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 25 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 25 May

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)

Cabo2010

Sep 2015

If you are squeezed for time, and not close to the San Juan Islands, the package that combines a seaplane ride with whale watching is the way to go !!! You'll leave form downtown Seattle (Lake Union), view the beautiful San Juan Islands from the air, enjoy some time to walk around scenic Friday Harbor, then witness Orcas in their very own playground during a 3 hour boat excursion. The naturalists are full of interesting facts, and very outgoing. This is a great 1-day excursion if you are in the Seattle area.

mary_dank

Sep 2015

We had a wonderful whale watching trip on the Sea Lion. The crew did an excellent job! Mike-the Captain and Sarah and Mike, the naturalists, provided us with a great educational experience about the Orcas and the natural environment of the San Juan Islands. We saw many Orcas on our trip, as well as other wildlife, and captain Mike was in constant communication with others on the water to get us to locations that gave us great views of the Orcas. Both naturalists knew a lot about Orcas and Sarah, in particular, was excellent at identifying the resident Orcas.They provided us with a whale watching experience we will never forget and hope to revisit again in the future. San Juan Safaris is an outstanding choice for a whale watching experience.

KJusta

Sep 2015

I have been on many whale watches in Hawaii and Alaska and this was one of my favorites for sure! Of course the activity of the whales is pretty unpredictable, the best season to see them is Jun-Aug. we happened to see all three pods at once! It was wonderful and the naturalist was very knowledgable and explained everything in a very understandable way. He was even able to identify specific individual whales.