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

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

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)

Kaelyn_J

Aug 2022

Excellent trip! The Captain and Naturalists did a great job pointing out all the highlights during our tour around the islands. We got to see porpoises, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, and some orcas.

OnTheGoV

Aug 2022

Most amazing experience!! We’ll worth the trek to beautiful Friday Harbor. We booked the Sunset Cruise online. However, it was canceled and we were able to join the 2:00 Adventure Tour. So thankful for the change because we had an incredible time. Captain Erik and Naturalist Helena were informative and enthusiastic. I was impressed with how well all the different captains work together to share whale sightings. We followed two different families of whales for about an hour. Perfect day!! A suit is provided to you, I only wore the jacket and I was fine. However, it was a warm day. San Juan Safari staff is incredible - excellent communication, attentive, and helpful. We booked our overall trip to Friday Harbor by following the links on their website. They even guided us to where to park.

minyuet

Aug 2022

Exceeded our wildest hopes! After a lovely trip surrounded by gorgeous views, Captain Gabe and his knowledgeable and gracious crew caught up with an Orca tea party - 2 maternal pods traveling together sharing care of their calves - including a one-year old who clearly loved the attention. We got to be with them for over an hour! There are no words. Lucky for us the boat was only quarter-full but I do hope business picks up for them. Everyone going to the Seattle area should try to get to SJI (easily done on the ferry) and book this tour!