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

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

cwright1323

May 2018

This was my very first whale watching experience and it was fantastic! The whole staff was extremely knowledgeable and it was a beautiful day out on the water. Sarah stood out to me most, her position as Lead Naturalist is well-deserved. She was so friendly and very willing to answer any and all questions that came her way. Unfortunately we didn't see any Orcas, but I'll give San Juan Safaris a pass on that one ;) Thank you so much and I hope to be back in the future!

Response from Host

Jun 2018

Wow! Great photos. Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear you had a great experience with your naturalist, Sarah. She works very hard during every tour and for every guest. It's not hard to see why Sarah is San Juan Safaris' lead naturalist & vessel coordinator! Many thanks again for sharing a testimonial of your experience. Come see us again in the future! Brian Goodremont Owner & Operator San Juan Safaris Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

HeadingOut98229

May 2018

The trip begins with a well organized, if a tad effervescent, introduction by the naturalist which included a "checklist" of what we might be able to see. We were suited up in survival suits and on our way in one of their Zodiacs. If you've never ridden in one, that experience, with all the beautiful scenery of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, is a great time in itself. We'd hardly cleared Friday Harbor when we saw some Bald Eagles and Harbor Porpoises. A rocky islet was weighed down by a pack of Steller's Sea Lions; but in the water of Boundary Pass, we were treated to watching 2 or 3 Humpback Whales. About the time we were scheduled to head in, we were told there had been some Orca (Killer Whales) sighted near Anacortes. Easy decision to make, so we sped along for 40 minutes and got to see a small pod of Transient Orca near Lummi Island. What a day! The crew was fantastic and exceeded expectations.

kasiaskr

May 2018

We went whale watching and saw humpback whales, sea lions, seals, and eagles. Our naturalists were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. The whole cruise was great, also they call you two days before the cruise to confirm the date and also give advice on what to wear, how to get to the island etc. The person to whom I spoke on the phone was super nice and energetic!