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)

saimike

Aug 2015

We booked the trip through San Jan Safaris and were totally blown away. It was unlike any other whale watch I'd ever done. Small boat, very few people, great visibility from everywhere and such an intimate group that time with the naturalists was easy. The pilot was great and the naturalists were very knowledgable. We saw a ton of every type of marine animal that's we'd have hoped: - Orcas - at least 20 different whales, breaching, flopping, swimming alongside the boat. - Bald eagles - nesting, flying, calling - Minke whales & porpoises swimming alongside each other - Harbor seals, pacific sea lions

tracymorris1977

Aug 2015

We went out with San Juan Safaris on 08/06/15, it was a spur of the moment decision, they had space and we hopped on board. I was a bit nervous because we didn't research the company beforehand and I love these Southern Resident Orcas, as much as I want to see them I also want to respect their space so a company that does that is very important to me. San Juan Safaris was amazing, we found a lot of orcas, they followed the rules and most importantly respected the orcas space. The naturalists on board were great as well! Overall it was an amazing trip, we saw a lot of activity. We took the 5pm trip and I can't recommend that enough, the lighting is great and there are less boats following the orcas. If I could recommend something to all whale watching tours in the Salish Sea it would be to take advantage of the people on board who presumably want to see orcas, and tell them about the plight these very special endangered orcas face AND how they can help! Maybe some fliers or posters hung on the cabin. I realize it's a downer but there won't be much of a business if the Southern Residents don't get the help they need soon.

Irina D

Aug 2015

I'm so glad I chose this tour to go whale watching. Because of their newer, faster boat and communications with other captains we found the orcas. On the trip back to Seattle customers of other whale watching tours were sad to report not seeing the orcas! Go San Juan Safaris or don't go at all!