adventure traveler in a yellow kayak paddling on flat water during the Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands pacific northwest small ship cruise
group of adventure travelers walking through the forest in the pacific northwest at one of the land tours on one of the stops of the Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands small ship cruise
aerial view of sucia island in the pacific northwest while a small ship travels through a channel
harbor seal laying in the sun in the san juan islands, pacific northwest
looking down at a waterfall in olympic national park in the pacific northwest during the Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands small ship cruise trip
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North America Pacific Northwest Cruise

San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness Cruise

Cruise round-trip from Seattle, Washington, on this magical 8-day San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness cruise. Experience local wildlife and picturesque Shishole Bay; explore coastal islands and Olympic National Park; and learn from Seattle’s picturesque waterfront. Hike among nature’s giants. Discover the secret places along Washington’s wild coastline. Kayak among rocky outcroppings, spotting sea life. Explore dramatic Deception Pass by skiff. And hike mossy island forests frequented by red fox, deer and woodpeckers.

An unhurried agenda paired with a diligent captain and crew encourages watching for whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles and sea birds. Explore scenic winding channels, temperate rainforest and old-growth forest. Uncover native cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Hike in the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Constitution and Washington State Parks. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard and explore by skiff in glacial fjords and the San Juan archipelago.

One vessel operates this 8-day itinerary, the 22-guest Safari Quest, which provides a luxury and intimate experience voyaging along the coast. The Safari Quest is also an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter cruises due to her small size. 

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Northwest cruises, Pacific Northwest trips and San Juan Island cruises.



Itinerary

San Juan Islands & Olympic National Wilderness Itinerary

Cruise round-trip from Seattle, Washington, on this amazing 8-day San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness cruise.

San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness cruise route map operating round-trip from Seattle with visits to Hurricane Ridge, Puget Sound, Mt. Constitution and the islands of Lopez, Stuart, Sucia & Orcas.
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Day 1
Embark Seattle, Washington

Seattle was founded along the shores of Elliott Bay. Today, set sail from picturesque Shilshole Bay and cruise along the city’s shoreline before dropping anchor in a tucked away cove.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Salish Sea & Deception Pass

Wake up surrounded by the wilderness of the Salish Sea. Today, there are many opportunities to investigate this sea-salty playground of islands. A guided kayak reveals local inhabitants—sea stars, anemones, jelly fish, perhaps even inquisitive harbor seals. Walk along a curiosity-rich intertidal zone or stretch the legs on a mossy hike. And tides and current permitting, sail through swirling waters of Deception Pass. Cap off this first day of adventure with a front-row view of the sunset from the bow.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Lopez Island & San Juan Island

You’ve landed in one of the most scenic areas of the Salish Sea. The rocky outcroppings of Lopez Island play host to harbor seals—and it’s also orca territory. When kayaking, keep eyes peeled above and below the surface. Join the expedition team on deck searching for whales, seals and sea lions while cruising through the myriad San Juans—no two islands are the same. Drop anchor near San Juan Island—the second largest landmass in the archipelago—to explore tide pools and skiff or kayak into hidden coves, as conditions permit.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Stuart Island Park

Near the U.S.-Canada border, Stuart Island Park hosts today’s adventures. Hikers head up to higher ground to see the Turn Point Light Station or walk the shoreline looking for tidepools. Or hop in a kayak with a cabin mate or newfound friend and explore the wildlife of the coast from the water. Take a skiff tour for great photo opportunities.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Orcas Island & Mt. Constitution

The captain navigates through the islands to a basecamp location at Orcas Island–for a day of play where the options are unending. A local favorite, hike Mt. Constitutionit’s the highest peak in the San Juan Islands (2,409 feet high) and has a mind-blowing view of the archipelago. If you’re interested in skiff exploration or more paddling, the kayaks and paddleboards are up for grabs.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Sucia Island

The treats keep coming! With no paved roads or even ferry access, enjoy today on picturesque Sucia Islandtotal year-round population of foura Washington State Marine Park filled with hidden coves and bays. Feel a million miles away from it all while exploring the intertidal zone with the guides, hiking across the island and kayaking in a protected bay. It’s all up for grabs.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Olympic National Park

Hike in Olympic National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—surrounded by rainforest, old growth forest, and top-of-the-world 360-degree views. Today’s trek at Hurricane Ridge takes you across fields of sub-alpine flowers in warmer weather and snow-covered hills in the colder months. On a clear day, one can see Canada across to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This evening, wrap it up with a farewell dinner and slide show highlighting the week’s adventures.

Accommodations

Safari Quest

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Disembark Seattle, Washington

This morning, cruise into Seattle at Shilshole Bay. After breakfast, the captain and crew bid you a fond farewell. Safe travels to all!

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; massage; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; taxes and port fees of $200(spring 2023) or $375(fall 2023 through fall 2024) per person.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 days or more – 50% of deposit
119 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 46 days – 50% of total trip cost
45 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness cruise begins and ends in Seattle, Washington (SEA). Plan flights to arrive to Seattle by 1:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Seattle no earlier than 12:00pm on Day 8.

Activities

Whether you are looking for moderate activity or vigorous, extended and challenging outdoor pursuits, the crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation. Limited quantities of hiking poles and binoculars are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.

Families & Children

The Safari Quest requires children passengers to be over 13 years of age.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Apr 07 - Apr 14, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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Apr 14 - Apr 21, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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Apr 21 - Apr 28, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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Apr 28 - May 05, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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May 05 - May 12, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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May 12 - May 19, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5600USD
Per Person
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Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Sep 29, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Sep 29 - Oct 06, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 06 - Oct 13, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 13 - Oct 20, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 20 - Oct 27, 2023
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5700USD
Per Person
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Apr 05 - Apr 12, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5700USD
Per Person
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Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5700USD
Per Person
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Apr 19 - Apr 26, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5700USD
Per Person
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Apr 26 - May 03, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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May 03 - May 10, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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May 10 - May 17, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Sep 20 - Sep 27, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Sep 27 - Oct 04, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 04 - Oct 11, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 11 - Oct 18, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 18 - Oct 25, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $6100USD
Per Person
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Oct 25 - Nov 01, 2024
Safari Quest • 8 days
From $5700USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
Safari Quest

The 22-guest exclusive Motor Yacht Safari Quest cruises Alaska's Inside Passage, Prince William Sound and British Columbia and offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Unique among yachts, the Safari Quest’s size enables her to cruise areas restricted to traditional small ships.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires May 15th, 2023
Groups Of 6 Or More Save 10% On Select 2023 & 2024 Small Ship Cruises Worldwide

Choose from a variety of adventure cruises around the world and your group of 6 or more will receive 10% off.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"So Much Adventure"

We never knew that the San Juan Islands could be so beautiful and hold so much adventure for this older couple. Everyone on the Wilderness Discoverer worked hard (but never showed it) to make sure we had an exciting and fulfilling time. Their patience and enthusiasm for their jobs made our trip so memorable.

Overall
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100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

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A collection of small ships make this iconic 13-day passage along the coastline between Seattle and Juneau, Alaska, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park.

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This 14-day itinerary between Seattle, Washington, and Sitka, Alaska, is an educational voyage aboard 100-guest sister ships National Geographic Quest or Venture.

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San Juan Islands & Olympic Wilderness Cruise

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