San Juan Islands Fox Photo Tour

June 4 – 6, 2022: FULL
June 6 – 8, 2022: FULL

Join me on a fun photographic outing with the colorful foxes of Washington’s San Juan Islands! The red foxes found in this region have gained some attention for their unique and varied fur color (anything from the traditional orange [“red”] to black [“silver”] to gray [“pearl”]… to even brown [“cinnamon”]!). But this adventure offers more than just pretty subjects, as I’ve found the setting to be ideal for some great photo ops. It’s a perfect opportunity to work on your wildlife photography in a relaxed setting with some very fun and accommodating subjects.

We time the trip to photograph growing fox kits, which gives us opportunities to see more interesting socialization among the youngsters and between adults and young. This is later than most tours here, but the timing has its advantages: the fox kits are more independent and playful, more tolerant of an audience… and the crowds have largely diminished (we were sometimes photographing them alone at this time in 2019). Also, we’re more likely to have good weather the later we visit.

Other wildlife sightings are also possible: Bald eagles, black-tailed deer, and other birds and mammals inhabit the islands. Those opting for an optional whale-watching excursion have a chance to see and photograph marine mammals and birds.

See the 2021 fox photo gallery.
See the 2019 fox photo gallery.
See the 2018 fox photo gallery.

General Tour Schedule:

Day 1: Depart Seattle area for the San Juans, with a goal of an afternoon arrival. We’ll pick up our dinner to go (we’ll be out late) and check into our hotel in town before heading out for our first afternoon/evening fox shoot.

Day 2: Morning shoot with the foxes, followed by an optional midday orca watching/photography outing for tour participants (or midday break for those that want to skip the orcas). We will reunite in the afternoon for our second afternoon/evening fox session.

Day 3: One final morning outing with foxes before prepping for the ferry trip back to the mainland.

This tour has a lot of flexibility. Participants have the option of renting their own vehicle and scheduling their own ferry rides, should they wish to remain on the island longer. Whale/orca watching is an optional add-on that will incur additional costs.

Tour cost for participants is fluid, and depends on a number of factors. I calculate a base tour cost + expenses, which vary depending on the transportation and other options folks choose.

2022 Base Tour Cost:

$2095 per person, based on double occupancy

$275 single supplement

Base Tour Cost Includes:

• Lodging during the tour (2 nights)
• Welcome lunch or dinner (timing of this meal may depend on ferry schedules)
• Guiding and optional photo instruction by Max
• All park and permit fees

Base Tour Cost Does NOT Include:

• Transportation, including road-based transport and ferry tickets
• All meals/food except for welcome meal, though we will have a selection of light snacks available
• Orca/whale watching and photography tour (optional)
• Any additional expenses incurred before or after the trip (e.g., if you plan extra nights on the island)

Each tour is limited to six guests. These tours are now full.

I am an approved National Park CUA permit holder for this tour. We are working closely with the park service to conduct safe and respectful photography experiences with the local wildlife.