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

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)

EnjoytheRideNow

Jul 2019

Amazing day on the water- we took the 11 am tour- and we saw many orcas and a humpback whale, seals and eagles. So amazing. Loved that we were given warm gear to wear since weather was a bit colder and boat was smaller to maneuver quickly to other area plus seats were padded. Also the naturalist on board was so helpful and informative. Our entire group loved our time out- We were very enageged and the day flew by. Not the best camera pics from my phone -but great experience and highly recommend.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi EnjoytheRideNow! Thank you so much for your kind review. We loved getting you out on the water, and it sounds like you had an amazing trip with lots of wildlife. M/V Kestrel is such a fun boat, we're so happy that you enjoyed the warm gear! Come back and see us again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Virandl

Jul 2019

Check this off my bucket list. We saw Orca family including new baby! Amazing. No words can describe how it feels when you see them in their natural habitat. We also saw a humpbacked whale, bald eagle and harbor seals, AKA “rock sausages” Our tour guide was Olivia and our Captain was Gabe- and they were outstanding. Educated the group and Answered all of our questions. Great company! Highly highly recommend. We took Kenmore Air over on seaplane and had to take small propeller express plane back due to weather in Seattle. San Juan Safaris kept us informed and handled the arrangements; all good.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi Virandl! Thank you so much for leaving a review of your experience out on the water with us! I am so happy that you go to see some amazing wildlife and that you enjoyed your time on the water with Olivia and Gabe. We love partnering with Kenmore Air and we're happy that we were able to work with them to get you home after that weather cancellation. Those cancellations are uncommon, but do sometimes occur with the smaller seaplanes. Thank you so much for joining us, hope to see you again soon! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

BillieJean_H

Jul 2019

I really enjoyed our trip. Our guide was most knowledgeable about all the animals we saw. The whole experience was delightful. And all of the employees were very helpful from changing our reservation because we were late, helping with parking, and helping us suit up. I would recommend this trip to all my friends.