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

Fri 26 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Fri 26 Dec

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

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)

Carol J

May 2013

Our group of 12 enjoyed the whale watching on May 14. We were able to observe a pod of whales hunting a sea lion. There were many boats in the same area and all of them were very courteous to each other. No one got in the way of another boat and all of them were very good about staying their distance from the activity. Our crew was very knowledgeable and made sure we had a great time seeing the whales but also seeing eagles and other wildlife. Keep up the great work.

BlairCorson

May 2013

Kayaked for day's and could find the whales! Hoped on the friendly San Juan Safaris boat and an hour later they they were! But it well worth it.

patpgr

May 2013

Staying on San Juan Island for a few days we'd originally planned on whale and wildlife watching from the shore. A quick chilly and unfruitful trip to Lime Kiln State Park made us question this and although our accommodation was ideally situated for watching seals, deer, eagles and humming birds we are just so pleased we went on the trip with San Jan Safaris. The boat looked brand new and had plenty of room to warm up under cover when the sea breezes were too much. Skipper Brian was determined that we would have the best possible trip and planned the optimal route to reflect reported orca sightings and the weather conditions. This was a wonderful safari helped greatly by the experience and knowledge of wildlife expert Andrew. Binoculars, reference materials and blankets were provided however if you are planning a trip ensure you take sufficient food and drink (a flask of hot coffee would have been very welcome) as there is nothing for sale on board and the trip was extended to 4 1/2 hrs to ensure we saw the orcas off Vancouver Island. We are so pleased we did this trip and knowing about the variety of wildlife just off the shoreline helped us further appreciate the island during the remainder of our stay.