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Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

4.8 (695)
Friday Harbor, US
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Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

4.8 (695)
Friday Harbor, US
Share
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Experience the thrill of whale watching from Friday Harbor, located on the picturesque San Juan Island in the stunning Pacific Northwest. This easy day trip adventure from downtown Seattle will take you to the heart of orca whale territory, known as the "jewel" of the Puget Sound. With a 90% chance of spotting orca whales on this tour, as well as the possibility of encountering minke, humpback, and gray whales, you are in for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Sail aboard the MV Sea Lion, a spacious 55-foot boat with a heated cabin and a walk-around deck, ensuring optimal viewing opportunities for all 40 guests on board. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 4 hours
  • Suitable for 1-9 Participants
  • Small Group Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • View orca whales in their natural habitat
  • Possibility of spotting minke, humpback, and gray whales
  • Guaranteed sightings of marine mammals
  • Exclusive Whale Watch Cruise on the MV Sea Lion
  • Beautiful scenery of San Juan Island
  • Whale Watching Cruise
  • Local taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Transport to/from Friday Harbor from Seattle
  • Port Fee (USD1.00 per person)

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the thrill of whale watching in the breathtaking beauty of Friday Harbor, located in the San Juan Islands, just a short trip away from downtown Seattle. Known as the "jewel" of the Pacific Northwest, these islands are a haven for orca whales and offer an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

What to expect?

During this four-hour tour, you can anticipate witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of orca whales, as they make their way through the waters surrounding San Juan Island. With a success rate of over 90%, spotting these magnificent creatures is highly likely, along with the possibility of encountering minke, humpback, and gray whales. Prepare to be amazed as these graceful giants breach and glide through the waves, showcasing their sheer power and beauty.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone seeking a captivating and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family with kids, or a group of friends, anyone with a love for marine life and a sense of adventure will appreciate this incredible opportunity.

Why book this?

Embark on this exclusive Whale Watch Cruise aboard the MV Sea Lion, a state-of-the-art vessel designed for your comfort and optimal viewing pleasure. With its windowed, heated cabin and spacious walk-around deck, you can enjoy unobstructed views of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The knowledgeable and experienced crew will provide insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the marine ecosystem. Don't miss the chance to create lifelong memories and gain a deep appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.

Good to know

San Juan Safaris, your trusted tour provider, offers a meeting point conveniently located on Front Street. The tour duration is 240 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the enchanting San Juan Island. Dress comfortably and prepare for various weather conditions to fully enjoy the experience. Be sure to carry a camera to capture the magical moments you'll encounter on this extraordinary voyage.

Reviews

Previous visitors have been thrilled by their encounters with orca whales and other marine mammals on this tour. They praise the professionalism and knowledge of the crew, as well as the comfortable and well-maintained MV Sea Lion. Visitors have expressed their gratitude for the unforgettable experience and the chance to witness these majestic creatures up close. The reviews consistently highlight this tour as a must-do for nature enthusiasts and recommend it as one of the best ways to appreciate the wonders of the Pacific Northwest.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is considered the best place to view orca whales because the salmon, which are their prime source of food (about 95% of what they eat), travel up and down the west coast of San Juan Island and outlying areas. Take this Whale watching tour and see orca whales which has been viewed on over 90% of the tours with the possibility of spotting minke, humpback and gray whales to be higher. What is the best time to see orca whales? Anytime. They are out and about all day. You will be guaranteed see marine mammals and 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.

Reviews

(695)

4.8 (695)

William_B

The guide was very knowledgeable of whales and the local waters. She and the captain worked very hard to find a whale for us. We found a humpback names ZIGZAG and it was incredible.

Brenda_L

Kelly is a terrific tour guide and teacher. We learned so much about whales and other mammals in the region. Thanks for a great day!

878larya

On October 4th, later in the season we saw abundant variety of wildlife: Bald Eagle, Harlequin Duck, Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoises, and of course a pod of Orcas. Three Orcas swam under our boat. (see attached photos) The Naturalist on board was very knowledgeable and she was always ready to answer questions. The captain was very friendly and experienced. Love to go again when we are on San Juan Island.

Eileen_A

EVERYTHING!! Even if we had not gotten to see TWO different pods, the experience was out of this world! From the moment we ran onto the boat (island time ferry schedule) we were greeted with smiles. Everyone was so accommodating and helpful. We learned so much from all the information that was given to us. The most important thing to us, was the care that has been taken, in protecting the whales in their environment. From the way they drive the boat, to the partnering with the UW. We were so impressed!! We highly recommend this company for ANY excursions. As I says earlier, you are not guaranteed to see any whales, but we were lucky enough to see two. They are the most beautiful and majestic creatures. The time we spent on the water in their habitat, was worth every penny!!! Thank you for everything!!! Crystal & Eileen Adams

Laurie_W

Elle & Gabe did a great job. Elle so friendly - knowledgeable. Learned so much about the area and whales!

Deborah_M

Well run tour. Enjoyed all the information provided by the guide, who was a marine biologist intimately familiar with all the wildlife we saw. Safe, exciting and we saw Orcas, a humpback whale, harbor seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Highly recommend!

katieb966

We had an excellent trip. The boat is only 2 years old and is very comfortable with excellent viewing opportunities for everyone aboard. The captain and crew were first class. They were knowledgeable and personable, sharing tons of information about the area and the whales and were available to answer any questions. We not only saw orcas but also a humpback as well. We packed our own lunch so I cannot speak to the food except for the blueberry coffee cake which we did purchase in advance and ate in the morning...yum! I highly recommend this trip. You won't be disappointed.

Joseph_W

We had a wonderful experience in the classic whale watching tour from Friday Harbor. We got to see 3 orcas and 1 humpback whale. The ride was smooth on a comfortable boat that did not feel overly crowded, which gave us space to move around for pictures and videos. The staff was also very informative. Highly recommend!

ThePackedBag

I'm not a good sailor, but I'm glad I went today. The water was calm and we found a family of orcas. The experts on board (Olivia and Becca) gave us informative and interesting talks. They told us what to look for (rock sausages, anyone?) and when we found the killer whales they kept us informed of what was going on. Even if we hadn't seen anything it was still a nice cruise around the islands. I liked the fact that the captain kept us at a safe distance and respected the wildlife's space. After all the whales don't know we're there to look at them and it's not their job to entertain us. A good learning experience.

904mich

We took the 12:30 Whale and nature tour out of Friday Harbor. It was a glorious day to be out on the water! The guides worked with other guides out on the water to find the whales. Our captain took us off the coast of Vancouver where he (and the other captains/guides) found 2 matriarchal families of whales along with a lone giant male whale. We watched them for about 30 minutes. What a thrill! I would highly recommend San Juan Safaris.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-10 16:25