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

Mon 28 Oct

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $135.00

Make a reservation

Mon 28 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)

Anna W

Jun 2018

Our family went whale watching with the San Juan Safari crew and it made our trip! The trip started with a delicious coffee from Riptide Cafe before we suited up in Antarctic-esque gear and headed out into the glistening Salish Sea. Piper pointed out many different types of wildlife and kept us informed about where we were in the world and what makes it so special. Captain Mike got us close (but within regulation) of the two pods of orcas and two humpback whales and kept us right along side them as they made their way north. It was a very humbling and fascinating journey, and would have been just as great even if we hadn't seen whales. So happy we decided to go with San Juan Safaris!

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Thank you for sharing a testimonial of your tour, Anna! I'm happy hear that your San Juan Safaris experience was the highlight of your visit here to the PNW. We'll be sure to pass on your praises to your captain and crew. Many thanks again! Brian Goodremont Owner & Oaptain San Juan Safaris

ArlingtonRd

Jun 2018

This was an unbelievable experience, and not just because we saw several whales. Piper and Sarah, our San Juan Safari guides, could not have been better. They both were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. During our 4 hour trip they never were still, but were always making sure we were comfortable, enjoying our trip, and providing interesting tidbits of information. When you go whale watching, which is a must on San Juan Island, go with San Juan Safaris, and most importantly—ask for Piper and Sarah.

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Many thanks for sharing a testimonial of your San Juan Safaris tour! Wow! It sounds like Sarah and Piper really made an impression...we work very hard for our guests, and thank you for letting us know that we succeeded in creating a memorable and educational whale watch & wildlife tour experience. Keep us in mind for your future travel to the Pacific Northwest! Brian Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris San Juan Island, WA

Pollyanna777

May 2018

I booked a whale watching safari with this firm on a whim at the end of a conference in Seattle (with a seaplane transfer with Kenmore Air). What a fantastic day! If you are swithering, don't - just book it. Everything was incredibly professional, our crew were so knowledgeable and the scenery was stunning. We ended up seeing 4 orcas, a humpback and many other animals. Worth every penny!

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Many thanks for your kind words! The Whale Plane Tour in partnership with Kenmore Air is a very fun and exciting way to travel directly from downtown Seattle to Friday Harbor. Glad to hear that you have a memorial whale watching experience Visit us again when you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest! Brian San Juan Safaris Owner & Operator Friday Harbor, San Juan Island