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 25 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Fri 25 Oct

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
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)

boatdoc50

Aug 2019

We had a fantastic trip and our pilot, Gabe, went out of his way - literally - to get us to a family of 5 Orca before having to turn back before dark

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi boatdoc50! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review! We love going the extra mile to show our guests whales and other wildlife. I'm so happy that we to share some orcas with you! Come back and see us the next time you're in the San juan Islands! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

bsknapp21

Aug 2019

This company is AMAZING! We went whale watching twice with them. The first time we saw Minke whales, stellar sea lions, and bald eagles. Erin and Laura were amazing and so knowledgeable! We learned so much about Minke whales that we never knew before and hearing the sea lions talking to each other was awesome! Erin was extremely outgoing and made sure everyone was ok throughout the whole trip, asking if they were warm enough or needed anything. Laura filled every silence with facts about everything we were seeing. Pete was an amazing captain and navigated the swells easily. They were all amazing with my two small kids. The second trip we got to see the orcas. Erick was a fantastic captain and took us an hour away from the harbor to make sure we got to see them. Olivia and Jordan were also extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. They taught us all things we didn’t know about the orcas and the islands and how the islands were formed. They were great with my kids as well! The orcas were graceful and beautiful and it was truly an experience I’ll never forget that was made even better by this fantastic company and the people in it.

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi bsknapp21! Thank you so much for your kind review of your time on the water with our crew! We are so happy that you were able to see so much wildlife on your two trips out with us. Our naturalists love hosting people of all ages on our vessels, but they particularly enjoy sharing this amazing ecosystem with children. Thank you so much for joining us, we hope to see you again! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Curiosity630583

Aug 2019

We visited San Juan islands in late July 2019, an had the experience of a lifetime whale watching. 17+ killer whales, multiple humpback whale, harbor porpoises, harbor seals and bald eagles was part of the 4hr zodiac tour! They went the distance to travel near Canada where the orcas put on a show! They were everywhere! It was literally hard to focus on just 1 groups. Totally surpassing all my expectations! Erin, our nature guide’s enthusiasm for Orcas wa# contagious! She shared so many priceless insights into their behaviors!! A Perfect Experience!!

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Hi Curiosity630583! Wow!! It sounds like you had the trip of a lifetime here in the San Juans! Kestrel, our Adventure Vessel, allows for so much flexibility in tours, which typically means maximizing the amount of wildlife for you! We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on the water with Erin, we think she is just a gem! Come back and see us again if you're ever back in the San Juan Islands! Brian Goodremont and the crew at San Juan Safaris Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris