




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.
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.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Whale Watching from Friday Harbor lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
Prices start at $135 per person for this San Juan Islands experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is San Juan Safaris' office shares a space with Riptide Cafe, located under Downriggers Restaurant. Parking is available up the hill by the Courthouse. Friday Harbor is accessible by plane or Washington State Ferry. If taking a car, reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 40 participants.
Specialized infant seats are available For maximum safety children under 2 should be in a harness carrier strapped to a parent and remain in the cabin
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 852 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by San Juan Safaris.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Whale Watching from Friday Harbor | 4 hours | 4.8 (852) | $135 | |
Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes | 3 hours | 4.8 (806) | $119 | View |
Orcas Island Whale Watching | 3h 30min | 4.7 (498) | $119 | View |
Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour | 3h 30min | 4.8 (261) | $119 | View |
3 Hour Kayaking Tours from Friday Harbor | 3 hours | 5.0 (4) | $135 | View |
Friday Harbor Frenzy Scavenger Hunt | 2 hours | 3.5 (2) | $23 | View |
4 Course Dinner Luxury Yacht Dinner cruise out of Friday Harbor | 4 hours | — | $500 | View |