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

Sat 26 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sat 26 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)

Hebus

Jun 2019

After we could not make the bear watching with Adventure Quest in Campbell River (BC), we decided to make the San Juan Safari Whale watching from Seattle. It was great decision! First, we took the seaplane from Seattle to Friday Harbour in San Juan. It was my first experience in a seaplane, and I was very excited. I was not disappointed. We flight above the city and the sea for 40 minutes. Then, we embarked on a fairly big ship to see some Orcas. It took a while but we came across two pods that were hunting, which means 11 animals. The boat was close but far enough to not disturb the animals (accordingly with the regulations) We were accompanied by a sea biologist who was very nice and prompt to answer every question. The whole trip was such a nice experience! I strongly recommend you the tour. Also, take a walk in Friday Harbour, it is such a nice town!

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Hi Hebus! Thank you so much for your kind words! We love partnering with Kenmore Air to offer our Whale Plane package, and we are so excited that you had a great experience. Thank you for joining us out on the water, we hope to see you again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

CatherineG1605

Jun 2019

Fabulous trip with Captain Pete and Jordan. We saw transient orcas on the Sunday sunset trip. What an amazing experience! We also saw 12 harbor seals resting on the rocks and multiple bald eagles. An added bonus is the amazing scenery. Well worth the the time and money!

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Hi Catherine! Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We're so glad that you had an amazing experience with all sorts of wildlife out on the water. That sunset trip is one of our staff favorites. Cruising in the San Juan Islands is always a pleasure, but that golden hour is always something special. Thank you, and hope to see you again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

407lisa

May 2019

What an amazing trip! What made it enjoyable was not only that we saw a humpback whale, orcas, eagles, and sea lions but the size was small and not overcrowded which allowed for a more personable trip! Still taking about this!! Piper was so knowledgeable about all the animals of the sea and answered all our questions.

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! It sounds like you had an amazing adventure in the Salish Sea and got to see a bit of everything! Thanks for the shout out to Piper, we are super proud of our Naturalist staff and will make sure that she gets your kudos! Thank you for joining us, hope to see you again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris