Activities

Fishing

West Beach Resort is in an area containing some of the best fishing, crabbing and SCUBA diving in the world (yes, the WORLD!). Whether you're equipped with expensive gear or just a stick, line and hook, be prepared for some great fun. Below are some of the possibilities.

Off the dock: A 60 pound lingcod was caught off the dock by a little boy trying to catch bullhead. The waters beneath the dock are filled with sea life. At night you might see small sharks and skates (some are 5 feet across!) gliding along the bottom, not to mention schools of herring, perch, and the occasional salmon. Some liken it to an aquarium. You may fish for kelp greenling and sea perch with small hooks and light gear. You may crab with pots (in season) or star traps, both available from the resort tackle shop and kiosk.

Rockfish: Rockfish, including quillback (Sebastes maliger) and copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), are the most common fish you will catch. Copper rockfish are characterized by brown, yellow, and white coloration. Quillback rockfish are the most abundant of the rockfishes in our area and are characterized by gray to brown mottled coloration w/ yellow on anterior portion of body. The adult size is about 18" long but have been recorded to grow as large as two feet. These fishes are usually found along kelp beds and reefs and group together in schools along the rocky substrate. They range from central California to Alaska. If you're going to fish for dinner, you will probably come home with a rockfish. Fishing rules and regulations (West Beach Resort is in marine area 7) Check rockfish regulations as the fishery is usually closed.

Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus): Lingcod fishing has been limited in recent years. Check the regulations each year to see when the season is open. Lingcod grow to enormous sizes - the largest we have seen caught by a guest was 68 pounds. (Unfortunately, he didn't report the fish. It would have been the world record!) The average weight is between 15 and 35 pounds. The body of the ling cod is long, with a large head with very large mouth lined with numerous long teeth. The lingcod has large pectoral fins that are used to provide itself with stability while laying in wait for prey on the bottom. The color of a lingcod varies from greenish-blue to brownish-red, with mottled darker spots and blotches. The belly is lighter colored, and the mouth area often has a bluish tint They range from southern California to Kodiak Alaska. They are usually in water over 100 feet deep, but they can also be caught in very shallow water. Lingcod are known to feed on anything that comes in its range, including shrimp, crustaceans, or fish. Lingcod mature once they reach 3 years in age, about 23 inches in length. Spawning takes place from December to March. Lingcod are found on rocky reefs, many of which are close to the resort. You should fish for lingcod at slack tide using jigs with rubber worms, herring, or any number of lures.

Salmon: 100 years ago, salmon were so plentiful that they could be harvested by net right off of the beach at West Beach. The population has certainly diminished since then, but the path the salmon follow is still the same. Great salmon fishing can be found in the waters directly in front of the resort. Summer is the best time for chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), commonly knows as "kings." They can be upwards to 60 pounds, but most in the 20-30 pound range (largest ever recorded was 124 pounds in Alaska). Spring, summer and fall yield coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), commonly known as "silvers." Fall and winter bring the blackmouth, which is an immature king. The world record blackmouth (42 pounds) was caught in front of West Beach in the '90s. In odd-numbered years, pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), commonly known as "humpies," usually arrive in the San Juans late in August and into September on their migration route to the Frasier River. Catching a "humpie" is relatively easy, if you know where to go. The staff in our tackle store will be glad to share the latest tips with you, and get you outfitted. Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) generally don't bite on any lures you will throw at them, but they are definitely in the San Juans, especially in the summer. You will often see chum and sockeye jumping around on the surface. Don't bother trying to catch them if you spot and identify and chum or sockeye... they usually won't bite! Visit our Fishing and Techniques page for more info on salmon. Visit our Fishing and Techniques page for more info on salmon.

West Beach Resort sells and provides everything you will need to get out there and catch that fish or crab. We have a tackle supply in the store, along with fishing licenses, bait, poles, and traps. Don't have a boat? Rent one from our activities kiosk!

Crabbing

A customer who was diving just 100 feet off our dock had this to say after his dive - "It was like going to the crab market! Each time I thought I had found my dinner, I saw another, bigger Dungeness. I finally wound up with the biggest crab I had ever seen; it more than filled my plate." Our bay is famous for world-class crabbing. Guests come from all over the Pacific Northwest to fish for crab right in our bay. Commercial crabbers fish our bay in the winter, it really is THAT good! We must say, when crabbing season opens, it really opens a new dimension to our resort. There is nothing like setting your trap and feeling the excitement of what's in the pot as you are bringing it up. Kids especially absolutely love this activity! Our dock gives those without boats access to great crabbing in our bay. The best bait is salmon heads, but a can of cat food works too! Our bay has red rock crabs (Cancer antennarius), characterized by a vibrant red coloration and a smaller adult size, and dungeness crab (Cancer magister), . characterized by a larger adult size, smaller claws, and brown coloration. Fishing rules and regulations (West Beach Resort is in marine area 7)

We will set you up with everything you need to have you feasting on gorgeous, succulent fresh crab. Gear is for sale in our store, or you can rent equipment and boats from our activities kiosk. Day licenses are also available.

Clamming

No need to go far for some great clamming. The receding tide exposes our tide flats, home to cockles, butter clams, and the occasional gooey duck. We'll set you and yours up with buckets and shovels for a great adventure in the sand you're sure to enjoy! Be sure to check the WDFW Biotoxin website or call the Red Tide Hotline (1-800-562-5632) for any closures.

Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs

The west side of Orcas Island is the most pristine and undeveloped side of the island. We are home to spectacular sunsets and amazing wildlife viewing. There is no better place to kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board than right here in our bay. Common wildlife sightings include harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles, sea otters, king fishers, blue herons, and the occasional Orca whale. We have all the gear available for a great time on the water.

For some serious adventure, try a guided kayak tour with Outer Island Excursions. All tours are led by qualified, experienced guides, and are done in small groups only. You are guaranteed an intimate and special experience. Enjoy our beautiful environment from the comfort and stability of a double kayak led by professional guides. Guided trips are offered from May through September and include a guided sunset tour that is simply stunning. Sunsets at West Beach Resort are magical, no question - but to be out on the water amidst our calm waters and wildlife at this time of day is an experience comparable to no other. Call Shearwater Adventures at 360-376-4699 for reservations and mention you want the Sunset Tour departing from West Beach Resort!

Motorboats

Whether you're looking for a serious fishing adventure or just a relaxing time on the water, we'll have you on the water in no time in one of our motor boats. Our boats are 14'-16' and have either a 6 horsepower or 9.9 horsepower motor. Rent the boat only or include a crab pot, fishing poles, bait, and lures for a fishing adventure.

Our bay is protected from the predominantly southeast winds, so our waters usually very calm, tranquil, and great for boating. If you're looking for fishing grounds, there are many right by the resort. In fact, local fishermen in salmon derbies nearly always catch the big one right off the cliffs to the south of our resort. Or try your luck at bottom fishing off the kelp beds just north of the resort.

Whale Watching

Hop aboard one of Outer Island Expeditions’ custom high speed aluminum vessels for an up close and personal experience. We’ll pick you up at the West Beach Resort marina in most cases. All our vessels have an enclosed cabin and restroom. We have scheduled trips and custom private trips and can accommodate singles, couples, families, and larger groups (up to 24 people). Get closer to the wildlife and have a say in the itinerary. Our vessels are faster than the larger boats; this means you get to spend more time with the whales and wildlife. We also love to integrate other activities with whale watching. We can also explore an island state park, go fishing or crabbing, kayak, explore a lighthouse, or enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner on a remote island. We also offer trips that highlight independent activities such as Charter Fishing, Island Hopping Tours, and Kayak Trips. We are one of very few charters with this type of flexibility. Choose Outer Island Expeditions for a private, intimate, and authentic wildlife experience. All our trips are led by trained naturalists. Please contact us at (360) 376-3711 or outerislandx@hotmail.com with any question or to book your trip.  Use promo code for 10% off:  westbeach

Kids' Activities

We like to think of our resort as "kid paradise." At least that's what we're told by kids and adults alike! Our daily kids' activities (summer only) are designed with fun in mind. Each activity is supervised and led by our trained staff and includes such activities as face painting, build your own sundaes, treasure hunt, fishing derby, and arts and crafts. Let the smiles begin!

Bonfire

A staple activity at West Beach Resort since the beginning of the resort in the early 1930s, the large nightly bonfire on the beach is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day. There is something truly magical about sitting along the beach next to a crackling bonfire and watching the sun dip behind the Canadian Gulf Islands. We like to think of our bonfire activity as the cherry on top after a full day of fun and relaxation at West Beach Resort.

Hot Tub

Watching the sun set from the comfort of our large hot tub is a special occasion. The hot tub at West Beach Resort is free to use for our cabin guests. Our RV and camping guests can purchase a 24-hour "hot tub pass" at the store for $5. Children under the age of 6 are not allowed in our hot tub. Hours are 9:30AM - 9:30PM.