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

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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)

Karen C

Aug 2016

San Juan Safaris remains top notch as far as tour companies operate! All staff are kind, clear, excited, and offer the reassurance of necessary safety measures. For this trip, I took the opportunity to try out the new boat in their fleet, Kestrel, a fast and fun zodiac that fits a little under twenty passengers, comfortably, even with the all-weather suits provided for the tour. Reservations staff Brittany was communicative about everything I needed to bring (water, sunglasses, a granola bar!) or not bring (the kitchen sink!), and what time I needed to be back at the docks for the start of the tour. Naturalist Sarah knows what she's talking about. Her passion for the wildlife of the islands is contagious! She was aware of everyone on board, acknowledged this experience was new for most of us, and took time checking in with each guest and answering all of our pressing questions. Captain (Owner-Operator) Brian was incredible! His experience as a captain in the San Juans for nearly 20 years proved consideration of all folks on board as well as the wildlife in the waters surrounding us. Overall: beautiful weather and smooth sailing. And we saw whales!

Suvisharma

Aug 2016

We have been on many whale watching excursions over the years and no contest whatsoever, San Juan Safaris was the best! Captain Brian with his speedy zodiac and Naturalist Sarah were amazing and were able to show us 15-20 wild orcas that day. Captain Brian was fantastic at ensuring our view of the orcas was to its full potential while still remaining a respectful distance away....truly a great skill to possess. Naturalist Sarah was very passionate and knowledgeable about these beautiful creatures and made a warm connection with my 10 year old daughter who also is a Blackfish and marine mammal fanatic. San Juan Safaris and their Orca and marine mammal experience on the Kesstrel was totally worth every penny spent. Can't wait to go back again next year! Thanks Captain Brian and Naturalist Sarah....you made our trip absolutely the best!

bendoregongirl

Aug 2016

We went out twice and would go a third! The boats were clean and not over crowded, the staff was helpful and knowledgeable, and the whales were stunning (yes we saw orcas both times but it isn't a given. They will do the best they can to find you a very wide ranging wild animal). the first trip was a 5:30pm cruise aboard the larger Sea Lion which can hold 40 but had only about 25 and we all fit with room to roam. We saw the transient whales as well as other animals and the crazy ocean current of the area all as the sun set. The next trip was a noon trip in the Kittewake which holds 12 but only had 9 today. I would recommend the smaller boat as it is more agile and there are less people to contend with. On both trips the naturalist were quick to answer any question. They truly seem to like being out with the whales as much as the guests. FYI second trip gets a discount and that is always good.