Sounders
April 11–12, 2026 | Langley, WA
More on the Map | Fully Arranged Short Escapes
WILD
2.5 hours from Seattle
Welcome the Whales returns to Langley, WA, this weekend, celebrating the return of the gray whales to this coastline. It’s part parade, part sea-celebrating ritual; a Melvillian, briney mix that’s a true community event.
You’ll be taking a ferry here, everyone. You don’t have to but it’s the most thematically appropriate way.
As always your stay, meal and local experience are all bookable in one click.
Captain Whidbey is a historic lodge sitting on six acres of waterfront along Penn Cove. It’s woodsy, moody, nautical, slightly off-kilter and distinctly Pacific Northwest.
The lodge is built from hundred-year-old logs and stone harvested on-site, and there are hidden staircases, curious design details and a handmade, unhurried quality that feels genuinely rare.
Queen suite for two on Sat. April 11. Pre-paid, just arrive.
Photo via Captain Whidbey
The Welcome the Whales festival celebrates the return of the "Sounders", a group of gray whales who divert from their northern migration each spring to spend a few weeks feeding on ghost shrimp along Whidbey Island's shorelines.
The Whale and Critter Parade runs through downtown Langley on Saturday at 2pm, followed by a waterside ceremony at Whale Bell Park with music and presentations. All while keeping a keen eye for gray whales in Saratoga Passage.
The event is completely free, but we’re including a Sunday screening of the new documentary The Way of the Whale, followed by a virtual Q&A with filmmaker Franco Campos-Lopez Benyunes.
Tickets for two to the film on Sunday.
Prima has been the anchor of the village's dining scene for nearly two decades. There’s a full cocktail bar, an outstanding wine list, and a seasonal menu that leans on local product as much as possible.
Mains include truffled wild prawns and steak frites, and the view, we will stress, is fantastic.
Dinner for two is at 7pm on Saturday evening. You’ll have a $180 food and drink credit, inclusive of tax and tip.
All arranged, no planning anxiety. Just go.
So how does this work? There’s no need for payment just yet. We’ll double confirm availability with our partners and send you a secure payment link by email. You’ll receive full trip details after booking.
We’re taking questions below.
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