San juan island is considered the best place to view orca whales because of the large salmon population, which is their primary food source. While resident and transient orca can be found in puget sound almost any time of the year, march and april features the addition of gray whales, and boat tours are one of the best ways to see the whales. Downloadprint a pocket guide for responsible marine wildlife viewing. Available march through october, this fullday whale watching tour package includes a scenic 45minute seaplane flight from seattles lake union to friday harbor marina on san juan island. My dates are flexible but i would prefer to go in april. To read the entire content of this whale watching tours page, please go to. Weather was beautiful so that added to our positive experience. Jan 01, 2016 highlight video from our whale watching tour in seattle, washington with island adventures. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whalewatching cruise. See orcas, humpback whales, and all the majestic wildlife in. Seattle is known for many thingsfor major attractions like the space needle, for amazing outdoorsy activities within and near the city, and for fresh and local foods. Can anyone recommend a whale watching tour company. High speed whale watching tour from downtown seattle. Your eticket will include a phone number that you must call 24 to 48 hours prior to the tour to reconfirm the pickup time and specific location where pickup occurs.
Seattle to friday harbor directions western prince whale. Guests must book their ferry trip aboard the victoria clipper separately from their whale watching tour. The san juan islands, located 140 km north of seattle in the heart of salish sea, is the most famous place for orca whale watching. Flights leave seattle in the morning and return in the early evening, and vary slightly depending on the time of the year. Whale watching from land whale watching is a favorite activity in and around puget sound. Gila river rafting, birding, and eco tour for one, two, or four at pacific nw float trips up to 47% off. Many trips are designed around places known as great vantage points for whale watching. Get a group together and join us on a private boat charter in the san juan islands. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale. See orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and all the majestic wildlife in the salish sea on our tour departing from edmonds. Leave from port angeles or port townsend for short transit times and long whale watching times. Everett is the best departure in the spring its only 30 miles from seattle and the whales are often right off of the dock.
The plane arrives in time to enjoy the town for friday harbor and its many shops and restaurants. Tour bus was on time and picked us up before driving to port edmund which was about 30 mins away. The victoria clipper provides whale watching tours out of seattle. Tour leaders have resources that help them know where the whales are hanging out each day, but that doesnt mean its the only way to go whale watching. Experience the thrill of seeing orca whales, seals, porpoises and so much more wildlife on one of our whale watching trips off the san juan islands near seattle, washington. Jun 23, 2016 my husband and i took the whale watching tour while visiting seattle. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whale watching cruise. Updated february 12, 2020 tours depart oak harbor and langley.
According to their website, they now are located in des moines, quite a bit south of seattle. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands. When you join san juan safaris on a whale watching tour, youll have a great chance to observe orca whales in their natural environment. For the best whalewatching in seattle, enjoy the beauty of san juan island on a whalewatching cruise from friday harbor, a quaint town on the island. Does anyone know if this is a good time to whale watch. Our experienced, passionate team of captains and naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful pacific northwest home with. Killer orca whale watching seattle to san juan islands.
View orca whales in their natural habitat on the new 55. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale watching. San juan safaris is pleased to offer military personnel, active or retired, and. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. Whale watching seattle or victoria eagle wing tours. San juan cruises has three whale watching tours a deluxe whale watch including a free salmon lunch and friday harbor visit, a halfday whale watching tour with a free lasagna lunch, and an evening whale watching tour that includes our delicious lasagna and caesar salad dinner. Our 34 hour adventure whale watching tours depart from friday harbor, just steps from the ferry landing.
Looking for a company with great customer service, vast experience in the field and a strong safety record. Jan 07, 2014 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 41,438 views. Our experienced, passionate team of captains and naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful pacific northwest home with travelers from near and far. Mar 11, 2017 this is an 12hour tour departing seattle at 8. Our everett gray whale trips have been running for over a decade. For the best whale watching in seattle, enjoy the beauty of san juan island on a whale watching cruise from friday harbor, a quaint town on the island. Id like to go to seattle for several reasons but my main reason would be to whale watch. Our coast guard inspected vessels travel farther and faster than other tours, allowing you the best chance to see whales and other wildlife. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Seattle whale watching san juan safaris san juan island. Whale watching for one, two, or four at orcas island whale watch up to 59% off.
Tours from seattle orca spirit orca spirit adventures. Washington states best whale watching value and best spot north of seattle to see gray whales in the wild. We only have the one shot and want to make sure we use a good solid company. Timing depends on which types of whales you want to see and the operating seasons of the whale watching tours. Whale watching tour companies seattle forum tripadvisor. Each spring, majestic gray whales migrate from the southern waters north to alaska. If you do not specify a hotel pickup location from this list, you will be confirmed for meeting the tour at the no hotel general pickup location. Were blessed to live in whats been called the american.
San juan island is accessed via the wa state ferry that departs from anacortes, wa just 90 miles north of san juan island. Our everett gray whale trips have been running for over a. The seaplane base in seattle on lake union is a short taxi ride from any downtown seattle hotel. Whether you prefer a private tour for six or an 80passenger vessel, theres a tour for you. And dont forget, some whales can dive for 10 minutes, or longer, so keep looking in the general area where you first saw the blow. If you would like to visit magnificent olympic national park in addition to doing some whale watching, come to port angeles from late august through october. Three generations of our family have helped visitors have lifechanging experiences with some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. While resident and transient orca can be found in puget sound almost any time of the year, march and april features the addition of gray whales, and. Whale watching tours from seattle to the san juan islands. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle washington. Our 34 hour classic whale watching tours depart from friday harbor, just steps from the ferry landing. Whale watching from land whidbey and camano islands. Port angeles whale watch company tourstourism tour.
San juan island is the center of whale watching in the pacific northwest and therefore friday harbor on san juan island is the best location for departing on a whale watch tour in washington state. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be. With almost 85 whales in the area, youll have plenty of. Seattle whale watching tours whale watching tours, seattle. Take your best shot at kayaking with killer whales near seattle, wa. Best time to whale watch in seattle seattle message. Gray whale watching near seattle, washington island adventures. All the best things to do in seattle tours northwest. Gray whales migrate past seattle, washington, each year on their way to alaska.
Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between midmay and midoctober when the salmon runs are strongest, although its possible to spot them. The metro area now has its firstever, halfday whale watching tour. Whale watching tour packages includes a scenic 45minute seaplane flight from seattle to friday harbor, plus a 3hour whale watching cruise around the san. About us why choose us about our vessel download brochure contact us our locations. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. Puget sound express familyrun whale watching tours. No rush, this is a lifetime guarantee as we want to bring all of our guests whale watching dreams to life. Depart from either port townsend or edmonds just 17 miles north of seattle for a whale watching tour through the sound on one of their three ships, all equipped with indoor seating to keep the oceans chill away. Its a full day but only 2 12 hours are specifically devoted to whale watching. San juan island is accessed via the wa state ferry that departs from anacortes, wa. With some research and planning, you can go whale watching in seattle and other puget sound cities on your own.
But something that defines seattle more than anything is its location. Highlight video from our whale watching tour in seattle, washington with island adventures. While we have wonderful boat tours that give you a great perspective, sometimes the whales schedule doesnt exactly match tour schedules. Joining a whale watching tour makes spotting whales of all sorts much more likely. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with seattles only halfday, guaranteed whale watching tour. See orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and all the majestic wildlife in the salish sea on our tour departing from edmonds just minutes north of downtown seattle. Passenger boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time. Boat crew and captain very knowledgeable, and we saw two pods of whales, a bald eagle and sea lions. Yes, victoria is just a short 45 minute float plane ride from downtown seattle with kenmore air offering multiple daily departures throughout the year.
San juan island whale watching day trip from seattle, wa. Depending on which tour youre on, boarding will take place at one of our two locations. All the ones i have seen leave from orcas island or anacortes area, and unfortunately i am only in seattle for a short amount of time but dont want to miss out on orcas whale. Whale watching cruises san juan cruises bellingham. Cruise through the waters of the salish sea and experience the wonders of the pacific northwest with an overnight getaway from seattle that includes a victoria whale watching tour plus hotel stay. Orca whale watching seattle, wa by san juan safarisseattle.
Contact seattle orca whale watching we are located at 950 westlake ave n, seattle, wa 98109 phone. Last year the closest operator left from edmonds and did offer hotel pick up in seattle. San juan island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from midapril to october. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle. This deal cannot be combined with promotion codes or other discounts and is valid on whale watching tours only. I was skeptical at first, not thinking that we would see many whales in the six hours we would be gone. Sandwiched between mountains to the east and the puget sound to the west, seattles location is what opens up much of the amazing things to do in the area. An informative guided tour of seattle covering all the famous attractions, including a 2hour stop at pike place market and admission to the top of the space needle. Sea quest kayak tours explore the premiere orca whale waters in the san juan. Seattle orca whale watching tours operating from san juan island, just 90 miles north of seattle, the premier location for wild orca viewing in north america. For whale watching, id choose folks out of anacortes, the san juan islands, or victoria. Travel inspired cuisine by way of the northwest, the whale wins roasts the very best from local beaches, gardens and farms in its rustic wood fired oven and serves it to share on plates large and small in a light filled, converted warehouse space.
The thrill of seeing a spout, or better yet, a breaching whale as it prepares to dive makes a fun adventure. Guests must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time at their specific check in location. Three generations of family ownership have made the tour operators at puget sound express some of the most knowledgeable around. At this time of year, pa is the best spot on the washington coast to see humpback whales, and the tour, which leaves right from the pa dock downtown, will also take you to where you can see orcas. In the event of a nowhale trip, you are invited back with us for a complimentary tour. Along the oregon coast, you can see resident gray whales in summer too. Generally, summer months will offer more opportunities to see orcas from more whale watching companies whale watching tours do not at this point, leave from downtown seattle. If you want a more active experience, a kayaking tour is an unforgettable way to explore the coastline.