The San Juan Islands by their very name would imply that they would be located in the Caribbean or Central or South America. However, thanks to the intrepid expeditions of early 18th century Spanish explorers this 700 island archipelago is located in the Pacific Northwest between Washington State and British Columbia.

Most of the islands are too small for habitation and only 172 have actually been named. For the traveller to this area at least four are worthy of a visit. From Anacortes, Washington excellent ferry service is available to 4 of the major islands: Shaw, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan.

The largest of the islands, San Juan, is home to Friday Harbor, the largest community in the archipelago. This small town bustles with tours were the activities such as shopping and gallery visits for local arts and crafts. But the island also boasts Lime Kiln Point State Park, a park entirely devoted to whale watching, located on the west side of the island. For an overnight stay try the Hotel de Haro in Roche Harbor. Built in 1896 the hotel once hosted Teddy Roosevelt as a visitor and the inn is as popular now as it was then. It boasts a wide variety of accommodation but with only 70 rooms be sure to book well in advance.

Whale watching has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest particularly during the months of June, July and August. It is to this area that you can come to watch and both Orcas, commonly known as killer whales, and more than 20,000 gray whales that migrate every year from California and Mexico to Alaska. Lime Kiln Point State Park is a truly excellent location to view these magnificent beasts on their way to northern waters.

If cycling is more to your style to Lopez island. The islands gently rolling hills and friendly drivers make it one of the most desirable cycling spots in the Pacific Northwest. Lopez is considered to be the flattest of the islands in this archipelago.

Sea kayakers find the waters surrounding Deer Harbor on Orcas Island to be an exceptional spot for kayaking. The protected waters of this horseshoe shape island provide lots of bays and inlets for pursuing this activity.

If sailing is more to your fancy the waters and islands of this area provide the perfect spots for gunk holing and day sailing. Those who prefer wind to motor will revel in the many harbors and fair breezes of this area.

For more information on visiting the islands of the San Juan Archipelago go to www.tourism.wa.gov. For ferry service information: www.wsdot.gov/ferries.