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

Thu 24 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Thu 24 Oct

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

Amanda V

Sep 2019

Captain Gabe wasn't joking when he said we'd go to Canada to find Orca's if we'd have to! In the Strait of Georgia we found Transient Pod T-123 (but at first we thought it was a different pod), and despite thinking we were seeing Pod T-100, Gabe and Jordan discovered that it was in fact a different pod going to meet T-100! It was really nice having guides committed to finding the best answers to our questions. When asking Jordan some pod dynamic questions, she was sure to get back to me after consulting other sources! And of course watching a grey whale approach and 'slap' a different vessel was an added bonus. Having been on several whale watching tours, this teams commitment to delivering an extra spectacular trip was above and beyond what I expected!

Response from Host

Oct 2019

Hi Amanda V! Thank you so much for your lovely review of your experience on your whale watch and wildlife tour! We are so excited that you had such a good time and that you saw so much wildlife. We love going above and beyond for our guests and I am so happy that we met those goals! We hope to see you again soon! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner/Operator

abigkahunaman

Sep 2019

This was the highlight of my trip to Washington! The captain and biologist on board were knowledgeable, friendly, and very accommodating. The trip took us by various islands and gave everyone a great view of the orcas pod. We also went by and viewed some sea lions, porpoises, and an Eagle. We also were very lucky because our captain decided to investigate the swarm of birds, we were rewarded with an up close and personal encounter with an adolescent male(killer whale) If you have the time this is definitely worth the money. Keep in mind there is no refreshments on board so pack some with you.

Response from Host

Oct 2019

Hi abigkahunaman, Thank you so much for your review of your experience out on the water with us! We are so excited that your visit was the highlight of your trip. It sounds like you had an amazing once-in-a-lifetime trip with a close approach from a young orca. We never attempt to make close approaches to marine mammals, but sometimes when they decide to get curious it is an absolute treat and to sit and drift with our engines shut down. We hope to see you again! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner/Operator

jillbz2019

Sep 2019

My husband and I had a wonderful time on this whale watching trip. Our 2 guides (and captain) were very knowledgeable, personable, friendly, and helpful throughout the tour. We saw a pod of 4 Orcas and got to watch them for quite a while ... it was thrilling! We saw other wildlife as well and learned a lot about the entire area. I would definitely take a tour with San Juan Safaris again! Thanks!!

Response from Host

Oct 2019

Hi jillbz2019, Thank you so much for your kind review of your experience out on your whale watching and wildlife tour! We are so happy that it sounds like you got to see so much wildlife. We will definitely pass along your compliments to our crew, and we will be so excited to see you again. We hope to see you again soon! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner/Operator