Most people arrive on Orcas Island and feel an immediate sense of belonging. The island has an inexplicable way of connecting with guests and residents alike. Maybe it’s the quiet nights, the moss-covered hiking trails, or the calm seas lapping against the shoreline.
Back in the 1980s, my family felt that same starstruck pull. Taking a chance—and risking it all—they opened a small charter operation out of Deer Harbor Marina. In those early days, guests came not for “whale watching,” a term that wouldn’t be used for nearly another decade, but simply to relax and experience the islands’ wildlife. Tours focused on the entire ecosystem, from sampling kelp to cruising at an unhurried pace just to see what waited around the next bend.
Today, our boats move a little quicker than they did back then, but our philosophy remains the same. We still slow down to appreciate the full ecosystem and the extraordinary animals that call the Salish Sea and San Juan archipelago home. We’re simply aided now by a few modern tools—giant cameras, a robust summer whale network, our professional crew, and the most spectacular backdrop imaginable.
Thanks for Reading!
Nate Averna; Owner/Operator
