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

Sun 27 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 27 Oct

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

LeslieBarberBlack

Aug 2016

The Sunset Whale Watching was Amazing! Orca Whales, Porpous, Seals, Sea lion, Otters and the beautiful Bald Eagles - All in one cruise! I recommend being on the bow, you may get a little wet and cold but so worth the thrill! Captain was great and both naturalist were so informative.

Megan M

Aug 2016

I knew that we would want to take the kids on a whale watching tour while vacationing on Friday Harbor. I had done a bit of research prior to leaving. So I knew we would want a vessel with an indoor and outdoor option, a toilet, naturalists and activities for our 2 kids (5 and 8). I also had a sense of pricing. So when we docked in Friday Harbor we were pleased to find San Juan Safaris right on the pier. We were greeted warmly upon entering the building. I asked all our my questions and we easily scheduled a tour for 2 days later (although they had space as soon as the next day). Once on the boat we got a comfy spot inside. The kids enjoyed getting in and out of the boat. I'm not sure the total number of people on board but it appeared that everyone had a seat. Two naturalists wandered around answering questions and checking to see if everyone was ok. They offered rain ponchos when it began to drizzle and even loaned us a pair of binoculars when we forgot ours. It did seem to take a while (1-1.5 hrs) to get out to the whale watching, however when we did it was so worth it! We saw the "transient" pod of Orcas and they were active! According to the naturalists it is rare for this pod to be so active. We saw lots of tail slaps and even a couple of full breaches! I got a fantastic photo to prove it. I would recommend this tour for anyone who is looking for a fun, interactive activity while on San Juan Island.

Shannon J

Aug 2016

I wish I could give a hundred stars!!! I had the greatest experience on Friday August 5th, 2016. I flew in with Kenmore Air from DT Seattle in the morning, and then boarded the Sea Lion for an afternoon of whale watching. The boat was to capacity, but it did not feel crowded at all, which the guides informed us they do on purpose to avoid being so over crowded people can't see. The ride out was very pleasant, saw some bald eagles and sea lions, all super cool. Once we got in an area with Orcas, it was truly an unbelievable experience.I know that what myself and the other fellow Orca lovers on the boat was rare, but thats not the only reason that my experience was so great. The guides were so helpful and informative, taking time to talk with every single person on the boat. I can't say enough positive things about my experience, already looking into my next trip and I will for sure be going on a whale watch with San Juan Safaris again! (Also Kenmore Air was an awesome experience as well, breathtaking views and great pilots)