Whale Watching Tours
Getting out on the water with a local whale watch tour operator will give you the best chance at seeing whales. Although they can’t guarantee them – many boast a 90% viewing rate during the peak season of May through September – the captains are in constant communication with their spotting network in order to do their best at finding the whales and other spectacular wildlife. Knowledgeable marine naturalists are also on board to inform and amuse you. San Juan Island tour operators depart from three locations -- Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor and Snug Harbor – making it easy to step on board no matter where you are on the island.
Shore-Based Whale Watching
San Juan Island is home to Lime Kiln Point State Park, a.k.a. Whale Watch Park, one of the best places in the world for trying your luck at land-based whale watching. In fact, the island’s west side is dotted with pullouts for watching the whales go by. Or park your car or bike at the Westside Scenic Preserve, San Juan County Park, or South Beach, get your binoculars out, and wait.
Lime Kiln Point State Park faces the island’s west side waters where the whales spend much of their time. Picnic tables and plenty of shady nooks mean you can spend a happy few hours enjoying the view and perhaps watching the whales go by—a good option for families and young travelers who might not want to spend time on a boat. While keeping an eye out for whales, you can also explore the shore and tidepools, see an old lime kiln, or visit the small seasonal whale interpretive center at the park.
Whale Museum
For a preview of your whale-sighting experience, you might visit The Whale Museum in downtown Friday Harbor, where you can view whale skeletons and recent nearby sightings, listen to the songs of various species in the Whale Phone Booth, watch a free, 30-minute looped video on Pacific Northwest orcas, and stock up on whale-related gifts.
Experience premiere whale watching with San Juan Excursions aboard the 64 foot, twin-engine, classic motor yacht the 'Odyssey'. The most comfortable whale watching boat in the islands, the ‘Odyssey" (fueled by biodiesel when available) offers guests excellent indoor and outdoor viewing with heated cabins, lounge style seating, a snack bar, two restrooms, comfortable padded outdoor seating and wrap around decks. We see orca whales on over 95% of our tours and if you do not see an orca, then you are welcome to come out another day; free of charge. [more...]
Whales Rock! Enjoy a six-passenger, personalized whale & wildlife adventure of a lifetime. Join Captain Hobbes, who grew up on the water in England, and has been operating whale watch tours and passenger vessels in the San Juan Islands for 12 years. Come aboard “Natsilane,” named after an Orca Whale legend, a 30’ Albin Fast Express Cruiser, and enjoy a comfortable heated cabin, with indoor and outdoor seating, restroom and snack bar. [more...]
WESTERN PRINCE WHALE & WILDLIFE TOURS
Join us on a whale watching tour from Friday Harbor. Breathe the fresh island air, take in the scenery, and experience the magnificence of seeing Orca (Killer) Whales, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Seals, Sea Birds and Sea Lions in their natural environment. We provide quality whale watching and wildlife tours with a personal touch. Skilled local Naturalists make our trips fun, informative and interactive, and our Owner/Captain is dedicated to making your whale watching & wildlife trip an experience of a lifetime. [more...]
Welcome to the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea! Are you arriving on your own boat? You can hire us to be your tour guide, marine naturalist, and/or captain! Are you arriving in your own car? You can hire us to be your driver, tour guide, and marine naturalist!
We have decades of the "inside scoop"; local knowledge, experience, and stories to share with you! [more...]
Why Choose Captain Carli's Whale Watching Tours
Experience: Captain Carli has lived on San Juan Island for the last twenty-seven years and first started driving whale watching boats professionally in 1995.
Small Boat: Small boats are more personal, offer better seating and viewing and direct access to Captain Carli, (have a question…just ask him). [more...]
Whale watching and wildlife tours. Sea Kayaking tours and custom adventure tours from Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Tours depart from the best locations in the San Juan Islands. See killer whales, seals, eagles,and porpoise. Join our expert staff for a unique adventure. [more...]
Located steps from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours has an excellent reputation for respectful wildlife viewing. Owner operated since 1995 this company is known for providing high quality, small group size whale watching & wildlife tours. The boat, Sea Lion, is a new 55 foot long vessel, with a warm and comfortable cabin and a walk around deck. Sea Lion is U.S. Coast Guard Certified - safe and fast. [more...]
Join us on a 2 ½ to 3 hour tour to view the Orcas and other wildlife. We take only 6 people at a time aboard our beautiful catamaran, Peregrine. Capt. Jim not only informs out guest with his experience and knowledge, he will entertain you! [more...]
