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)

tlcjunk

May 2019

We’ve been on many whale watching tours in Maui and wanted to see the Orcas closer to home. Alexandria and Piper were very enthusiastic and took the time to answer questions and get to know the passengers. We saw a family of Orcas and the driver was very respectful to them. We also saw seals and porpoise. The skies were clear and it was a bit chilly. They proffered blankets. The waters were smooth. I learned a lot and saw some beautiful PNW scenery. I would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Hi tlcjunk, Thank you so much for sharing a review of your tour! Alexandria and Piper are gems, and we are very lucky to have their enthusiasm and knowledge as a part of our Naturalist staff! It sounds like we were able to show you a huge range of wildlife, and thank you for acknowledging our respectful operation out on the water. We take our role as stewards of this ecosystem seriously, and so happy that you felt like you saw and learned a lot! Hoe to see you again soon, thank you so much! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Ashlyn J

May 2019

My husband and I had a great time whale watching with San Juan Safaris. The Naturalists were very fun and knowledgeable people able to answer any questions we had. We were a little disappointed that we didn’t see any orcas but we understand that it’s a little early in the year for that. We were thrilled that we saw a gray whale and a humpback especially because it’s rare for them to be seen together! Overall it was a great experience and we would recommend San Juan Safaris to anyone interested in whale watching!

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi Ashlyn! Thank you so much for your kinds review! We loved getting you out on the water, our Naturalists are still talking about that day in Rosario with the two whales traveling together!! We will make sure to pass along your compliments to the crew! Come back and see us again, and we'll try our hardest to show you some orcas! Thank you! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Brittney C

Apr 2019

San Juan Safaris provided us such a magical, wonderful afternoon on the water! We got to see orca whales, sea lions, seals and a river otter! It was WELL worth the money and the time it takes to get there from Seattle. I was there with 2 other people (ages 26 & 30) and we all agreed it was amazing! If you do go, I recommend you make sure to bring the following: -a hat, windbreaker (raincoat), a warm jacket/coat ^I recommend these things because once the boat starts moving it gets quite chilly on the water. However, the beautiful sights will leave you breathless and almost forgetting how cold you are. They also have complimentary blankets on the boat which is really nice. Follow their list if you plan to do whale watching! Furthermore, the staff were extremely kind and knowledgeable. The tour guide Sarah knew a lot about the sea-life and was eager to answer our questions. I love how respectful the company is of the wildlife and truly respects the environment. Overall, it was an amazing experience and 10/10 would do it again.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi Brittney! Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience! We are so happy that you had a nice time on the water, it sounds like you had an incredible day enjoying the sights of the Salish Sea! Thank you for passing along your tips for a comfortable whale watch experience! It is always helpful to have guest input on packing lists! We appreciated hosting you on the water, I'll pass along your compliments to the crew! Hope to see you again soon! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris