My Passport’s Travels

Saturday, April 11, 2026

No rest for the weary! We have an early ferry to Orcas Island, and you have to be there 30 minutes ahead even with a reservation. As we pulled into the ferry dock, we saw some deer, which would become a theme for today! After checking in, Bekah pulled the car into line and I got out to take a few pictures while we waited.

Our turn! The ferry ride is almost an hour and it is beautiful!

Upon arrival, we drove about 20 minutes into town (markers 17 and 18 on the map above), where Bekah had found the Island Skillet – an amazing breakfast restaurant. After which, we wandered in town – checking out the bookshop with an amazing bay view.

There is also a lovely park with an amphitheater across the street from The Dragonfly Cafe, where we grabbed lattes before heading on to the next stop for the day. I highly recommend the maple cardamom latte!

Orcas Island is shaped like a rainbow, with the port on the lower left and the town in the middle, northern part of the island. We headed down the east side towards Moran State Park and Mount Constitution.

The views were spectacular from the top!

Along the road, there were lots of large moss-covered boulders, that we thought looked just like the trolls from Frozen!

And more deer! This one was having a very late breakfast under a log.

We made our way to the marina for our Whale and Orca tour with Outer Island Excursions.

Our little boat held about 30, but only had indoor seating for 20. We were the last aboard, so we ended up outside, which gave us spectacular views and a healthy dousing of liquid sunshine! (Note the lack of head covering on my coat…)

I couldn’t find my hood! I finally decided that I had detached it on the last trip and it didn’t get put back on, so I texted Mom and asked her to lay it out so I could be sure to attached the hood before our next trip. She replied, “Have Bekah check. It’s there.”

Somehow, I missed it! Although in my defense, I was trying to find it without taking my coat off because it was 50 degrees and pouring! Hahaha!

On to more lovely scenery – including the ferry!

Suddenly the boat comes to a stop and people are pouring outside – there are whales!

It was a pod of four, Mom and three of her children. I couldn’t remember everything the guide told us and was very grateful I could find the info on Google! And on the map – the red line is the US/Canadian boarder.

I did remember this important information though: Orcas are actually dolphins. But they do a killer whale impression!

As we continued around the islands, we got to see more wildlife – eagles, sea lions, and big horn sheep!

This colony wanted to be sure and voice their displeasure at everything in general. So loud!!

It was time to head back ashore – we were soaked, but so happy! It was an amazing tour!

We realized we were starving and headed back to Eastsound to see if we could get in at Mijitas, a Mexican restaurant in town. They were able to squeeze us in – although we shared a table with another group. But they put a serape barrier up for us! Margaritas, chips and salsa, and enchiladas!! Afterwards, we had time before our return ferry so we stopped in at the Orcas Hotel for coffee and dessert. A great end to our visit!

Back on the mainland, Bekah started the drive to our hotel where we rounded a corner and came upon these beauties!

At the hotel, we had to stop in the parking lot for a picture of the creepy statue in front of the Chinese restaurant next door before falling into bed after a long, but wonderful day!