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

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

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)

Colleen M

Nov 2015

We had a great time out on the water. The boat was great and the captain steered us right to the whales. Erick, the naturalist, helped point out specific whales, pointed out other wildlife, and gave us guides to learn more about the wildlife. Overall, wonderful experience!

Karen M

Nov 2015

The naturalist and boat driver knew where to look for the whales! Erick was a very knowledgeable naturalist.

Renee D

Nov 2015

What a day. San Juan Safaris does such an awesome job. I saw Orcas, Harbor Seals, Eagles and exotic animals. I took a mid day tour. The boat was comfortable, the guides knowledgeable and interesting. Their respect for the wildlife was apparent in everything they said and did. The guides readily recognized what pod we were viewing and whether they were transient or resident pods. They actually can tell you the name of some of the individual whales and so much more about the species and the eco-system they live in. Once we had seen many whales we headed back and saw eagles and then passed by an island that has several species of exoctic animals. There were several families with children on board and the guides did a good job of explaining things so all ages could learn and enjoy.