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Home Winter Bird Watching Tour of Deception Pass & Whidbey Island

Winter Bird Watching Tour of Deception Pass & Whidbey Island

Seattle, Washington

Home Winter Bird Watching Tour of Deception Pass & Whidbey Island

Winter Bird Watching Tour of Deception Pass & Whidbey Island

Seattle, Washington

Duration: 10 hours and 30 minutes

Overview

Discover the natural wonders and history of the Pacific Northwest on a day trip from Seattle to Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island. Birdwatch in the renowned Skagit Valley, explore Deception Pass State Park, delve into Whidbey Island's historical sites, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Puget Sound.

🌿 Discover Skagit Valley's winter birdwatching with snow geese and trumpeter swans

🌊 Explore Deception Pass State Park's rugged wilderness, rocky shores, and Salish Sea views

🏰 Uncover Whidbey Island's history, from a military fort to the cultural richness of Greenbank Farms

🚢 Conclude with a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound, enjoying the Olympic Mountain Range views

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Seasonal,
November-April:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8:00am

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

  • Age: 10+
  • Experience level: All levels are welcome.

Who can you accommodate for?

  • Children: Children must be at least 10 years old to join the tour. All children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Individuals with disabilities: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. 
  • Dietary restrictions: The tour provider can accommodate most common dietary restrictions so long as they have advance notice. Please inform them at least 48 hours prior to your tour if you require any of the following dietary needs:
    • Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian, Pork/Beef Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free*, Peanut/Tree Nut Free*, Shellfish/Seafood Free*
    • *Please note: They can accommodate nut/peanut and gluten allergies but cannot accommodate needs that require that food come from a certified facility (certified gluten free or nut free).
    • There are a handful of dietary restrictions that the tour provider is not set up to provide or can vary from person to person (Halal, Kosher, Paleo, Keto, garlic/onion free, etc.). If you follow one of these diets, you may consider bringing some supplemental food for the day depending on your specific needs.
  • Languages: The tour is available in English.
  • Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

  • Duration: 10.5 hours (approximately 8:00am - 6:30pm). Please allow for an additional 30 minutes on either side of the tour to accommodate pickups and dropoffs. 
  • What’s included: 
    • Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your downtown Seattle accommodations.
    • Naturalist tour leader
    • Seasonal picnic lunch from a local female owned caterer
    • Park entrance fees and transportation fees to and from Seattle
    • Snacks, water, sparkling water, and more
  • Who will be present: You will have a guide with you at all times as well as up to 10 total participants. There is a minimum of 2 participants for the tour to run and a maximum of 10.
  • Spectators: No spectators are allowed, everyone must have reservations.
  • Photo/ video: Photos are encouraged!
  • Specific rules to follow: All rules will be shared at the beginning of the tour.

 

How to prepare?

  • Weather dependency: The tour will run rain or shine because the Pacific Northwest is stunning regardless of what the weather may bring. Frequently, wet weather only lasts an hour or so before things start to improve again.
  • Arrival: Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the pickup time.
  • Parking: If you are meeting at a pickup location, parking will be available onsite.
  • What to wear: Closed-toe comfortable walking shoes, hiking shoes, or light boots. Waterproof boots are required for snowshoeing tours between November and April. A light wind/waterproof jacket is always good to have. Non-cotton outer layers (please avoid denim) are also recommended. Extra layers or a second pair of socks can be safely stored in the vehicle if you decide you do not need them.
  • What to bring: There is room in the van for each guest to bring a small back or day bag for the day that can fit underneath the vehicle seat to keep any personal belongings with you. Recommended items to bring include:
    • A hat and sunglasses
    • Cell phone and camera
    • Any necessary medications or personal items
    • If you have a favorite pair of trekking poles, otherwise the tour provider can loan you one if desired. 
    • Gratuity for your guide is not included and greatly appreciated if you enjoy the experience. Suggested gratuity is $15-$40 per person. 
    • The tour provider cannot accommodate storing luggage for guests. If you are transferring or checking out of your hotel the same morning as your tour, you may consider checking to see if your hotel offers luggage storage for the day.
  • Restrooms: Specific stops are pre-planned to and from the park, so you’ll never go without a restroom option for more than an hour to hour and a half. That said, if you need one in between that, just ask. Your guide will be able to adjust if needed.

Full description

Sample Itinerary:

  • 8:00 AM - Depart Seattle After Downtown Pickups
    • The journey begins, with the last pickup typically at the Sheraton Grand Hotel at 8:00 AM. For other downtown hotels, you may coordinate and confirm the exact timing the day before your trip, ensuring a hassle-free pickup.
  • 9:00 AM - Birdwatch in the Skagit Valley
    • Explore the renowned Skagit Valley, a winter haven for migratory birds. Armed with binoculars, witness tens of thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans in their natural habitat, enjoying the mild Pacific Northwest winters.
  • 11:00 AM - Explore Deception Pass State Park
    • Uncover the secrets of Deception Pass State Park, a pocket of wilderness with a rich history of smuggling and shipwrecks. Beachcomb along the rocky shore, wander forested trails, and keep an eye out for marine wildlife, from birds to seals.
  • 1:00 PM - Lunch at Deception Pass State Park
    • Relish a locally-sourced lunch in a covered picnic area. For the adventurous, take a walk across the 180-foot-high Deception Pass bridge, offering exhilarating views of the surroundings.
  • 2:30 PM - Whidbey Island History
    • Embark on an afternoon of Whidbey Island exploration, visiting a historic military fort, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and learning about the island's agricultural heritage at Greenbank Farms. Indulge in locally made loganberry wine or grab a homemade pie from Whidbey Pies (food and beverage purchases not included).
  • 5:30 PM - Ferry Across the Puget Sound Waters
    • Conclude the day with a tranquil ferry ride from Whidbey Island to the mainland. In winter, enjoy the sunset behind the Olympic Mountain Range as you cruise across the Puget Sound.
  • 6:30 PM - Downtown Seattle Hotel Drop-offs
    • As you return to Seattle, you’ll be dropped off where you were picked up or at another preferred spot nearby, wrapping up a day filled with adventure and exploration.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking subject to availability and approval by the provider. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.

Duration: 10 hours and 30 minutes
$261
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