Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
Restrooms are available on board the boat
What To Expect
San Juan Island
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.
Options
5:30pm Departure-ROCHE HARBOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Departing from Roche Harbor, a 20 minute drive from Friday Harbor. Boarding begins 5:10pm at 248 Reuben Memorial Drive.
12:30pmDeparture-FRIDAY HARBOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Departing from Friday Harbor. Check in at our office 40 minutes prior to departure at 10 Front Street Suite 102.
What‘s Included
Whale Watching Cruise
Local taxes
Friday Harbor Port Fee
Any and All Transportation to/from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Gratuities
We do not provide any food or beverage, though guests are wecome to bring their own.
You must take a ferry or float plane to get to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island where our tour departs from. We recommend taking the ferry as a walk on passenger.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
805 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best whale tour ever!
835debbied,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Getting onto the boat was a little hard for my 90 YO MIL but after that everything was wonderful. It wasn't overcrowded like a lot of tours and the staff were amazing and so knowledgable. The boat was comfortable and had lots of seating and areas to stand to watch. We stayed a little longer as 2 humpback whales breached just as we were going to leave. He stayed till after they put on a show for us. It was a great birthday present . Definitly worth the cost and do stop by the shop afterward to get a free poster.
Friendly and...
Vaibhav P,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Saw 4 orcas. Would highly recommend. Beautiful views. Took 5:30 pm from Roche harbour.
It was amazing....
Diana S,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing. Definitely worth it. We followed a family of Orcas for a couple of hours. Was very exciting
Highly recommend!
Bridgit M,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience! The staff was super friendly and made the experience extra fun. We had killer whales swim right up to our boat, which they said doesn't happen often.
Wonderful staff!
JennyC9453,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was very friendly and had lots of information about the Orca Whales. The weather was 80 and sunny. It could of not been better
Family Whale Watching Adventure
Ashley B,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great family adventure! The boat staff were very friendly and knowledgeable! Saw tons of marine wildlife.
Killer whales in the wild!
Sunshine698583,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great boat ride to ultimately see 6 killer whales! I know there’s no guarantee you’ll find them but we did; we also got to see both seals and sea lions as well! There were 3 naturalists on board who roamed the boat and educated us about where we were going and the wildlife we got to see. Definitely worth doing!
Great experience!
Mike M,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was well organized and very informative tour. We really enjoyed every aspect of the trip! Saw whales, seals and sea lions.
Magical
Rudolfo A,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It takes you away from the terrible state our beautiful country is in!! And a reminder how amazing our planet is!
Sail the Salish Sea with San Juan Safaris!
Jon H,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our whale watching trip with San Juan Safaris was exceptional. Captain Gabe and the MV Sea Lion took great care of all the passengers and our onboard naturalist, Olivia, kept us entertained and educated about all the wildlif we did (and didn't) see. We saw harbor porpoises galore, a number of bald eagles and harbor seals (rock sausages) too. The highlights of the expedition were watching a Steller Sea Lion tease some surrounding gulls with his catch du jour, and then getting to see two family groups of Orcas traversing the Haro Strait. Truly an unforgettable day!
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Operated by San Juan Safaris