BY RECORD STAFF

Mystic Sea Charters of Anacortes will expand tours to Langley for the annual migration of gray whales in spring of 2013.

Beginning March 8 and going through April 29, the 100-foot M/V Mystic Sea will offer 2 ½- to 3-hour gray whale watching cruises out of the Langley Marina.

It will return to its homeport of Anacortes on May 1 for the orca, humpback and minke whale watching season.

“Visitors from near and far will have plenty of time after returning from their gray whale cruise to explore Langley, relax, shop, dine and stay the night in the beautiful Village by the Sea,” according to a company news release.

To ensure that the “Langley Experience” is convenient and pleasurable for everyone, Mystic Sea Charters is making a special effort to work with the Langley community.

In order to minimize vehicle impact on both the marina area as well as on the city of Langley, whale watching customers that come from across Puget Sound will be encouraged to park on the mainland and walk on the Clinton-to-Mukilteo ferry.

All Island Taxi Service will be available, as well as Island Transit, offering transportation for passengers to and from the ferry.

In addition, Mystic Sea Charters will offer reimbursement for walk-on passengers who come to Langley via the Clinton-to-Mukilteo ferry to go whale watching.

Mystic Sea Charters has been doing whale watch cruises in the San Juan Islands and the Deception Pass and Saratoga Passage area for over 20 years.

“Mystic Sea has an impeccable safety record and is known for its friendly, fun cruises, along with its very knowledgeable crew,” stated the news release.

“The M/V Mystic Sea is a fast, ocean-rated, Coast Guard certified vessel. She offers a heated, enclosed, comfortable aft deck, along with excellent inside and outside viewing,” the press release continued.

The Mystic Sea welcomes individuals as well as groups. In addition to whale watching and wildlife cruises, Mystic Sea Charters will be available for luncheon and dinner cruises, weddings, corporate events and parties.

For more information and to make reservations, call 1-800-308-9387 or go online to mysticseacharters.com for cruise departure times and prices.