Summary:
Take seaplane if coming from Seattle
Friendly/knowledgeable crew
RIDE THE KESTREL.
TIP THE CREW.
The reservation process was easy an extremely friendly. I booked online to go aboard the SeaLion, however I added a note to contact me if a spot opened up on the Kestral (high speed RIB style vessel). They contacted me a week later to let me know that it had become available.
I highly suggest dropping the money on booking the tour with a seaplane ride. I was staying in Seattle, and paid a little extra to ride a seaplane to the marina the Safaris is based out of. WORTH EVERY PENNY. I had more time to enjoy the harbor and surrounding attractions, and less time driving.
The tour itself is very friendly, they outfitted passengers with exposure jackets (optional) at no cost. Even if you think it's warm take one (you can't wear what you don't have). The guide was knowledgeable and very friendly, happy to answer questions about the whales and the surrounding areas.
Biggest suggestion: RIDE THE KESTREL. The kestrel is a high speed (30mph+) rib. Some may find it less comfortable at those speeds but we beat the other boats to the whales by A LOT, and that with stopping to look at sea lions and porpoise. We undoubtedly had WAY more watching time than the other boats. My only critique would be to have some sort of music at least while boat is in transit.
Don't forget to look at the beautiful anemones growing around the dock, I also recommend the Whale Museum (walking distance from Marina)