Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

The best orca (killer) whale watching is off San Juan Island, near Seattle. The San Juan Islands are considered the "jewels" of the Pacific Northwest, located in the Puget Sound.

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 our exclusive Whale Watch Cruise from Friday Harbor. Sail aboard the fast, new MV Sea Lion with windowed, heated cabin, which seats up to 24 guests.

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 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.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Friday Harbor, Washington

Departure Time:

• 4 April to 12 June - 1:00pm
• 13 June to 22 August - 1:00pm and 5:30pm
• 23 August to 24 October - 1:00pm

Return Details:

Returns to the original departure point approximately 4 hours after departure

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Whale Watching Cruise
• Local taxes

Exclusions:

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

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Not recommended for child aged 3 and under
• "Special Limited" tour not recommended for child aged 13 and under
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Restrooms are available on board the boat

Itinerary:

We recommend you bring the following:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Snack
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Extra Film
• Water Bottle (no glass please)
• Snacks
• Gloves (optional)
• Jacket or Windbreaker - comfortable clothing
• Flat shoes are recommended

The crew and other guests would appreciate it if you would leave behind:

• Cell Phones
• Smoking Materials

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.