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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
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $135.00
Sun 27 Oct
Starting at $135.00
Make a reservation
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
1
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)
Stepb4U
Aug 2018
We booked the Kestral trip and were provided with excellent weather clothing to wear the staff were very professional and knowledgable and the marine biologist that accompanied us was very knowledgeable. We got to see and spend some time with orcas from JPod. I was a little concerned booking a whale watching tour as Iā€™ve been on different trips (not in USA) that weā€™re not respectful to the animals. Here though they were totally respectful. Stayed at a good distance an didnā€™t hunt/track them down. We also got to see bald eagles. We booked a flight from Seattle with Kenmore Air, had a couple hrs in Friday harbour, went on our whale watching trip and flew back to Seattle latter in the afternoon. It was a fantastic day and I would certainly recommend it.
Response from Host
Oct 2018
Hello! Thank you for your positive review! We place the well being of animals in our area at the forefront of what we do, and we are so happy to hear that you were able to witness first hand our dedication to respectful whale and wildlife watching. Happy to hear the weather was ideal and that your flights worked out nicely! Thanks again, Brian Captain & Owner San Juan Safaris
MSMcC319
Aug 2018
I have visited San Juan Island every summer for the past 5 years and each time have gone out with San Juan Safaris. Our experience each time has been so great that we have had no reason to want to try any other company. This year I traveled in July with my neighbor who had never been to Washington before. San Juan Safaris helped us book our Kenmore flight from Seattle to Friday Harbor. We landed in the morning and we were on the 2 pm trip on Kestrel that afternoon. That was such an exciting way to start our trip! Captain Mike and Lead Naturalist Sarah were great. My neighbor was a bit nervous about the ā€œadventureā€ boat at first, but loved it. Itā€™s fast and fun but very stable and secure. We saw seals, sea lions, bald eagles, orcas, a humpback, puffins, and many other birds (that I canā€™t remember). The boat is fast enough that Capt. Mike was able to show us everything! It was warm that day but we were still glad to have the expositor suits that the company supplied. Sarah had so much information for us, including pictures, maps, and resources on an iPad about what weā€™d seen. She was very excited that she was able to show us the puffins. Sarah talked with each person, answered each personā€™s questions, and shared her love and excitement for the animals and environment. We had such a great time that we decided to go back out for another trip while we were on the island. Our second trip, two days after our Kestrel trip, was on Seahawk out of Roche Harbor. That may actually be run by San Juan Outfitters, but they are sister companies. The trip on Seahawk was completely different and equally wonderful. The boat is a lovely wooden boat with space to sit inside or out on the deck in front or on the back. Itā€™s slower, quiet, and peaceful. Sarah, who had been our naturalist on the last trip was the captain on this trip and Alexandria was our naturalist. Both were great! They were engaging and so knowledgeable! We had a small group on board that day including two darling children. Alexandria made sure everyone was safe and engaged. We did not travel as far on the Seahawk, but saw the west side of the island with birds, seals, and orcas. It was a wonderfully relaxing trip! Passengers visited with each other and with Alexandria. She shared her passion for the area, answering all of our questions, and even gave the children junior naturalist handbooks to fill out with their parents on the way back to port. One of the reasons that I am a return passenger with San Juan Safaris is their respect for the environment and the animals. It is clear that we are visiting the animals in their home and that we will not interfere with them. The naturalists are always happy to share their knowledge and excitement. I learn more every time I go out with them. They are there as educators, not just tour guides. Once again, I highly recommend San Juan Safaris! I hope I will be going out with them again next year!
Response from Host
Oct 2018
Hello! Thank you so much for your kind review! We agree, we treat our boats as floating classrooms and are so happy to hear you enjoyed both of your trips out with us! Both vessels are excellent choices and we are so glad you got to experience each. Thank you for returning year after year to visit us! We can't wait to see you next time! Thanks again, Brian Owner & Captain San Juan Safaris San Juan Island, WA
smbutler
Aug 2018
We had a wonderful time the captain and guide Piper made were very thoughtful and explained everything that was going during the watch. An intense moment as we watched a HB approach a drift net and the captain shut off his engine an alerted the other captains in the area. Fortunately, Yogi swam under the net and was safe.
Response from Host
Oct 2018
Hello! Thank you for your review. The well being of animals in the Salish sea is of the utmost importance to us, so we are very relieved to hear your time with Yogi was enjoyable! At the heart of what we do is an emphasis on respectful wildlife viewing and we pride ourselves on having captains, crew and staff that ensure those values are met daily. Thanks again, Brian Captain & Owner San Juan Safaris

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