San Juan Islands Tours & Holidays

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October (middle of spring to middle of fall), as that's when the weather is at its best. The months of summer (June, July, and August) are considered to be the peak season to visit the islands, so be prepared for large crowds and higher accommodation prices. You'll want to avoid the winter months as the temperatures can reach freezing levels, and you're likely to want to spend time inside rather than out exploring the natural landscapes.

The San Juan Islands are full of breathtaking landscapes, and exploring it all can take it out of you, so it's no surprise this region is home to plenty of breweries you can rehydrate in. 

While there are heaps of breweries to choose from on the islands, these are some of our favourites: 

• San Juan Island Brewing Company 
• Cease and Desist 
• Orcas Island Hoppin' Brewery
• The Oar House at Friday Harbor Brewing Company

There is plenty of mobile service in the San Juan Islands, so you should be fine with your service provider within the town.

Once you head to more remote areas within the region or to its national parks, your cell service may drop out but should reconnect to the 4G network upon returning to more populated areas.

What to pack for a trip to the San Juan Islands is determined by what kind of vacation you want to have. However, there are some must-have items you want to remember.

The San Juan Islands are known for having breathtaking national parks and spectacular scenery, so chances are you'll be spending a lot of time outside.

It would be best if you packed comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a reusable drink bottle, a day bag, a camera, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for your travel season.

There are 2 great ways to get to the San Juan islands, depending on where in the United States you travel from.

These two options include flying via seaplane into the harbour or taking the Washington State Ferry into the harbour, with several services offered each day.

Both options are relatively easy to organize and will give you great views of the islands on your way in.

The climate in the San Juan Islands is considered to be sub-oceanic, meaning the region experiences mild, rainy winters and mild, sunny summers.

On rare occasions, temperatures can reach 30°C+, but the average is more likely to be around 20°C during July and August.

Temperatures in winter can reach freezing levels, especially overnight, but the average is more likely to be 9°C during the day.

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.