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

Mon 21 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Mon 21 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)

Marielle L

Jun 2014

I had a great time on the whale watch on June 10th! I was visiting the area from Maryland and I really wanted to see some orcas while on the west coast. This trip did not disappoint! Although it seemed like it took a really long time to get to the whales, the area was very beautiful. It was so cool to see the transient orcas, especially the little baby. My favorite part was getting to see them hunt and throw a seal up into the air! I've been on several whale watches before but I really enjoyed this one because the boat was just the right size with not too many people on board. I learned a lot from the naturalist and both her and the captain were very nice.

LadyMerrick13

Jun 2014

My husband and I decided to go to Seattle for our honeymoon and whale watching was the highlight of the whole event. We decided to take the small plane from Lake Union to Friday harbor which was surprisingly smooth and rather enjoyable. Not to mention, the 40 minute plane ride sure beat the four hour drive/ferry route. The tour itself was rather enjoyable, the staff was very friendly and very knowledgeable. After about 40 minutes of traveling we happened to come across two oracs which were hunting salmon off the coast. Then all of a sudden one swam up to the boat (was literally right next to it), swam under the boat and lead us to two pods of oracs. There we spent the next three hours watching many oracs breaching, tale and fin slapping, and spy hopping. We even saw two minke whales breaching with the orcas, which according to our guide was a rare thing. San Juan Safaris was an amazing experience which, if giving the option, I would do time and time again. Even with the odds of seeing a whale at 90%, I was glad they were in our favor.

Mia K

Jun 2014

My mother, brother, and myself took a road trip to the pnw so that I could check out my future graduate school. We scheduled an extra day just for whale watching, and we were not disappointed. The staff was friendly and informative, and the boat wasn't overcrowded, so everyone was able to move about the vessel with ease. We spent an hour observing the J pod of whales, during which time we saw a few breach, and one spyhop! The captain was gracious enough to let us stay on the water longer than scheduled so that we could continue to watch the whales. Overall it was a marvelous trip, and I would definitely recommend San Juan Safaris to others!