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)

danniardis

Jul 2018

I went on the fantastic Kestrel boat with captain Gabe and naturalist Rachel. Both were clearly very knowledgeable and love what they do. We were well looked after and had a great trip seeing seals, eagles, orca and a humpback whale which breached right beside us and was breathtaking to see. I thought these guys were so good that I'm going out with them again tomorrow! Highly recommended

Response from Host

Jul 2018

Many thanks for your kind review, Dannia! We work very hard for our guests, and thank you for letting us know we met our goal of providing and safe & educational wildlife viewing experience in the San Juans. Sounds like your tour was top notch from beginning to end! Be sure to come say hi when you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks very much, Brian Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris San Juan Island, WA

JacqBloom

Jul 2018

Wow, this company is amazing. I had the pleasure of going out on the Kestrel for a 10 AM whale watch last Friday. Every employee that I have run into at San Juan Safaris is courteous, attentive, knowledgeable, and very hard working. I can tell that customer service and making sure everyone is having a good time is their #1 priority. Once we were on the boat, we saw eagles, blue herons, seals, and of course orcas! As a local islander, I especially appreciate how respectful San Juan Safaris is of the wildlife. This company is by far the best whale watching from Friday Harbor and I couldn't recommend them enough! Thank you, Captain Brian and Naturalist Marianna for an amazing tour!

lomichellefritz

Jun 2018

I can't say enough great things about this company. San Juan Safaris has a commitment to the environment, to their guests, and to their employees, and they work hard to make sure their tours operate smoothly and to the highest standards. The captains are so respectful when operating around wildlife - we sure got lucky on our two tours, seeing Transients AND Residents along with a humpback and plenty of beautiful feathered friends. Thanks Captain Gabe, Naturalists Erick, Rachel, Jordan, and Mariana - you made my summer trip to the San Juans so memorable. There's nothing like seeing orcas in the wild, and I love that each and every employee is spreading a conservation message as well. Highly recommended :)

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Many thanks for your kind testimonial! We work very hard for our guests, and I'm happy to hear that we created a memorial tour during your visit. At the core of what we do is operate safe and respectful whale & wildlife viewing experiences. Thank you for letting us know we succeeded in doing so. Visit us again in the future! Brian Goodremont Owner & Captain San Juan Safaris San Juan Island, WA