San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Watching
Boat-Based 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 in U.S and Canadian waters. 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 shore-based whale watching. The park faces the island’s west side waters where the whales spend time feeding and socializing during summer. Picnic tables and plenty of shady nooks mean you can spend a few happy hours on the lookout and enjoying the view -- or explore the rocky shore and tide pools, see an old lime kiln, or visit the small seasonal whale interpretive center.
The 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.
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).
Convenience: Walk off the Washington State ferry in Friday Harbor and two minutes later you are onboard "Soulmate,” Captain Carli"s boat. [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. [more...]
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 and wildlife trip an experience of a lifetime.
Why choose Western Prince? [more...]
Experience premiere whale watching with San Juan Excursions aboard the 64-foot, twin-engine, classic motor yacht the 'Odyssey'. The largest whale watching boat in the islands, the ‘Odyssey" (fueled by biodiesel when available) offers guests excellent, comfortable indoor and outdoor viewing with heated cabins, lounge-style seating, a snack bar, two restrooms, 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...]
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...]
Enjoy a year-round, daily, orca/killer whale & wildlife adventure of a lifetime out of Friday Harbor. I offer an intimate and personalized tour with only 6 passengers on a 30', comfortable and stable boat with a heated cabin, indoor & outdoor seating, and a restroom. Other trips available include Jones Island Hiking & Picnic Trips, Lighthouse Tours, and Private Sunset Cruises. Tours depart one to three times daily, depending on the season. [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 our guests with his experience and knowledge, he will also entertain you! [more...]
Whether you are looking for a premier whale watch tour, quality family adventure, or a fun-filled fishing excursion, Legacy Charters is here to make it happen. Offering whale watching and fishing charters for groups of six or less assures the most authentic and personalized charters available. [more...]
