving
• Cycling
• Geocaching
• Yoga Class
• Dancing in the Forest or the Ohana Back Deck
• Sasquatching (perhaps this activity needs further explanation)
• Nightcrowing (this one also)
• Ziplining
• Gaga Ball
• Playing H-O-R-S-E

the Orcas Island Artifacts category: [general difficulty level: 4 of 5]

• Sacajawea (3 pts)
• Song of Separation (2 pts)
• Dali Lama (5 pts)
• Secret Magic Glass (10 pts)
• Orca Whale Carving (2 pts)
• Any Orcas Island Sign (2 pts)
• Any Different Orcas Island Speed Sign (1 pt each)
• Any Totem Pole Carving (2 pts)
• The Lounging Lizard (5 pts)
• The Old Stove (3 pts)
• The Parsley in the Tree (3 pts)
• Any Red Hydrant (1 pt each)
• Big Peace Sign (3 pts)

Here is a handy PDF of the Scavenger List for your printing-out pleasure: Orcas Ohana Photo Scavenger Hunt List

If you find anything else during your hunt that you think you should be added to any of these categories, let us know and we’ll be sure to include it with the possibility of giving you bonus discovery points! If you have any questions about this contest, its rules or reasons, feel free to contact us for more details.

Looking to stay at our awesome vacation rental this year? Check out our rates and reservations page here or browse the home page herefor more reasons on why Orcas Ohana is your play to stay for that San Juan Islands trip!

Orcas Island has some speed sticklers all about--be sure to take note of these!

There are many public hoops scattered about Orcas--we found this one nearby!

Sample platters and peanuts! Num num numb....my face is numb.

And finally it has come: our very own local brewery! And it’s got that comfy, natural Orcas Island feel!

We were 3 thirsty men when we arrived, our dogs (feet) and dog (Jazzy) all tired out from a day of tramping through the woods of nearby Camp Orkila. But we left as 3 spirited souls, ramped up for more adventure and ready to hit the town of Eastsound. One might even say that we got all hopped up on beer at this place…no doubt about it (lol? Do you like alcohol-related puns?).

Anyhoo, after ordering a couple trays of samplers, our official recommendations are the Old Madrona or the White Cap brews. Something you may want to try yourself though, if you’re not a complete beer purist that is, would be mixing beers to find your own particular taste. By Tray 2, Jason (our fearless Orcas Ohana owner) was a bona fide expert at this mixological system and he still stands behind his crafty ways even today. In the end, however, you may just want to ask the friendly, helpful staff about what brew is best for your tastes.

Let’s see…anything else about the Island Hoppin’ brewery that has slipped my mind? Ah yes!

They give guided tours of the brewery (although we didn’t take one because there are windows that let you see the inner workings from the comfort of your own beer bar) and there are bottomless peanuts (although by the end of 6 beer trays worth of side-nibbling we had found the bottom). Also, there is a neat little outdoor patio area for your outdoor drinking needs and  plenty of books on beer lying around for those of you looking for some home-brewing tips to take with you (the knowledge, not the books themselves of course).

For more information on this awesome addition to Orcas Island and Eastsound, please check out the Island Hoppin’ Brewery website here!

For anyone out there tired of having to leave their beloved poochies behind when vacation comes calling, we’ve put together this little cornucopia of Fido Friendly Reviews for our safe haven: the Orcas Ohana Vacation Rental of Destiny!

Cuddling up with Jazzy!

Sunset.com’s Dog-Friendly Top 10 List

5. Orcas Island, WA

After hiking Turtleback Mountain Preserve, swimming the cool waters of North Beach (end of North Beach Rd.), and romping in Eastsound’s off-leash dog park (Mt. Baker Rd. at North Beach Rd.; orcasdogpark.org), your pup will hope every car ride leads to the island ferry (from $39; dogs ride free; wsdot.wa.gov). West Beach Resort (from $99, plus $18 per night pet fee; 877/937-8224) offers cabins on a ½-mile dog- and family-friendly beach. –B.F.

(Source: http://www.sunset.com/travel/outdoor-adventure/dog-friendly-vacations-00400000050311)

FIDO Friendly Magazine Editor, Nicholas Sveslosky, visited us at The Orcas Ohana last fall and he’s got a lot to say about just how relaxing and “fido friendly” The Ohana is! Thank you, Susan and Nicholas for your support.

Dog-Friendly Tranquility Awaits

This Orcas Island vacation home will take your breath away.

By Nicholas Sveslosky, Editor
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
(Continued from Mar/Apr 2010 Issue of FIDO Friendly)

A late night, one-hour ferry ride from Anacortes, WA, to Orcas Island sets the mood

for a romantic getaway.…

The Orcas Ohana welcomes human and canine guests with a peaceful and restful ambiance surpassed only by the quiet and beautiful views. Built in 2007, the craftsman-style home features three bedrooms, two baths and is both family and Fido-friendly. The Orcas Ohana sleeps up to eight people with the master bedroom overlooking the water; granite and marble countertops, cherry hardwood floors and heated travertine floors are in each bathroom.

A huge balcony is stretched above the peaceful bay, and guests can fire up the barbie or simply relax and watch the deer go by. The backyard fire-pit offers the perfect setting for campfire stories and late night s’mores. Located on a hill above Eastsound and the bay, Orcas Ohana is just a three-minute walk to the ocean and a five-minute walk to the town of Eastsound, home to art galleries, shops, restaurants and a Farmers’ market. Comfortable, cozy and serene are just a few of the words to describe this beautiful island Getaway.

Owner Jason Miller along with his two Labs, Jazzy and Daisy, have thought of everything. Take a leisurely walk through the forest to the beach or pull up a bench next to a tree and breathe in the fresh air. Morning coffee goes better al fresco with your pooch by your side, and for the more industrious, there are mountain bike trails just waiting for an approach.

Whatever you have in mind during your vacation to Orcas Island, The Orcas Ohana will be your home-away-from-home for the duration of your stay. Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian, and we all know that pets are part of the family. So go stay and play at the beautiful Orcas Ohana and bring Fido; your trip would just not be the same without him.

Orcas Ohana: Fido Nirvana

Budget friendly. Family friendly. Fido friendly.

We’ve uncovered “don’t worry, be happy” at its finest. With first hand (er, paw) experience as visitors to this vacation home getaway, the Orcas Ohana is a must-see, must-do for the couples, canines, and coastal enthusiasts.

Centrally located in the heart of Orcas Island, the Orcas Ohana (Hawaiian for “family”), offers an easy charm, ocean view, luxury meshed with contemporary, and access to a host of activities for the two-legged and four-legged variety.

Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Written by: Carol Bryant of Fido Friendly Blog

ORCAS ISLAND DOG PARK

The island’s fenced-in dog park is well-stocked with water, chuck-its, toys and poop shovels; www.orcasdogpark.org.

OUR ORCAS OHANA PET POLICY

The Orcas Ohana understands your pet is a part of your family and for that reason we welcome well-behaved dogs on property. All dogs must be ok’d by the property owner, Jason Miller, prior to your stay. Failure to provide this information prior to your stay will void your tenancy and security deposit. The Orcas Ohana provides a large pet crate, leash, yard tie-outs, dog brush, dog bed, and food/water bowls for your comfort. All other pet essentials are to be provided by the guest. Pets staying at The Orcas Ohana must not be left unattended or off-leash while on property. Barking and otherwise disruptive behavior is not acceptable. Guests are solely responsible for any injuries or disagreements due to pet behavior during your stay. Guests are responsible for all damages created as a result of your stay and will be deducted from your security deposit.

Orcas Island is called Orcas Island for a particular reason–one that at times escapes my memory, but just now I happen to remember it: there are actual Orcas swimming nearby!

They are frolicking! What great big fishy-mammals they are!

In past blog entries here we have highlighted some of the excellent opportunities to watch some whales here amongst the San Juan Islands. Spring is a great season for getting out on a big boat and getting splashed by some giant fishy-mammals (disclaimer: We know they’re not fishies, but like to call them fishy-mammals for some silly fun–honestly the personal enjoyment gained by such incorrect naming is immeasurable!).

Anyhow, if you’re interested in learning more about the local orca whale population from one of the island experts, check out this blog from the Island Sounder. The best thing you can do though, that is, if you’re a true fan of whales and fishy-mammals, is to come and stay at our lovely Orcas Island Rental and get out to see the whales live. Tours are about 3-4 hours long and they feature many other of the local fauna and wildlife (harbor seals and bald eagles!) if the whales are being particularly shy during your voyage.

For more information on our rates and reservation schedule, please go to this page here! Spring and Summer are our busiest seasons so the earlier you set up your unforgettable Pacific Northwest Adventure the better!

Taken at last years festival--courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce's site

Looking to coincide your stay at an Orcas Island Vacation Rental with some kind of intelligently quirky local event? Plan your visit to Orcas Ohana around March 22nd-23rd and pay homage to one of the greatest minds of all time!

Renowned Shakespeare actors and enthusiastic small-town performers are coming together on Orcas Island for two days of entertainment. The Second Annual Shakespeare Festival will feature a production by the Seattle Shakespeare Company, parades and impromptu acting by Orcas musicians and performers both young and old, and a variety of offerings from island restaurants, hotels and shops for visitors and locals alike.

On Friday the 22nd, there will be a production of Julius Caesar for both parents and children alike. And then Saturday the 23rd will feature a festival in the heart of the island with Shakespearean music and stage productions for all-comers. The entire weekend will be started off with a visit from the Orca Island’s very own William Shakespeare–something that is sure to rocket the entire island into legendary Shakespeare-dom and worldwide renown. Find out more about the event and how to get your tickets to Julius Caesar here.

And now, in honor of the festival, here are some of our favorite Orcas Ohana Shakespearean Passages:

“Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,
Men were deceivers ever,-
One foot in sea and one on shore,
To one thing constant never.”
Much Ado About Nothing

Frailty, thy name is woman!
Hamlet

Interested in staying with us at the Orcas Ohana Vacation Rental? Check out our rates and reservations page here for more details on your potential stay!

In the Orcas Island Vacation Rental community there tis a great buzz ’bout the place. What kind of buzz, you mayn’t be askin’? It’s the seal puppin’ buzz. Yes every year bout this time o’ season, the legendary harbor seal of the San Juans begins to pup like you would have to believe, and the overall levels of cuteness going ’bout the islands rises over 2 clicks. The San Juan county is home to ’bout 4k of these mystical beasties–would you like to learn more about them? We do; so we’re going to regurgitate some research back at ya!

By the way, we strongly recommend reading that “seal puppin’ buzz” link up there before we continue. If you encounter a furry, stranded ball of cute-pup-ness on the beach, and you mishandle it, the fishery people could slap you with a fine!

Orcas Island’s 3rd Most Majestic Creature (behind the Orca Whale and the Bald Eagle and maybe some of the human creatures you’ll find in the local taverns)

Brown, tan or gray the Harbor Seal is also commonly known to the Orcas Island locals as “the seal”. With the longstanding illegalization of sealing, the San Juan Harbor Seal lives like a king and is currently at ecological max-capacity. Sometimes lying upon his back, belly up to the sky, this languid king of the Northern seas enjoys feeding upon crabs, anchovy, bass, mackerel, cod, herring, mollusks, squids and even the occasional seabird, though these are mainly to rid itself of the strong squid taste.

Nothing much is said of the mythical nature of Harbor Seals. Very few songs are sung in their honor and the harbor seal dance is only practiced in an incidental manner without the awareness of its practitioner. As the video clip below shows though you may interact at sea with these mysterious beasties:

Interested in experiencing the San Juan Islands’ wildlife? Check out our Rates and Reservations page to start planning your stay on Orcas Island today!