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)

erichzimm

Apr 2019

We had a tremendous trip with San Juan Safaris, viewing and learning about orcas, seals, bald eagles and more. Brian, Erick, and Sarah were all wonderful and obviously cared about teaching us about the amazing wildlife and expanding the community of care to preserve these amazing animals. The customer service staff was also wonderful and worked to make our trip easy and memorable. Even the design of the gear in their shop is amazing, and convinced me to part with a number of dollars to acquire sweatshirts and other goodies. Worth noting that we brought our two young ones (7 y/o and 4 y/o) and they had an amazing time as well. If you are interested, you can also find a blog on the San Juan Safaris website that details many of their orca encounters. I found this information to be very helpful.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi erichzimm! Thank you so much for your kind review of your experience aboard M/V Sea Lion! Sarah, Erick, and I loved hosting you in the Salish Sea. We are so glad that we were able to share so much wildlife with you. We love having guests of all ages join us on the water, and we are so happy that your kiddos had a great time! Our crew loves engaging kids and sparking an interest for them in the natural world. Come see us again if you're ever back in the area! Thanks again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

Suzanne K

Apr 2019

What an absolutely amazing, unforgettable trip we had with San Juan Safaris! Bob and Alexandria were such great guides and we actually got to see the Orcas which we were a little worried about since we came at such an early time in the season. They went out of there way to make sure we were comfortable and as soon as they found out there was a possible sighting of the whales they headed straightaway. The most beautiful, awe-inspiring trip we have taken in a long time! I cannot recommend this organization and these amazing people enough. We are planning a trip back and wouldn't think of going to anyone but San Juan Safaris!

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi Suzanne! It sounds like you had an incredible day on the water! We are so happy that we were able to share so much wildlife with you, and also that our crew left such a positive impression! We feel so lucky that we get to share this amazing place with our guests, and we're happy that shone through on your tour! We'll see you again soon! Thanks again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris

233anamariab

Apr 2019

It was a great experience. Besides the desirable outcome of watching the whales, the crew was very informative and enthusiastic in the process of finding them and explaining what we were seeing. Alexandria did a great job making sure no one would miss anything. I particularly liked that it was a small group (around 13), We had plenty of space around the boat and the close attention of the crew members.

Response from Host

Jul 2019

Hi 233anamariab! thank you so much for your kind review! We loved getting you out on the water, and we're so happy that we were able to share some of our amazing wildlife with you! I'll make sure to pass your compliments along to the crew! Hope to see you again soon, thanks so much for joining us! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris