At Outer Island Excursions we are excited about our fleet of new, high-speed, and fuel efficient thrilling vessels. With smaller, faster boats we offer an adventure where passengers can have a personal experience with more one-on-one time with your Captain and Naturalist. For regular tours we only put 30 people on our largest boat even though it could hold up to 40. Or if you would like a private charter, you can have complete control over your trip’s itinerary- choose your favorite vessel below and call us to schedule your custom expedition! Enjoy endless possibilities of whale watching, fishing, island hopping, lighthouse viewing, birdwatching, or even fine dining by stopping at Roche Harbor or the Willows Inn- or catch Dungeness crab and have us prepare them for you on a remote beach.
OUR VESSELS
“The Blackfish II”
38ft Aluminum Catamaran
The Blackfish II is custom designed for whale watching, with an incredible blend of comfort and thrill. This vessel carries up to 26 passengers, with TWO decks and a fantastic view from the roof. With a top speed of 42 knots (that is almost 50 mph) the Blackfish II is easily twice as fast as the average whale watching boat and the fastest whale watching boat in the San Juans! You will find seating for everyone inside and out as well as a full restroom. Powered by the most fuel-efficient engines on the water in the San Juans, at an idle they are whisper-quiet to minimize impact on the whales and environment. At only three years old, the Blackfish II is great for whale watching and custom charters.
“The Blackfish III”
38ft Aluminum Catamaran
We loved the design of the Blackfish II so much, we built another! The Blackfish III is brand new for 2015, with a few subtle modifications (check out the Captain’s wheel house on the upper deck). An incredible blend of comfort and thrill, this vessel carries up to 30 passengers with TWO decks and a fantastic view from the roof. With a top speed of 42 knots (that is almost 50 mph) the Blackfish fleet vessels are easily twice as fast as the average whale watching boat and the fastest whale watching boats in the San Juans! You will find seating for everyone inside and out as well as a full restroom. Powered by the most fuel-efficient engines on the water in the San Juans, at an idle they are whisper-quiet to minimize impact on the whales and environment. Our primary vessel moored in Anacortes, the Blackfish III is great for whale watching and custom charters.
“The Blackfish Express“
38ft Aluminum Catamaran
The Blackfish Express is the ultimate thrill ride as the fastest passenger boat in the San Juan Islands! Feel the rush of the fresh Pacific Northwest air on our only totally open deck boat. But don’t worry: we are happy to provide coats just in case. Complete with a wide wind break, full restroom, and plenty of cushioned seating. You would never guess it has top speeds over 50 mph because it has such a smooth, comfortable ride- until you watch as we fly by all the other boats! With the same twin outboard engines as the Blackfish II and the Blackfish III but half the weight, the Blackfish Express is very fuel-efficient yet whisper-quiet when we slow down to an idle to watch wildlife. For the truly adventurous, the Blackfish Express is the perfect boat for getting to the whales fast! This boat is the perfect vessel to make your private charter into the adventure of a lifetime.
“The Triton”
32ft Aluminum Chamber Boat
The Triton is the toughest, safest, and one of the fastest of its kind. This boat was designed primarily for military applications and was built locally in Bellingham, WA. With seats for up to 13 people, heated cabin and full restroom making this an ideal boat for any experience. Top speed is 50 MPH with a 35 MPH cruising speed. The Triton has an open back deck, front deck, and a large comfortable cabin with large windows making viewing whales easy no matter where you are on the boat! Our most popular vessel for private whale watching charters, early reservations are strongly recommended for July and August.
“The Loki” & “The Blackmouth”
26 ft Catamarans
The Loki and the Blackmouth are the perfect combination of speed and comfort, ideal for a small group or private charter. A great choice for family outings with an enclosed area and bathroom, they are ideal for fishing as well as whale watching. The catamaran hull provides a stable fishing platform and great viewing area. Both vessels have full electronics and can cruise at 30 mph with a top speed of 45 mph. These vessels have a maximum of 6 people plus crew. Our most popular vessels for fishing, these boats are both certified for salmon fishing so you can bring up to 12 people and fish together! Early reservations are strongly recommended for July and August.
“The Sun Runner”
23ft Fiberglass Skiff
The Sun Runner is a very fast and smooth riding boat making it ideal for small groups to fish, whale watch or a combination of both. With a full electronic package and an emergency head she cruises along at 30 mph and tops out at about 40 mph. This vessel is ideal for small groups interested in bottom fishing, island hopping, lighthouse tours, birdwatching, and water taxis. Sorry, no beach landings. Maximum of 6 passengers.