Port Townsend Bird Watching Tours
Port Townsend is home to two National Marine Wildlife Refuges, providing amazing access to world-class bird watching opportunities.
Just off of Port Townsend are Protection Island and Smith Island Wildlife Refuges. Nearly 70 percent of Puget Sound and the Straitsâ nesting seabird population nests there, including one of the largest nesting colonies of rhinoceros auklets in the world as well as the largest nesting colony of glaucous-winged gulls in Washington. The area contains one of the last 2 nesting colonies of tufted puffins in the Puget Sound area.
Whether you are a “lister” or an explorer, the marine environment near Port Townsend offers tremendous birdwatching opportunities. Puget Sound Express offers the Pacific Northwest’s only birdwatching tours dedicated to getting you out to see marine birds.
Puffin and Bird Migration Cruises
April – October
In partnership with The Port Townsend Marine Science Center, join us to look for Tufted Puffins, as well as Spring and Fall Bird Migration Cruises. Whether you are a lister or an explorer, these cruises are for you!
3-day San Juan Islands Wildlife cruise
September
Selected by National Geographic as one of the Worldâs Top 3 destinations; the San Juan Islands offer whales, wildlife, and a dizzying array of seabirds. Enjoy days on the water, and evenings on San Juan Island.
3-day Birdwatching & Wildlife Cruise
April
Join PSE and the Olympic Peninsula Birdfest for an amazing three-day birdwatching and wildlife cruise in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy days on the water, and evenings at Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island.
The Hanke Family
from our family to yours
Three generations of our family have helped visitors have life-changing experiences with some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. Weâre blessed to live in whatâs been called âthe American Serengeti,â with one of the highest concentrations of whales and dolphins and sea life anywhere in the world â including our totem species, the orca. Few people know these waters like we do. Our experience and dedication make it possible for us to guarantee that youâll see whales on your trip â or weâll give you another trip absolutely free.
Latest News
Autumn 2026: 3-Day Wildlife Cruise Trip Log
Day 1: Smith & Minor Islands, Deception Pass, orcas at Bird Rocks, sea lions at Whale Rocks (82 nm) We departed on Tuesday from Port Townsend under the cover of fog, but in great spirits. Instead of the high winds forecast for the day, we found flat, calm seas all...
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