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

Sun 06 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 06 Jul

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)

Lisa B

Jul 2014

We saw a lot of Orcas and our naturalists were very enthusiastic and nice. It was a fabulous trip!

Timothy A

Jul 2014

We took the whale watching tour for the last day of our honeymoon after 2 weeks in Hawaii and 5 days in Seattle. We really wanted to go whale watching and the reason we booked with this company was that they offer a whale watch + return flight from Seattle. The sea plane flight from Lake Union was a wonderful experience. Whilst Friday Harbor is lovely, you don't need to book the early flight and spend the whole day there. There is still plenty of time in the afternoon (2-3 hours) if you book the 11am flight. We were met at the dock by the tour guide as our plane was a little late. The highlight of the day was the whale watching tour - we saw plenty of orcas and other wildlife (seals, bald eagles, porpoises). This was such a great day, it is up there as one our best life experiences! All with gorgeous views in the background. There are plenty of other cruises, but the staff made this a really easy experience to book and enjoy. Any questions just email them. The staff on the boat are great, some of whom are on University summer placements are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. P.s. Take extra clothes, including hats and gloves. It can get windy and cold, despite the sunny weather. They have blankets, but extra clothing still required at times! Also sun cream and snacks! A camera with a good zoom is great. But to be honest, you can spend half your time trying to get the right photo, you miss things!

Sarah S

Jul 2014

Over 20 years ago, my mother adopted an Orca in my name. I had J-6 for several years until he passed away in 1998. At that time, my mom adopted J-27, Blackberry, in my name. Every November, she renews my adoption as my first Christmas present. Since I received my first adoption package, I have dreamed of seeing an Orca in the wild. As a teacher, I have shared my love of Orcas with every class. This year, my family surprised me with a trip to Friday Harbor including a whale tour with San Juan Safaris. I cannot express my excitement. The minute our tour began I knew this would be an amazing experience. The staff, especially Rachel, were friendly and knowledgeable. We found our first group of Orcas in only 45 minutes. It was the most amazing experience ever! We saw over 20 different Orcas during our tour. Rachel and the others were awesome. They worked so hard to identify the different groups. When it was time to turn around and head back to Friday Harbor, the captain took the boat around so that we would be able to see one last group of Orcas. Amazingly enough, it was J-27, my Blackberry! Not only did my dream come true of seeing an Orca, but I was able to see MY Orca! This was one of the most special days of my entire life. I have been home from Friday Harbor for exactly one week and have already adopted J-34, DoubleStuf, for my 2 year old niece, and have also joined the Center for Whale Research. I cannot wait to return to Friday Harbor! The first thing I will do will be book my next trip with San Juan Safaris. Thank you for an amazing day!