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)

cindy w

Oct 2018

From the moment I booked the trip to returning to the dock, it was a wonderful experience. Alexandria, our Naturalist was very professional and really knowledgeable. It was late in the season to go whale watching, but we got lucky and got to view some transient whales! Thank you Captain Mike and Alexandria! We had family visiting from The Netherlands and it was definitely a highlight. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Many thanks for your kind words, Cindy! Glad to hear that we made your visiting family's experience in the Northwest extra special. Naturalists Alexandria truly is a gem, and we are lucky to have her on staff. We'll pass on your kudos to both Alexandria and Captain Mike! Thanks again, Brian Goodremont Owner & Captain San Juan Safaris San Juan Island, WA

nathanevenson

Oct 2018

We were very grateful for the crew extending the tour to allow us to go out further and see a rare pod of killer whales. Our 10 and 7 year old children and us were so thrilled to see these majestic creatures in the Ocean!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Whenever possible, we always go the extra mile! Thank you for taking a moment to share your kind words, Nathan. Glad to hear that your kiddos had a great experience. We strive to provide a family friendly wildlife viewing excursion for all passengers, regardless of age. Keep us in mind when you find yourself in the neighborhood again! Thanks Nathan, Brian Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

sgriffiths6

Oct 2018

We joked when we got on the boat that it was a year to the date we went whale watching in Vancouver, sadly on that trip we didn’t get to see any Orca which has been a lifetime goal for me to see these amazing creatures in the wild. Alexandria was amazing, answered all our questions and clearly cared about our enjoyment on the trip. Mike was a fab captain, and both were over the moon when we heard that a pod of transient orca had been spotted. Mike took us right over, it was miles from the harbour but that didn’t phase either of them. We got to see the family swim about and surface right near the boat. It was so amazing I cried when we saw them! Thank you so much for such an incredible trip will definitely be back again!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Thank you for sharing a testimonial of your San Juan Safaris whale watch & wildlife experience. We'll be sure to pass on your kudos to your captain, Mike. Mike has been with us for over a decade and is one of the best captains in the industry! We are lucky to have him as part of our San Juan Safaris team. Glad to hear that we succeeded in making your visit to the San Juans extra special. Keep us in mind the next time you are in the Pacific Northwest! Brian Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris