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

Sat 24 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sat 24 May

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)

SM_by_the_zoo

Aug 2015

My cousin and I went on a tour yesterday and we had a great time! We saw many whales, although not really up close. They're supposed to stay some distance away from them to not disturb them, which I was ok with. The naturalist, Alex, and first mate, Eric were so knowledge - they were able to identify all of the whales by their dorsal fins. As an added bonus they were 2 off duty naturalists on board that I inundated with questions. They were also so helpful. It speaks volumes that they spend their day off doing what they get paid for, too! The boat captain did a great job; the ride was so smooth. We sat in the front the while time and they gave us blankets to keep warm. The operators were also very conscientious - they cancelled put first booked tour due to the high winds and waves...I was really appreciative of that. No one wants to be on the water with 5ft swells. I have not used any other of the operators but this company was first rate! Definitely use them!

Linda Z

Aug 2015

We went out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with clear skies and calm water. Even if the weather hadn't cooperated, it would have been an amazing experience. We went on the Kittiwake, with about 10 others plus our Naturalist, Sarah and our Captain Jim. The boat was great (I loved being on a smaller boat down at water level), Sarah's knowledge of the ecosystem and the whales was impressive, and our Captain knew exactly where to find the Orcas. It was thrilling to watch the pods of whales swim and play together. We got to Friday Harbor just for the day and made the excellent choice of getting there by SeaPlane which was a special treat also. Seeing the Island from the air gave me a context to understand the orca whales habit and habitat. Highly recommended!

coolmom039

Aug 2015

We really enjoyed the whale watching tour from Friday Harbor. Lovely town and the naturalists and captain clearly love what they do. We saw a pod of whales, bald eagles, seals and deer. It was a long day for us as we drove from Seattle but worth the trip. We had never taken a ferry and that was a fun experience. Next time I would consider staying over in Friday Harbor the night before to break up the day or take a sea plan from Union Lake. All and all a great day and a value. Great job San Juan Safari!