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)

Opining3

Jun 2013

Was a little bummed once we got on the boat to hear that whales run more starting in late June through the summer. That said we went out on a cool sunny day memorial day weekend and found a playful humpback whale that jumped 20+ times and gave us all a thrill. The naturalists on the boat were very friendly and helpful. We talked about the various islands and were taken to see seals and bald eagles as well. This boat is not as big as some of the others that go out, but size can be deceiving. The "facilities" on the larger boats are less sophisticated and completely paperless, whereas this one is more normal. We stayed dry but it was cool so dress in layers. The crew did have blankets to share and those were key sitting in the bow of the boat. They also had binoculars to lend as well in case you forget yours. Enjoy!

Deborah C

May 2013

We loved this whale watching trip! We went with a 6 & 8 year old and they loved it too - never a bored moment. From the get-go, the naturalists on board do a great job of giving little talks about the area - we learned a lot. They walked around the boat, pointing things out, answering any and all questions - I wasn't expecting this kind of attention - and we loved it! They were prepared for rainy days with jackets for all - but we had sun. Still, it was cold - wear lots of layers and use the blankets and binoculars they make available. There are plastic tubs to put your purses in - but we brought a small cooler and did a little family lunch indoors during one stint with no whales. We saw a whale breach over 30 times! It was amazing. Even when we didn't spot one in the beginning, it felt fun, like a storm chaser, but with whales. Spotting bald eagles was also a bonus!~

Laceyrs

May 2013

The crew were tuned in to 'reports' of sightings in the area and 'found' a young humpback whale that put on a rare show for us all. It breached more times than the naturalist had ever encountered. It was a wonderful, and rare, sighting that they led us to. The crew was great, handed out jackets and blankets to keep everyone comfortable as well as being very friendly. The boat was well kept and even had other entertainment for small children. This was truly a once in a lifetime memorable trip.