Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

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.

12:30pm Departure

Departs from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, boarding begins at 12:10pm

Reviews

4.85

772 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

699

Couples first trip to San Juan island
Kimberley L,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The crew was very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. We were fortunate to see a family of 5 whales. What a breathtaking experience. I would highly recommend this excursion. It was the highlight of our trip.
Awesome
Kayla S,
Aug 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Amazing experience! Watched a pod of orcas for almost an hour. Crew was incredibly nice and helpful.
Good and fun
Philip W,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The naturalist was very informative and helpful. We saw whales as promised and were able to get close enough to hear them and see the markings. There were 5 whales, a mom and her babies and the youngest was so small. It was adorable.
Thar she blows
Margaret E,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Great ship! Nice Capt. great snack bar and beverages. We saw orcas and the minky whale. I appreciated the bird nests and sea lion stop. The naturalist was snarky if ya asked her questions.
Absolutely incredible. My...
Catherine M,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Absolutely incredible. My bucket list is now complete with seeing Orcas in the wild. The most beautiful sight!