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 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

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)

Melissa S

Jun 2013

Had a great time on our orca watching experience. Our naturalists were very helpful and enthusiastic about giving us a great experience. Would highly recommend trip to those who love wildlife.

ScubaJanet

Jun 2013

This was our main reason for visiting the San Juan islands and we were not disappointed. We saw lots of whales and we were fortunate to see mothers and their calves “playing” in the ocean. We went on the sunset tour which runs in the evening (about 5pm – 9pm). We were very glad we did because we only had 10 people on our boat plus the captain and naturalist. We also saw only one other whale watching boat on the ocean (a Canadian one). We were told the daytime tours may have as many as 40 people on the boat and you may see 15-20 other whale watching boats out on the water. The boat was very nice. It was rough for some of the ride, but you could go in the cabin to stay dry and warm up. They have binoculars on board that you can use. Dress warm, because it is cold out on the water. We brought a packed dinner (most all the local diners will pack it to go for you) and ate in the cabin of the boat on the way back. The naturalist explained a lot about the orca whales on the way out to see them. This was very interesting and helpful. This was a very awesome experience and we saw so many whales. Our children ages 10 and 13 very much enjoyed this excursion.

Shannon A

Jun 2013

My husband and I toured with San Juan Safaris on whale watching excursion May 24, 2013. We had an excellent trip and saw 3 orcas and a humpback! The crew was very knowledgeable and provided one-on-one attention to passengers. I was impressed with their experience and knowledge and was pleasantly surprised at the time they spent with everyone answering questions. It was a very relaxing yet educational day. Living near Yellowstone National Park, I did find it humorous that the whale watching boats gather and stop near the pods much like the cars congregate for bear and bison sightings in YNP! All boats maintained a safe and courteous distance.