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

Mon 28 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Mon 28 Apr

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

What To Expect

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is considered one of the best place to view wild orca whales because the surrounding nutrient rich water of the Salish Sea. These nutrients draw all types of marine animals, including large marine mammals like orcas. Take this Whale watching tour and see orca whales, during peak season we have a 90-95% success rate of spotting orca, minke, humpback and gray whales. What is the best time to see orca whales? Anytime. They are out and about all day. Aside from whales, many other marine mammals like harbor seals and stellar sea lions, as well as various sea birds, bald eagles and some unique terrestrial mammals are all common sightings! You'll definitely 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 (728)

bdavis1975

Nov 2015

At first I thought we were lucky. Over time, I started to recognize the amazing amount of skill involved in positioning the boat. Captain Brian was constantly one step ahead of the pack. Has he decoded the orca language? Possibly! I knew my wife and I were going whale watching but, we didn't know if choosing one company over another mattered. I'm happy to say that I owe a buddy a six pack for recommending San Juan Safaris!

Olivia W

Nov 2015

Our trip on the water was fantastic. I came rather late in the season, in October, but we saw tons of amazing marine mammals anyway. Rocks overflowing with sea lions and harbor seals, grey whales, minke whales, sleeping sea lions floating in the water. The naturalists on board know so much about the ecosystem and its inhabitants - even the bird life! They keep in communication with other boats to keep track of where to find the wildlife. All the crew was super fun. If you want to take a whale tour, book San Juan Safaris.

Rachel N

Nov 2015

I booked a tour in early November for a 12-person offsite and received fantastic service from start to finish. This was my second time working with the San Juan Safaris team (the first was for a group of ~30 in August 2013) and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Captain Brian, Emily, Sarah, and the rest of the staff were very responsive and Emily in particular was great in helping me arrange lunch and flights through Kenmore Air. When inclement weather forced us to reschedule, they were really accommodating and quickly fixed a new date. My team came back with many wildlife sightings, including 2 types of whales, and lots of gorgeous photos. Thanks, SJS!