4 h

About this activity

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.

Want a more intimate tour - join the special limited tour, small groups with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Important Note: Regardless of whether you are bringing your car on the ferry, it is best to be at the Anacortes ferry parking lot 1 hour prior to the ferry departure (not to be confused with the time of your tour departure) In July and August arrive at least 1.5 hours prior to the ferry departure if you bring your car across. A car may not necessary on San Juan Island.

Park your car in the Anacortes ferry parking lot and purchase a passenger ticket. Allow at least 90 minutes driving time from Seattle to Anacortes. Use I-5 north, Exit 230. The diamond lane makes it a breeze to drive up.

Ferry schedule changes seasonally and has specific departure times. Please ask about the latest Washington State Ferry schedule to ensure you arrive with enough time to make your way to the tour departure point.

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Included

Whale Watching Cruise
Local taxes

Not included

Transport to/from Friday Harbor from Seattle
Gratuities
Port Fee (USD1.00 per person)

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
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

Features

Original

95%

Tourism

85%

Aquatic

65%

Adrenaline

60%

Reviews

4.7

30

R

Randy H

5 | 2019-09-24

It was a great time spent watching whales. The two naturalists were very knowledgeable and wonderful about answering questions! Learned a lot that day!

D

David L

5 | 2017-09-12

To start this trip, my wife and I took a Seaplane from Seattle. The day was perfect for it. Clear, visibility was so good, Mt Baker was in sight the entire flight. Went to San Juan Safaris, checked in, the employees were wonderful. The boat wa s the Sea Lion of course. The best part of the sightseeing is that there were so many whales. The guides talked about the different species and pointed out their characteristics as the Orcca's moved through the water. A Wonderful day. The return ride offered rock islands full of sea lions. Porpoise's were plentiful during the ride home. Absolutely a wonderful day.

K

Kelly C

4 | 2016-06-06

We loved the tour. We went early in the season so we only saw a couple of humpbacks. Great crew! I would recommend this trip.

k

kimberly v

5 | 2015-12-16

Professional staff on board. Great day on the water. Bring a warm jacket!

D

Dawn F

5 | 2015-10-20

This was an excellent tour. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and we got to see all kinds of sea life including seals, sea lions, and whales.