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

Tue 29 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Tue 29 Oct

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
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
50% capacity on vessels

What To Expect

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is considered the best place to view orca whales because the salmon, which are their prime source of food (about 95% of what they eat), travel up and down the west coast of San Juan Island and outlying areas. Take this Whale watching tour and see orca whales which has been viewed on over 90% of the tours with the possibility of spotting minke, humpback and gray whales to be higher. What is the best time to see orca whales? Anytime. They are out and about all day. You will be guaranteed see marine mammals and 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 (660)

SDH424

Aug 2017

My friend and I booked a whale watching tour that was truly ended up being once in a lifetime! I've been on several before all around the world but nothing prepared me for the whale encounter that we experienced. It was pretty chilly on the water but we dressed in layers, had our hot drinks in hand and San Juan Safari staff made sure we were bundled under their blankets. The boat captain and tour guides were fantastic! We say stellar sealions, minke whales, seals, eagles, ospreys and all sorts of birds but when we got into the open water, we started to see the resident J-pod. It was amazing to see them at a distance but our boat captain, Capt. Mike got us a bit closer and turned off the ignition. At one point the pod of 3 (matriarch and a younger killer whale) were teaching the calf how to hunt and we watched as they glided under our boat and around it to try and catch this fish, coming up for air just a few feet from where we were. It was incredible, breath-taking, inspiring, and the most memorable wildlife encounter I have ever had! What made it even more special was watching and hearing how excited our marine life experts and tour guides were having just all experienced that together. She even said "That simply does not happen ever!" so it made it all the more special. I highly recommend this tour outfitter. They may cost a pretty penny but it's all worth it because safety and comfort are their utmost priorities. Make this part of your adventure on San Juan Island!

paigebeesley

Aug 2017

My husband and I just went on an evening whale watch. We had Erick and Kelsey as our naturalist and Gabe as our captain. They were all fantastic and friendly. Any questions we had about the whales they answered for us. And we saw multiple humpbacks, bald eagles, and seals. And got a gorgeous view of Mt. Baker. We had such a great time and loved the staff so much we are already planning a trip for next year with them. Thank you San Juan Safaris we had a great time!

Response from Host

Aug 2017

Wow Paige, thank you for the exceptional review. We are happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the water. Your captain and crew work very hard to provide guests with a great tour experience, and it sounds like we succeeded. Thank you for letting us know. We look forward to seeing you again next summer! 2018 reservations will be open late fall. We'll see you then! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Teresa T

Jul 2017

The highlight of our 15th wedding anniversary trip with another couple, this whale watching tour far exceeding our expectations! The boat was beautiful and clean, captain was an expert navigator, and on-board naturalists were so knowledgeable. We saw a bald eagle, harbor seals, porpoises, and TWENTY-TWO orca whales from the resident J-Pod. It was amazing! We will not soon forget this special day. Thanks to the San Juan Safaris crew for the memories! Would highly recommend to anyone!

Response from Host

Aug 2017

Wow Teresa! Thank you for your kind review. We've happy to hear that we made your 15th wedding anniversary trip so memorable. You witnessed a very special family gathering of J-Pod. Amazing! Be sure to visit us again in the future when you find yourself here on San Juan Island! Sincerely, Brian Goodremont Owner & Captain San Juan Safaris