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)

karmanomad

Jul 2019

Laura and Jordan were very knowledgeable naturalist guides, keeping us engaged and informed and entertained. The good ship (ok boat) Kestrel was ably captained by Gabe. If we were to return we would definitely use them again. On each of two trips we saw orca family groups (2 on first trip in the morning, 1 on second trip in the afternoon). I would recommend splitting between morning and afternoon as if you are a photographer, as the light varies.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi karmanomad! Thank you so much for your review of your experience out on the water with us! We are so glad that you enjoyed your trip on M/V Kestrel. Great recommendation on splitting trips for differing light as a photographer. Many of our staff members are avid photographers and they always talk about how beautiful the wildlife and islands are in different light conditions. If you're ever back in the area we'd love to see you again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

taniaperezmv

Jun 2019

The tour was awesome! The crew was friendly, entertaining and polite. It was a great experience. Highly recommended

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi taniaperezmv! Thank you so much for your review of your experience whale watching with us. We are so happy that you had a nice time on the water and I will make sure to pass along your compliments to the crew! Come see us again if you're in the area! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

sjsvernon

Jun 2019

14 Bigg's Killer Whales Celebrate a Sunset Whale Watch!! Our tour guides Olivia and Laura were so knowledgeable. The personal attention and their love of their job and their enthusiasm made the whole tour fun. They were eager to answer any questions we had. Plus after the whales were sited they put the pictures of the pods that were sited and where they were sited on a map. Also Captain Pete kept in communication with the other boats and knew where to find the where the whale pods were. The boat was prepared for anyone that got cold they had blankets and rain slickers for everyone on board. They also had a childrens corner inside the cabin that kept the kids entertained with books. They also had binoculars for those who wanted to use them. You do bring your own food and beverage (non alcoholic and no glass). There is also a restroom on board under the deck. We were able to get amazing pictures and videos, and amazing memories for a lifetime. I would recommend the San Juan Safari on the Sea Lion anytime. Looking forward to going again the next I am in Washington.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi sjsvernon! Thank you so much for the review of your experience. It sounds like you had an amazing evening on the water, and I'll make sure to pass along your compliments to Captain Pete, Laura, and Olivia! We are so proud to have dedicated and passionate people, such as them, on our team! We're glad that you enjoyed all of the amenities that Sea Lion had to offer, and we are so glad that you got some photos to remember your trip! We'll see you when you're back in the area! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris