Whale Watching from Friday Harbor
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
12:30pm Departure
Departs from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, boarding begins at 12:10pm
4:30 Sunset departure
Round Trip Shuttle service: In July and August, guests will meet in Friday Harbor and receive transport to Roche Harbor where the boat departs from.
Reviews
756 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely incredible. My...
Catherine M,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible. My bucket list is now complete with seeing Orcas in the wild. The most beautiful sight!
Amazing experience! We...
Tanya A,
Jul 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing experience! We got to see 8 orcas, a humpback whale, seals and a bald eagle. The ride was smooth and memorable.
Orcas
Jeannette d,
Jul 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic!! We saw Orcas which is mainly why I went. I did learn a little more about the transient whales we were seeing. Such an incredible experience!
Awesome
Lisa W,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00On time, comfortable boat, knowledgeable staff and we saw Chainsaw!!! We had a great afternoonon the water.
Boat Ride
Lisa v,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00Crew was nice, boat was clean, and they offered a variety of snacks you could buy. Unfortunately we did not see any whales even after cruising for 4 hours. They did offer a voucher if we want to come back.
Related Experiences
Operated by San Juan Safaris