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 13 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Mon 13 Jan

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)

Shaun H

May 2015

Excellent experience from start to finish. We booked whale watching one day and kayaking with our boys, 7 and 9, the next day. I was watching the weather reoprts and I was concerned that rain was forcast the day of the kayak trip. I spoke with Emily and she seemed genuinely interested in making our experience the best it could be. She was happy to move us around if needed, but advised to wait a day closer and see what the forecast would bring, as their weather is ever changing. She called me the next day and indeed, the forecast had changed! The whale watching was fantastic. The captain and naturalists were friendly and informative, and yes- we saw whales! The boat had the perfect amount of passengers and felt very safe for my kids. We kayaked the next day and the guides were again friendly and informative. They definitely catered to what the kids were interested in- we ended up with quite a rock skipping contest. True customer service is difficult to find these days. This crew did it effortlessly. They just all seem like genuinely nice people. I would definitely use them again.

Bluide26

May 2015

Excellent tour company. The people are so courteous and helpful. Their email reservation tells you everything you need to know and precise information. Left from aeattle, took seaplane to fridaybharbor, them a boat to San Juan to see orca whales. Fantastic. The friday harbor is very nice. When we arrived, breakfast was still being served and few places open. We ate at a restaurant which had the best breakfast food and very inexpensive. It was one block on the right of Spring and was a bar and grill. Breakfast held our appetite for the entire tour. The people on the whale tour give lots of good information on the wild life and island. We saw bald eagles, huge sea lions, and so many orca whales. They make sure you get the experience of a lifetime. You don't feel rushed or time is running out. It is calm peaceful and all about you having he experience of a lifetime. No one on the boat rushed around as everyone felt calm with the demeanor of the caption and crew. Truly was relaxing and so enjoyable. The price is worth every penny. Just do it. Make sure to take a good camera and one with a long lense if you want up close. We used a lense of 225 ft and the shots looked great. Another person in our group used a normal lenses and still get great shots.

PNWexplorer24

May 2015

I took my parent on our first whale watching trip and we just loved it. Saw a family of orcas, a number of sea lions, and a few eagles. Our naturalist was very knowledgeable in all things San Juan, we learned a lot. There were also a few toddlers, young children, and even a baby on board, no issues everyone was happy, safe, and I captivated by Washington's natural beauty.