Where to go · SAN JUAN ISLANDS WHALE WATCHING TOURS
Local boats, local seasons. These 10 san juan islands whale watching tours are compared on price, sailing length and how close the encounters usually get.
Cruise from Friday Harbor to spot orcas, humpbacks, seals, and bald eagles aboard a heated 55-foot boat in the San Juan Islands.
“Olivia and Eric were great!! Don't waste your money on costlier tours. They are cheap but still amazing. Saw orcas.”
Review the Anacortes whale-watching tour for orcas, humpbacks, wildlife, boat comfort, pricing, timing, and practical booking tips.
“Great afternoon tour with Isabelle, Sean, Thomas, and Capt Matt. We followed a pod of 5 orcas, one of which was less than a month old. Also saw lots of seals, birds annd a few porpoises. Staff was very knowledgeable and moved around the ship, answering questions and explaining the sights. Definitely recommend if in the area.”
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 :)”
Review of Orcas Island whale watching with wildlife, small-group views, ferry tips, pricing, timing, cancellation terms, and booking advice.
“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.”
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.”
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.”
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!”
Paddle Orcas Island’s north shore for harbor seals, porpoises, eagles, and Mt. Baker views on a guided three-hour kayak trip.
“Tyler was exceptionally engaging and made the trip informative and delightful. I've been on many similar excursions and this one stood out because of him.”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
