November 2, 2021
It’s still hot and smoky outside, you’re stir crazy, and all you can think of is a cool breeze off the water on your face. Not to mention epic views, whales performing aquatic gymnastics just for you, bald eagles soaring overhead, and deer stopping to watch you. All that and native shellfish and world-renowned local wines. Luckily you’re in Washington State so it’s just another day on Whidbey and Camano Islands.
Pack the family, grab your masks, and get the Whidbey/Camano experience, whether you are visiting in person or escaping in your mind:
1. Spot and track whales
Fall can be a good time to spot orcas. After spending most of the summer in the San Juan Islands, our Resident orca pods venture south into inland waters for the fall and early winter months, traveling down Admiralty Inlet chasing chum salmon runs into lower Puget Sound.
But sightings are possible for much of the year:
- Late February – early June
Gray whales from Langley, most beaches off South Whidbey Island, or further north in Saratoga Passage - October-December
Orcas, which are much harder to predict as they travel back and forth between Lower Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, the San Juans, the B.C. Canadian Islands, the outer coast, and even down to California!
Read about the history of whales, the best places to see them, and and how you can help track them.
2. Explore like Vancouver
At the northern tip of Whidbey, Deception Pass suspension bridge connects Whidbey island and the mainland. In 2020, the historic bridge celebrates its 85-year anniversary. Spot whales and adventurers floating by on the bubbling Puget Sound waters below — a passage that was first discovered by Captain George Vancouver.
Explore the seasons and characters of Washington state’s iconic and most visited state park — Deception Pass State Park with over 4,000 acres of forests, shoreline, and wildlife.
3. Experience nature as art and food
Wildlife habitats include fresh and salt-water wetlands, shorelines, fields and forests and a multitude of species can be viewed in all seasons including bald eagles, herons, Canada Geese, and quail.
Local bird photographers Craig and Joy Johnson describe the process of taking their most famous shots and the birds that can be seen in the area in this video:
There is a host of things to see and do on the islands which also showcase the local fresh organic produce. Camano Island Honey is a result of one woman's effort to re-establish bees on Camano Island.
4. Learn how to shuck an oyster
Naturally, oysters are readily available on the islands and tend to be the giant variety called Gigas. Chef Vincent Nattress is the owner and chef at Whidbey Island's Orchard Kitchen — a farm to table dining experience and teaching restaurant. Find out how to shuck an oyster from the pros.
5. Experience epic views
Explore your backyard and stay safe but still have an amazing experience. There’s beauty in every turn on Whidbey and Camano Islands. From beautiful beaches and scenic mountains to the rural ambiance and forest drives, the views are perfect for chasing away big city stress.
These three drives will make you say “Wow!” Do them in person, or experience them through 360 degree videos:
- Ebey’s Landing
- West Beach
- Deception Pass
Safe travel during COVID-19
Of course it’s essential to keep your family and the community safe during COVID-19.
Mask Up Indoors!
Washington State's Governor has mandated that everyone resume wearing masks indoors due to the increased number of cases of COVID-19 due to the Delta variant.
Masks indoors are required regardless of vaccination status and is effective beginning August 23, 2021.
Other resources that will help you along the way:
- Washington State Ferries schedule between Clinton and Mukilteo
- The Coupeville — Port Townsend ferry schedule
- Whidbey and Camano Island COVID-19 updates
Supporting state tourism
The Port of Seattle supports Washington State tourism with several programs because it’s a vital and significant segment of King County and Washington state's economy. COVID-19 has acutely damaged employment in Washington State's travel sector.
- Through the end of April 2020, job losses within the leisure and hospitality sector represented 42 percent of all job losses in the state
- From March 1 through May 23, hotel room revenue declined by 72 percent
- For the week ending June 28, 2020, traffic at SEA International Airport averaged 15,500 passengers through TSA (a 75 percent reduction over 2019)
Tourism Recovery Initiative
In July 2020, the Port Commission approved the Tourism Recovery Initiative, and a partnership with the Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA), the official destination marketing organization for Washington State. Funding will kick off a multifaceted statewide marketing program to positively impact the state and the Port's travel assets, bring important travel service and hospitality jobs back, and help lift this important sector of Washington State's economy out of the doldrums.
Tourism Marketing Support Program
Through this program, Whidbey/ Camano Islands Tourism has received matching funds awards several years in a row:
- 2017: $10,000 in funding to create new online information in five foreign languages, participate in international travel trade shows, and host international travel writers with the goal of increasing international visitation
- 2016: $6,000 to attend an international tourism show to increase international tour programs to the islands. And to create new website messaging, advertising and collateral targeted toward international visitation
• The next application cycle kicks off in December 2021. Learn more
Spotlight SEA Airport Advertising Program
Since 2017, the Port has reserved 10 percent of the available advertising space at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to advertise state destinations and events on signs throughout the airport concourses and baggage claim. The Port covers the cost of reserving the advertising, and awardees pay for production, installation, and taxes.
Photo credit for top photo: Michael Stadler
