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

Tue 22 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Tue 22 Oct

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)

Sarah S

Jul 2014

Over 20 years ago, my mother adopted an Orca in my name. I had J-6 for several years until he passed away in 1998. At that time, my mom adopted J-27, Blackberry, in my name. Every November, she renews my adoption as my first Christmas present. Since I received my first adoption package, I have dreamed of seeing an Orca in the wild. As a teacher, I have shared my love of Orcas with every class. This year, my family surprised me with a trip to Friday Harbor including a whale tour with San Juan Safaris. I cannot express my excitement. The minute our tour began I knew this would be an amazing experience. The staff, especially Rachel, were friendly and knowledgeable. We found our first group of Orcas in only 45 minutes. It was the most amazing experience ever! We saw over 20 different Orcas during our tour. Rachel and the others were awesome. They worked so hard to identify the different groups. When it was time to turn around and head back to Friday Harbor, the captain took the boat around so that we would be able to see one last group of Orcas. Amazingly enough, it was J-27, my Blackberry! Not only did my dream come true of seeing an Orca, but I was able to see MY Orca! This was one of the most special days of my entire life. I have been home from Friday Harbor for exactly one week and have already adopted J-34, DoubleStuf, for my 2 year old niece, and have also joined the Center for Whale Research. I cannot wait to return to Friday Harbor! The first thing I will do will be book my next trip with San Juan Safaris. Thank you for an amazing day!

Anna F

Jul 2014

We had a wonderful and educational exploration with numerous animal sightings including eagles, harbor seals, and of course the Orcas. Enjoyed the naturalist on board to explain about the whales and and answer questions about anything we could think of. Also since the weather was good we were able to see many of the surrounding islands and mountains. I would certainly do the trip again with other visitors or on my own

Laurie G

Jul 2014

I was truly blessed to have been on a boat on July 5th with San Juan Safari. The crew was incredibly amazing! They knew the orcas by name and pod. We saw over 70 whales that day! BEWARE - THIS IS NOT A TYPICAL DAY YOU CAN EXPECT! But what an incredible team that led us right into the middle of the Sound where we watched over 25 breeches, the orcas playing on their backs, hugging, holding hands, and pop-ups. The 3 pods (J, K, and L) all met and greeted each other while our boat was held captivated by all 3 pods surrounding the boat while they played and played and played. It was amazing and the crew stayed out longer than they should have so we could enjoy the phenomenon.