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

Thu 09 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Thu 09 Jan

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)

Minerallaker

Jun 2014

This was the perfect whale watching experience. The boat was just the right size, enough room for everyone on there to get a good vantage point. We saw lots of Orca whales and Captain Mike did a great job getting us there. The guides, Sarah and Heather were informative and helpful. Their enthusiasm for the whales was contagious. Thank again!

Marielle L

Jun 2014

I had a great time on the whale watch on June 10th! I was visiting the area from Maryland and I really wanted to see some orcas while on the west coast. This trip did not disappoint! Although it seemed like it took a really long time to get to the whales, the area was very beautiful. It was so cool to see the transient orcas, especially the little baby. My favorite part was getting to see them hunt and throw a seal up into the air! I've been on several whale watches before but I really enjoyed this one because the boat was just the right size with not too many people on board. I learned a lot from the naturalist and both her and the captain were very nice.

LadyMerrick13

Jun 2014

My husband and I decided to go to Seattle for our honeymoon and whale watching was the highlight of the whole event. We decided to take the small plane from Lake Union to Friday harbor which was surprisingly smooth and rather enjoyable. Not to mention, the 40 minute plane ride sure beat the four hour drive/ferry route. The tour itself was rather enjoyable, the staff was very friendly and very knowledgeable. After about 40 minutes of traveling we happened to come across two oracs which were hunting salmon off the coast. Then all of a sudden one swam up to the boat (was literally right next to it), swam under the boat and lead us to two pods of oracs. There we spent the next three hours watching many oracs breaching, tale and fin slapping, and spy hopping. We even saw two minke whales breaching with the orcas, which according to our guide was a rare thing. San Juan Safaris was an amazing experience which, if giving the option, I would do time and time again. Even with the odds of seeing a whale at 90%, I was glad they were in our favor.