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)

Kevin S

Feb 2019

My wife and I went for a whale watching cruise on 2/23/19. The 55 foot boat was wonderful. Our Captain, Mike, and our tour guide naturalist, Eric, did a great job! We felt very welcome during our arrival, well cared for during our cruise, and left so much better informed than when we arrived. Our crew extended the trip to catch a glimpse of the Orca during this time of year. We saw so much sea life, to include Orca, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, a rare Harbor porpoise, Eagles, and other sea birds. We had an Awesome Experience and would recommend this company to anyone that wants to see the whales in their natural habitat!

Response from Host

Apr 2019

So glad that you had a great time out on the water! It sounds like you had quite the amazing tour.... We love going the extra mile for our guests and so happy that it payed off for you on February 23rd! Come see us again if you're ever back in the San Juan Islands!

jessicapinoash1

Nov 2018

This was such a magical experience. We went off season, so we were worried we would not find any whales. However, the captain and the guide were committed to finding some whales and went above and beyond. It is always a great experience when you know these people love what they do, and have so much passion for these animals. It was truly magical. We found a family of Orcas and it was incredible! We asked all source of questions and they were more than happy to answer. Sarah was our main guide, and that girl is passionate! We loved her, she was amazing. We were happy to tip her well!

Response from Host

Nov 2018

Thank you for your kind words, Jessica! I'll pass on your praise to your crew. Whenever possible, we strive to go above and beyond to show our guests whales in the Salish Sea. Thank you for acknowledging our hard work. Naturalist Sarah really is incredible...as you found out, her passion is infectious! Glad you enjoyed your November whale watch & wildlife tour. Come see us again during your next visit to the San Juans. Until then! Captain Brian San Juan Safaris Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Brittany B

Nov 2018

We spent our last full day of our honeymoon in the PNW with San Juan Safaris and they did not disappoint! We know no one can control the whales and whether we see them or not so we just kind of didn’t think we would considering we were right past the “season.” Little did we know we were headed out to see about 7 Humpback whales and K pod orcas! They were literally everywhere we looked and it was one of the most incredible expirences of my life! The capitan and first mates were professional and super knowledgeable about anything you wanted to know. The Captian was very respectful of the distance and engine shut off also when approaching the whale areas. Al very friendly and passionate about what they do. I would 100% take this trip again when we find ourselves in the area. Even if we hadn’t seen any whales, the trip alone would’ve been worth it. It was beautiful. Thank you!

Response from Host

Nov 2018

Thank you for your kind words, Brittany. At the heart of what we do is strive to provide a safe, respectful, and educational wildlife viewing experience. Thank you for letting us know we succeeded in our goals. Congratulations again to you and your new husband, and be sure to come visit us again in the future! Thanks very much, Captain Brian San Juan Safaris Friday Harbor, San Juan Island