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

Sun 06 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 06 Jul

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)

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!

Caitlin O

Oct 2015

Great trip with San Juan Safaris!!!!!!!! Naturalist Sarah and Mike were extremely knowledgeable and helpful aboard the Sea Lion. Captain Mike went above and beyond to bring us to find orcas during our trip. We did have a bit of travel time to get to the whales, but it was worth it! We were treated to many excellent looks at these amazing creatures. On our trek back, we stopped to view harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and even some bald eagles. I would highly recommend friends and family to book with San Juan Safaris and would love to return on another trip soon!