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 03 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Thu 03 Apr

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)

Byron V

Jun 2015

Went out on the Sea Lion on 6-4-15. First off the captains were awesome; very informative as was the biologist. She knew everything about the whales. Saw two separate pods and she was Johnny on the spot to point out the differences. The boat was perfect, clean and crew was as professional as can be.

jdogmtn

Jun 2015

My wife and I decided to visit Seattle for the first time Memorial day weekend. We are whale fanatics, especially Killer Whales! So going to San Juan Island was a no brainer. Our original plan was to take the Sea Plane from Seattle to Friday Harbor. However Our Sea plane was grounded (or watered I guess in this case) because of fog. This meant we would miss our afternoon whale watch tour. And there was no return Sea plane flight after the later Evening whale-watch tour. We were lucky enough that Joan of San Juan safari tried to work with the plane company to arrange a later flight, but do to safety concerns it didn't pan out. My wife and I were dispointed to think we may miss-out on the opportunity of a life-time to see wild orcas. But Joan (San Juan Safaris) was extremely helpful and guided us how to get to Friday harbor via the ferry from Anacortes. It ended up being a beautiful drive. We had no issues getting refunds for the flight and we reached Friday Harbor whist having a fun adventure along the way. Best of all our whale watch tour was a great success! We followed a pod of transients. spotted several bald eagles and observed a group of Stellar Sea Lions The staff on board were terrific! While on the boat I worked with the staff to trace the lineage of an orca I adopted when I was 6 years old. Her name was Saratoga. We found her pod designation number (J-5). and I learned who all her decedents were. Sadly shes passed away years ago at the ripe age of seventy-something. It was just so freaking cool and inspiring to share waters with these animals. and the team at San Juan Safaris did a fantastic job making it happen. PS Make sure to Bring water/snacks and layered clothing!

Shaun H

May 2015

Excellent experience from start to finish. We booked whale watching one day and kayaking with our boys, 7 and 9, the next day. I was watching the weather reoprts and I was concerned that rain was forcast the day of the kayak trip. I spoke with Emily and she seemed genuinely interested in making our experience the best it could be. She was happy to move us around if needed, but advised to wait a day closer and see what the forecast would bring, as their weather is ever changing. She called me the next day and indeed, the forecast had changed! The whale watching was fantastic. The captain and naturalists were friendly and informative, and yes- we saw whales! The boat had the perfect amount of passengers and felt very safe for my kids. We kayaked the next day and the guides were again friendly and informative. They definitely catered to what the kids were interested in- we ended up with quite a rock skipping contest. True customer service is difficult to find these days. This crew did it effortlessly. They just all seem like genuinely nice people. I would definitely use them again.