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

Wed 08 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Wed 08 Jan

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

Mia K

Jun 2014

My mother, brother, and myself took a road trip to the pnw so that I could check out my future graduate school. We scheduled an extra day just for whale watching, and we were not disappointed. The staff was friendly and informative, and the boat wasn't overcrowded, so everyone was able to move about the vessel with ease. We spent an hour observing the J pod of whales, during which time we saw a few breach, and one spyhop! The captain was gracious enough to let us stay on the water longer than scheduled so that we could continue to watch the whales. Overall it was a marvelous trip, and I would definitely recommend San Juan Safaris to others!

Matt9568

Jun 2014

Overall, the trip was great. Learned a lot about the Orcas in the area, and had a chance to see some. Great trip for first time whale watchers. Kids under 8-10 may have problems with attention when the whale watching gets slow. The reality of the trip is that the whales are wild, and boat captains MUST stay 200ft away when possible. so that puts a bit of distance when viewing the whale activity. So bring a zoom capable camera. Keep in mind that you are going to SEE the whales, doesn't mean the whales will be showing off or otherwise making photo opportunities. Nevertheless, a great experience all together, highly suggested attraction to see in your life. And if you are anything like me, this just opened my desires to more whale watching.

Roxanne M

Jun 2014

Wonderful experience with a great crew and tons of whales! We saw J, K, T136 and lots of transient killer whales.