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

Fri 25 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Fri 25 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)

Dawn F

Oct 2015

This was an excellent tour. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and we got to see all kinds of sea life including seals, sea lions, and whales.

LORI H

Oct 2015

We've never been whale watching before and I don't know if this was beginner's luck, but what a great day! We took the Washington State Ferry over on foot on an amazing weather day in October. We were worried because it was the end of the season, but it didn't matter. The incredibly nice crew welcomed us aboard went over some safety and what we were hoping to see that day. The captain and his two crew said there were already some whale sightings that day so they were feeling good. Not only was the crew nice, talkative and helping on the ride out to the whales, but they knew so much about the area and wildlife. When the seaspray got to be too much, they got us full length rain coats. We could stay outside or go inside, but it was such a great day we wanted to stay out...even if it meant getting a little wet. We spent more than an hour out looking at whales and we saw plenty of Killer Whales, at least 10 different sightings. On our way back in we stopped and saw some seals/sea lions and then when we were almost in we saw a bald eagle in it's nest and flying around. Truly was a great experience made possible by the whales and the crew. This is a must do!!

brenda w

Oct 2015

I know that whale watching tours can be great or a bust, depending on where the whales are and other variables beyond human control. We were blessed with a truly awesome one!! The people who did our tour: Our awesome guide, Mike, Capt. Mike, and Sarah, really had it together! We saw a humpback and were fortunate to get to watch several Orcas over a period of time. The one had a huge dorsal fin and it was truly stunning to watch them swimming, spouting and diving. I had never seen whales in the wild and I am so happy with this trip! We also toured about on the boat and saw a large bald eagle, as well as other varied animals. Our guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable and told us many things that we had not known before. The whole trip was just amazing. If you are hesitating because of cost, it was SOOOOO worth it!We tipped generously! Of course, there are no guarantees with this sort of thing, but I think that if the whales are out there, these guys will find them!