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

Sun 27 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Sun 27 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)

Safari812342

Sep 2018

Wanted to do this for the last 25 years, specifically sighting Orca whales. Not disappointed! The captain and naturalist Alexandria were ever so accommodating. Followed a pod of 20 orcas for at least an hour. Words are insufficient to describe the awe and wonder of everyone on board, as we all delighted in this most awesome creation. Blankets on board( it was chilly) as well as binoculars. A small family operation who donates part of their fees to aquatic research. Triple A Ok!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hello! Thank you so much for your positive words! We pride ourselves on making "Bucket List" items happen, and are pleased that your trip with San Juan Safaris did not disappoint! Glad you took advantage of the blankets and binoculars provided on board to ensure you had the most comfortable and enjoyable trip possible while out with us. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Alexandria and the rest of our crew! We always aim to ensure you have the best experience possible with us! Thanks again, Brian Captain & Owner San Juan Safaris

Sarah H

Sep 2018

This was our second time out with this company. First time was last year around the same time of year. Knowledgeable staff and great boat with a closed in cabin should it be too cold for you on the water. First trip we saw a humpback whale and IT WAS AMAZING. The whale got pretty close to our boat. This year we saw a family of Orcas. What an awesome experience. Best part, San Juan safaris sent us “professional” photos of both experiences that were far better than what we captured on iPhones. Dress warmer than you expect!!

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hello Sarah! Wow! We love to hear from repeat customers! Whether it be Humpbacks, Orcas, or any of the other amazing marine and wildlife we have here in the Salish Sea our goal is to provide an incredible viewing experience for our guests! I am glad to hear you enjoyed your trips and photos! Looking forward to having you out next time! Thanks for your kind words, Brian Captain & Owner San Juan Safaris

Rblampton

Sep 2018

This company was suggested by their sister company San Juan Island Outfitters that I did a kayak trip with the previous day. The staff is very qualified and upbeat. The safety briefing for the boat was very thorough and the two guides onboard also gave a talk. The boat we took was the Sea Lion and they limit passengers to 40 people. There is a closed cabin area as well as a covered portion in the rear and there is open areas on the bow and both sides. They had reports of whale sightings and took us straight to that area. The guides were very excited because they were “resident whales” which are larger and rarer to see. The staff knew which three whales we were seeing and very excited themselves to see them. Their enthusiasm and caring for the animals was amazing. One of the young whales was known to be sickly and is being helped and monitored by NOAA. The captain radioed his location and waited till NOAA spotted the whale before he left. It was so nice to see the professionalism and level of caring and knowledge of the whole crew. Other perks were that they had blankets and raincoats for anyone who needed them.

Response from Host

Oct 2018

Hello! Thank you so much for your positive words and kind review- and for coming both whale watching and kayaking on the island! We pride our captains, crew and guides on their professionalism, and are pleased to see that was evident on your trip! Sea Lion is an excellent boat for whale watching, and I am happy to hear we made your time here on island enjoyable! Thanks again, Brian Captain & Owner San Juan Safaris