Whale & Wildlife Watching
Magical. Awe-inspiring. Stunning. Amazing. Unforgettable.
Count on your sighting of whales in the waters of the San Juan Islands to be the experience of a lifetime.
Most of the whales seen in the San Juan Islands are orcas—three pods, the “Southern Residents” are typically here from mid-April to early October, but your best chance to see them is from late May through September. One of the pods is often seen year round. You have a great variety of whale watch boat tours to choose from.
On your whale watch tour, you may see not just orca whales, but different species as well: gray, minke, and humpback whales also visit these waters. Not to mention seals, porpoises, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, and numerous seabirds. And you’ll pick up a whole new whale-related vocabulary—spyhops, breaches, and single and double tail lobs. On some whale watch tours, you’ll hear via hydrophone the whales calling to one another. Most boats have an onboard naturalist to explain what you’re seeing.
Local whale watch operators adhere closely to state and federal guidelines developed to ensure the whales’ behavior and life cycles aren’t disturbed. Our “Southern Residents” are endangered and protected by state and federal law, and there is a strong local culture of respect for the whales. Boats must not approach closer than 200 yards—but that’s plenty close enough when you’re looking at a 30-foot mammal. The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau supports responsible whale watching as a sustainable model for environmental stewardship.
You can also consider trying your luck at shore-based whale watching at “Whale Watch Park” (Lime Kiln Point State Park) on San Juan Island.
Professional guided whale and wildlife tours. Boat departs next to the Orcas Island ferry landing. See abundant wildlife and 172+ islands. 56-foot Orcas Express offers heated cabin with seats and tables inside, and top and lower viewing decks. Historic guided lighthouse tours, too. [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...]
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...]
Enjoy an informative, narrated cruise through the San Juan Islands in search of orca whales and minke whales. The thrill of seeing one of these majestic creatures will be an unforgettable experience. Discover the other abundant marine life and wildlife that call these waters home. You'll pass by unspoiled, pristine islands and historic landmarks. Established in 1988. [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...]
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...]
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...]
Outer Island Expeditions offers whale watching tours -- see whales or ride again free! -- from Orcas Island, Lopez Island, San Juan Island and the Bellingham area. Last year we saw orcas on over 95% of our summer tours, and whales on 97%. [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).
Convenience: Walk off the Washington State ferry in Friday Harbor and two minutes later you are onboard "Soulmate,” Captain Carli"s boat. [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...]
For 27 years, Puget Sound Express has provided thousands of travelers with fun-packed and fascinating tours on the waters in the San Juan Islands and around the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, Washington.
Three generations of the Hanke family work to make your trip a lasting memory. We began wildlife tours long before there was a wildlife watching movement and with that experience comes knowledge that puts us on the right spot, at the right time, every time. [more...]
The Clipper Vacations whale watching tour includes round-trip transportation from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, a 2.5 hour Orca Whale Watching and Sealife Search with an onboard naturalist, a 2.5 hour stop in historic Friday Harbor, plus a souvenir guidebook to the San Juans for a fun and family-friendly educational day trip or overnight getaway. Daily departures aboard the Victoria Clipper high-speed passenger vessel from downtown Seattle’s Pier 69 to Friday Harbor are mid May – September. [more...]
