Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

Overview

The best orca whale watching is from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, just an easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle. The San Juan Islands are considered the "jewel" of the Pacific Northwest, located in the Puget Sound.

City: San Juan Islands

Fri 18 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Fri 18 Jul

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Whale Watching Cruise

Local taxes

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For maximum safety children under 2 should be in a harness carrier strapped to a parent and remain in the cabin
"Special Limited" tour not recommended for child aged 13 and under
Restrooms are available on board the boat

What To Expect

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is considered one of the best place to view wild orca whales because the surrounding nutrient rich water of the Salish Sea. These nutrients draw all types of marine animals, including large marine mammals like orcas. Take this Whale watching tour and see orca whales, during peak season we have a 90-95% success rate of spotting orca, minke, humpback and gray whales. What is the best time to see orca whales? Anytime. They are out and about all day. Aside from whales, many other marine mammals like harbor seals and stellar sea lions, as well as various sea birds, bald eagles and some unique terrestrial mammals are all common sightings! You'll definitely come back with memories to last a lifetime! Enjoy the beauty of San Juan Island on an exclusive Whale Watch Cruise from Friday Harbor. Sail aboard the fast, new 55 foot MV Sea Lion (with windowed, heated cabin, which seats up to 24 guests). 40 or fewer guest aboard this comfortable boat with walk around deck.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (728)

Louise_F

Jul 2024

The experience of the whales heading down under the boat and coming up on the other side. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared this with everyone.

266maggied

Jun 2024

We had such a great crew and got to see a pair of humpback whales, resident killer whales, an elephant seal, sea lions, puffins. Wow! Well worth it and just such an incredible experience. It’s fun to see wildlife with naturalists and experts who are truly passionate about what they do.

Melanie_C

Jun 2024

This tour was family and kid-friendly, although challenging across mid-day for smaller kids for a 4-hour trip, including a toddler. It was safe enough for little kids, although, probably more ideal for around 4 years and up, given the time it takes to get out to the right area. The staff was very friendly with the kids, and knowledgeable and helpful in general. Compared to other regions, be aware that you cannot get nearly as close to Orcas as you can to Humpbacks and others whales to relevant laws; however, we were fortunate enough to see a handful from far away. One thing that was not clear on any of my paperwork or tickets was the check-in time, although I intentionally looked all over head of time. It could have been how it booked it, but there was no indication we needed to check in 40 minutes prior to the time on the Viator ticket. Fortunately, the tour called me and we scrambled to check in, barely in time (which was tough with small kids). Still, it was a very worthwhile tour and we're glad we made it.