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)

Mona2446

Jul 2016

My granddaughter and I flew up to Friday Harbor with Kenmore Air and joined the afternoon whale watching tour. Lovely weather and high tourist season meant the boat was at capacity. There was someplace for everyone to sit or stand, or both as one's preference, with good viewing for all the way the boat is arranged. It did feel quite packed, to be honest, but that meant being among more happy people from all over. The naturalist on board answered every question with enthusiasm. We saw five whales for quite a long time. Blankets are provided for people who think a hot day means you won't need a coat (me!). We disembarked thinking how lucky we were seeing the orcas and what a great experience we'd had.

AggieRaeTraveler

Jul 2016

My niece and I booked the seaplane whale watching day trip for our weekend in Seattle. We enjoyed Kenmore Air's seaplane to Friday Harbor. We had plenty of time to explore Friday Harbor before the whale watching trip. We saw a pod of transient orcas, seals and eagles. We left the boat with great memories, photos and a better understanding of orcas. This is a great tour with knowledgable naturalists (Alex and Lauren) combined with a safe captain (Mike)!

orcacld

Jul 2016

The crew on the Kestrel is so awesome, we went out with them twice this week! Both times saw lots of Orcas, also a Minke whale, seals, and a Bald Eagle. Brian and his crew were great at locating the pods and being respectful of their space, but gave us an excellent view. Sarah, the naturalist, was also incredible, pointing the whales out by name and providing LOTS of information. We got to witness a meeting of J and L pods and watch them enthusiastically greet and play with each other.