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

Tue 22 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Tue 22 Jul

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

What To Expect

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is considered one of the best place to view wild orca whales because the surrounding nutrient rich water of the Salish Sea. These nutrients draw all types of marine animals, including large marine mammals like orcas. Take this Whale watching tour and see orca whales, during peak season we have a 90-95% success rate of spotting orca, minke, humpback and gray whales. What is the best time to see orca whales? Anytime. They are out and about all day. Aside from whales, many other marine mammals like harbor seals and stellar sea lions, as well as various sea birds, bald eagles and some unique terrestrial mammals are all common sightings! You'll definitely 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 (728)

Kathy_F

Jul 2024

This trip was s Christmas gift to my whole family. And it did not disappoint. We got to see Orcas and sea lions. Kids love it. Also, staff was very knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour.

dannytE9268NQ

Jul 2024

First thing you're probably asking is how frequently you see orcas. Given that all the whale watchers in the area use the same network, you won't find one whale watching adventure more likely to see stuff than others. So that means the difference is with the crew and the vessels they use. I booked 8 trips, at the time of writing this review ive been on 3, but thats all I need to be able to write a review. The crew is highly knowledgable about the islands and their history, not just about orcas. That being said, their knowledge about the local orcas is unmatched, able to identify specific individuals almost on sight. They are incredibly welcoming and friendly, they are always ready to answer questions regardless of how silly you may feel about asking them. And they are all passionate and seem to love what they do. I consider myself very knowledgable about orcas, and in 3 trips ive learnt tones of things I didn't. Ive seen orcas on 2 of these 3 trips, and the one I didn't I was offered a voucher to go again. Another thing I want to commend is how strictly they follow the rules of whale watching, and how respectful they are to the wildlife we come to see, and not only that, but are also supportive of the restrictions. Theres a right way to watch whales and a wrong way to watch them, these guys do it the right way. All that being said, if you book to do whale watching, you shouldn't just book a single trip. Whale watching is finnicky, sometimes the whales are just not there on the day, thats out of anyone's control, its just a fact of whale watching, so I would recommend if you really want to see whales, book more than one trip because you can never be sure but you can at least increase your chances by increasing your time on the water.

Y2692JVtaylorm

Jul 2024

We had an amazing time on our boat ride today! The staff (Captain Vaun, Olivia and Max) were so friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and various islands and waterways. We learned so much and saw some really awesome wildlife! The boat was beautiful and very comfortable, with a large galley to sit in when you wanted to warm up. They had a great variety of food and drinks as well. Also, as someone who always gets a little seasick (even with Dramamine) I felt great the whole time so that was a huge plus too! We will definitely be back!