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 28 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 28 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

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)

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.

AndyNYC

May 2013

This experience completely exceeded our expectations. The crew was friendly, efficient and extremely knowledgeable. The boat was immaculately clean, well maintained and comfortable. They warned us before we left the dock that it was very early in the season and we might not see anything. But shortly after heading out of Friday Harbor they got word from other boats that the whales were out and about and our chances were good we'd see some Orcas. After about half an hour of cruising around, we came upon our first pod. It was a mom and her two calves and they let us get quite close to them. All around us there were small groups of 2 - 6 whales and we could hear them vocalizing at the surface. This continued for 2 hours at which point we headed for home completely satisfied with our day. I would highly recommend San Juan Safaris for a beautiful day on the water.