Where to go · ORCA WATCHING TOURS IN THE USA
The season here is short and the good boats fill first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Orcas Island whale watching, with ferry tips, wildlife highlights, costs, boat details, and advice on who should book.
“Seeing Orcas! Even though there weren't that many and it was a cold day, our crew didn't give in until the whales were found. Great trip! Dress warm :)”
Paddle secluded coves near Ketchikan with a six-person group, wildlife watch, boat transfers, and a smoked salmon snack.
“In a 3 hour excursion, only ~1 hour was actually spent on the kayaks and we felt rushed the whole time. We were paddling 95% of the time and didn't have any real time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Our guide was nice but net loud and talked the entire time, often about his personal life and past. The goal for us was to get out into nature and enjoy the sounds and relax. That's not what this tour was. Everyone else in our group loved it, though so it just depends on what you're looking for. We came back 5 mins late apparently and were rushed onto the…”
Review the Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise from Seward, with wildlife odds, sea conditions, price value, tips, itinerary, and booking advice.
“Exceeded my expectations!!! We got to see a few pods of Orcas, a humpback whale, coastal sheep, sea otter.The staff was so personal and helpful..such a great experience”
Review of Seward’s 4-hour Orca Quest Cruise, with peak-season whale watching, Resurrection Bay scenery, wildlife, costs, and practical tips.
“The crew was so incredible and we had the best time. I know they had no control over wildlife but we found an orca pod within 20 minutes of the 4-hour tour. We were SO lucky and just really loved the experience. Everyone was so kind, professional, and made the day amazing.”
Review of Orcas Island’s 210-minute whale tour, with speedboat views, naturalist guides, ferry tips, wildlife, price, and booking advice.
“Not only were the crew knowledgeable, but the trip was worth every penny!! Saw many different animals, not just orcas!!”
Review of Anacortes’ $199 orca tour, with Salish Sea views, Bigg’s killer whales, practical tips, value advice, and honest drawbacks.
“The crew were very knowledgeable and made the experience much more interesting.”
Learn to sail around Obstruction Pass on a private three-hour Orcas Island lesson for up to six, with morning and afternoon departures.
“Do it! Nat is the absolute best! So knowledgeable and makes sure everyone is comfy. You will need to dress warmly any time you're out to Seattle but other than that, you don't really need anything.”
Review of the Orca whale tour from Orcas Island, including wildlife focus, boat details, price, timing, age limits, and booking advice.
“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 enjoy a paired cheese board 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 Ketchikan’s Orca Cove kayak tour, with a fast boat ride, wildlife, smoked salmon, small groups, and practical booking advice.
“Everything was excellent. They were also flexible, as my cruise ship was leaving before the tour ended. They kindly finished our tour early and took us to our ship. The service was truly wonderful.”
Paddle glowing waters off Orcas Island on a small-group night kayak tour timed for dark skies, with gear and a certified guide included.
“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.”
Paddle through glowing waters on Orcas Island with local guides, new moon timing, wildlife stories, and a peaceful two-hour night kayak tour.
“Toby and Tyler were amazing tour guides! highly recommend the activity!”
Review of Orcas Island’s four-hour orca tour, including whale sightings, ferry planning, guides, price, weather, and the free return guarantee.
“The driver was great and had some great information on the whales.”
Review of Orcas Wild Kayak’s full-day Orcas Island trip, with kayaking, wildlife, Olga café time, pricing, logistics, and practical booking advice.
“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!”
Review of South Padre Island’s $33 Orca Whale Inflatable Ride, including the 10-minute thrill, meeting point, value, and booking advice.
“The guys at The place made us very comfortable and listened to the speed at which the inflatable orca was skimming on the water. And we had TONS of fun.”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
