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

Mon 28 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Mon 28 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)

itsanissue

May 2017

First time whale watching. Early May, overcast and a bit rainy but absolutely worth it. Pete (captain) Clay and Rachel (naturalists) were great! Very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. The boat was a good size. We saw tons of bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals and many other birds. We didn't see a ton of whales but we did see "Big Mama" and she put in a bit of a show for us as we were leaving her. Heed the advice and wear layers if not in the summer (and maybe summer too because of the wind off the water). They do have slickers and blankets that still come in handy but if you can layer and "waterproof" yourself you will be glad you did. I'm looking forward to coming back and doing I again with the same company. Oh, and a shout out to the little cafe where you check in. Really good coffee and can get a small 8 ounce serving if you just need to warm up. Definitely check these folks out. I HIGHLY recommend them!

Response from Host

May 2017

Thank you for your review, and thank you for acknowledging your captain and crew! We work very hard for our guests, and are glad that you had a wonderful experience. Please be sure to join us again when we settle into our great summer weather pattern...but yes! Plan on still bringing those warm extra layers. Blankets and slickers are always available on board, and the cafe is open to grab a hot beverage after tours! Thanks again, and come see us again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Scissorkickers

Apr 2017

We took the seaplane over which was incredible. The boat trip was equally fantastic. The crew really loves their job and they love this environment. We saw a humpback whale. Lots of porpoise, seals and bald eagles. Great time. Was a little early for Orcas. We may come back when the salmon start to run.

Response from Host

May 2017

Thank you for taking the time to review your San Juan Safaris whale watch & wildlife tour! Many thanks for your recognition of your crew's professionalism and passion. As a small local business, it's one of our top priorities. Glad you had an excellent experience, and please be sure to come see us again in the future. Sincerely, Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Jessica2Islands

Apr 2017

We were going on this whale watch a little early in the season, so I was nervous that we weren't going to see any Orca whales. Our naturalist guides were so informative and accessible during the four hour journey. We were lucky enough to come across two transient pods of Orcas and followed them for quite a while. And when our captain received a call that there was a Humpback whale nearby, they made the extra trip for us. We saw bald eagles and two types of seals as well. A really wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Response from Host

Apr 2017

Many thanks for your kind words, Jessica! Glad you got to encounter both transient orcas and a humpback whale. What an amazing early spring treat! Thank you especially for the recognition of your naturalists. We have some of the best marine naturalists in the industry, and we are glad it showed. Please come and visit us again in the future! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris