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 02 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Thu 02 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)

Eric S

May 2014

This was my third time whale watching on the Sea Lion. Even though I didn't see whales the other two times; the third trip made up for it. Not only did we see two sets of whales, we also saw them up close and personal. The whales swam directly next to and under the boat! Totally awesome!!! As usual the crew were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Thanks! I will defineately be back again next year. Trip on 05/27/14. Eric B. Smith

Rachel2490

May 2014

My mom and I went on a whale watching tour in mid April, Easter weekend to be exact. They warned us that there hadn't been any sightings yet that morning, but that they would try hard to head into the direction where we might best find the orcas. It took some driving, and our tour time was slightly extended at the beginning, but sure enough we found 2 families! The staff was extremely knowledgable and friendly. You can tell that they love their job. They had many facts about the orcas and other animals, and they were great about answering any and all questions. Also, the scenery of the surrounding islands and land was beautiful. My mom and I had a blast! One of my favorite vacation experiences. I would go back again in a heartbeat.

Jan B

May 2014

We would highly recommend this company. Captain Mike and naturalist Heather could not have tried harder to make our experience great. We had no problem sighting sea lions, harbor seals, and eagles, however, our tour was almost over and no Orcas were to be found. As we were heading back to Friday Harbor, Captain Mike and Heather somehow got word that a group of transient Orcas were in the area. They worked overtime and headed for the whales! We were awed by 5 orcas, so close to the boat at one point, we could hear them breaching the water and clearing their blow holes. Great experience for the whole family!