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)

tracymorris1977

Aug 2015

We went out with San Juan Safaris on 08/06/15, it was a spur of the moment decision, they had space and we hopped on board. I was a bit nervous because we didn't research the company beforehand and I love these Southern Resident Orcas, as much as I want to see them I also want to respect their space so a company that does that is very important to me. San Juan Safaris was amazing, we found a lot of orcas, they followed the rules and most importantly respected the orcas space. The naturalists on board were great as well! Overall it was an amazing trip, we saw a lot of activity. We took the 5pm trip and I can't recommend that enough, the lighting is great and there are less boats following the orcas. If I could recommend something to all whale watching tours in the Salish Sea it would be to take advantage of the people on board who presumably want to see orcas, and tell them about the plight these very special endangered orcas face AND how they can help! Maybe some fliers or posters hung on the cabin. I realize it's a downer but there won't be much of a business if the Southern Residents don't get the help they need soon.

Irina D

Aug 2015

I'm so glad I chose this tour to go whale watching. Because of their newer, faster boat and communications with other captains we found the orcas. On the trip back to Seattle customers of other whale watching tours were sad to report not seeing the orcas! Go San Juan Safaris or don't go at all!

Runningdawg

Aug 2015

It was the perfect day on the San Juan Straits- blue skies, sunny, perfect crisp to the air. The whale watch was so exciting, we flew over on Kenmore Air from Lake Union which was an exciting start (our plane was small!) to a great day. We went out on the straits and immediately started seeing orcas in pods, mother calf pairs and even close encounters with a big male! The captain and naturalists were friendly, entertaining and very well informed. I would recommend this tour to everybody. I will truly treasure this experience I felt so connected to the success of the orcas in this pristine ecosystem. The beautiful snow topped Mount Baker, the playful orcas, the beautiful weather...it couldn't have been better!