Seattle · WHALE WATCHING
The resident orca pods work the water around the San Juans from spring into autumn, and most departures leave from Anacortes or Friday Harbor rather than the city. These 15 are compared on sailing time, boat size and what happens if nothing surfaces.
Review of Friday Harbor whale watching: boat comfort, whale sightings, ferry planning, price, wildlife, and tips for a smart booking.
“Traveled 45 min. Saw orcas in a pod and followed the pod for 45 minutes. Left and then saw 2 bald eagles in their nest. Very enjoyable.”
Search for orcas, humpbacks, and seals on a fast, naturalist-led cruise through the San Juan Islands from Anacortes.
“Variety of wild life. Great team. Very informative. Beautiful scenery. Bring something wind proof and binoculars!”
Review of Orcas Island whale watching, with ferry tips, wildlife expectations, boat details, value, and practical advice for booking.
“Captain Chaz and Corrina were so welcoming and very knowledgeable about the sea life, islands around orcas island. We had an amazing experience watching two male orcas swimming. Lots of picture opportunities.”
Review this Seattle whale watching cruise from Pier 69 for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and expert wildlife guidance on the Salish Sea.
“Absolutely nothing could improve this. It was the best day ever. The boat was out 2 hours longer due to it being their best sighting day all season. Fabulous day I will never forget.”
Review of Seattle’s Pier 69 whale-watching cruise, with orcas, humpbacks, seating advice, food, timing, value, and practical tips.
“The staff were amazing. We just didn’t see any activity except for 3-4 pop ups of minkos whales. Was given a voucher that’s good for a year but not living in the area not sure when I’ll be able to come back. Kinda wish there was an option of getting maybe 50% back of cash back vs voucher. You just really have to be prepared that you might not see whales.”
Search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and eagles on a small-group San Juan Islands cruise from Orcas Island, with a whale guarantee.
“Amazing opportunity to see a couple of pods of transient whales. Sheila and Phil were great and had a lot of knowledge of the area and the orcas. Seemed to be very eco-conscious, even turning around to pick up a balloon that was floating in the water.”
Ride a small zodiac from Anacortes to spot orcas, humpbacks, seals, and eagles across the San Juan Islands.
“Exceeded all of our expectations. Have an absolutely fantastic time would highly recommend them.!!!”
See Bigg’s orcas in the Salish Sea on a fast, guided tour from Anacortes, with a 98 percent sighting rate and year-round wildlife.
“I can’t recommend Outer Island Excursions enough. From beginning to end it was an incredible experience. The crew members were kind and knowledgeable. We found the orcas right away and it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I saved up for this for a year and it was well worth the money. A memory you will never forget.”
Learn to sail in Obstruction Pass on a private three-hour Orcas Island lesson for up to six people, with morning or afternoon departures.
“Sailing with Nate was a great experience, he was very accommodating with me and my friends and each of our skills and comfort level. Would really recommend him for sailing with any age group or skill set.”
Search for year-round Bigg’s killer whales on a fast Orcas Island boat tour with a marine naturalist, onboard restroom, and small group.
“Hunter guided us like the pro he is on the water. We were blessed and saw multiple orcas up close!!”
Taste four limited-edition Pacific Northwest wines, meet the makers, and pair each pour with cheese at Doe Bay Wine Company.
“Everyone was incredible and kind! Wine was excellent and the whole town is so welcoming. This is a must see to get the feeling of the entire community.”
Review of Blue Kingdom’s small-group Anacortes whale tour, with orcas, other wildlife, heated cabin, and a two-hour Friday Harbor stop.
“Incrível, vimos muitas baleias orcas, apesar do tempo chuvoso a navegação foi tranquila! Tyler foi impecável, até dicas de restaurantes em Friday Harbor!”
Paddle under the stars near Rosario Mansion as bioluminescent plankton glows beneath your kayak on this small-group Orcas Island tour.
“This was such a cool experience and Tyler was a great guide! We saw so many amazing things and it really was an unforgettable experience.”
Combine Deception Pass beaches, a picnic lunch, and a Salish Sea whale watch from Seattle in one small-group day tour.
“This was an AMAZING Day!!! Our tour guide Matthew was completely incredible and we had so much fun. The provided lunch was a culinary feast (not a sandwich as expected). We got lots of history while traveling. On the Whale watching, we saw Humpback whales "courting" and then we saw Orcas playing. The Orcas put on quite the show for our tour!! And then on the way back, we saw sea lions on a small island. The homemade cookie at the end of the day was such a sweet touch!”
Paddle Orcas Island’s Cascade Bay with a guide, spot seals and eagles, stop in Olga for lunch, and return to Rosario Marina.
“Big thanks to Jake for a beautiful kayak excursion to Sucia Island. We circumnavigated the entire island, had a lovely lunch+hiking break. Beautiful scenery and soaring bald eagles everywhere!”
Pick a pier, a mountain road or a kitchen.
