Spring, summer and fall find the magnificent Orca whales plying the waters of the west side of San Juan Island, Washington.

These whales are focused on finding the Pacific runs of salmon that migrate through Haro Strait. Along with them are soaring eagles, playful seals, impressive sea lions, and flights of seabirds to observe from our boats.

Onboard, your naturalist-guides and captains will familiarize you with the vessel, the local Orca, marine mammals, birds, plants and geology throughout the cruise.

The whale watching tours strictly adhere to all the whale watching guidelines and Federal Whale Watching regulations, but more importantly, they are respectful of all wildlife.

Half the fun is getting there! The ferry is a tour in itself. Friday Harbor is full of interesting shops, restaurant and sights.

Want a more intimate tour - join the special limited tour , small groups with a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Important Note:

Regardless of whether you are bringing your car on the ferry, it is best to be waiting in the Anacortes parking lot 1 hour ahead of the ferry departure (not to be confused with the time of your TOUR departure) In July and August arrive at least 1.5 hours prior to the ferry departure. Park your car in the Anacortes ferry parking lot. Purchase a passenger ticket. Allow at least 90 minutes driving time from Seattle to Anacortes.

Ferry schedule changes seasonally. Please check the latest Washington State Ferry schedule to ensure you arrive with enough time to make your way to the tour departure point.

This tour is seasonal and only operates from 5 April to 19 October

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal

5 April and 12 April
Saturday only

19 April - 5 October
Daily

11 October and 19 October
Saturday

Departure Point:

Tours depart from the San Juan kiosk located across the road from the ferry dock.

Departure Time:

• 5 April to 6 June - 1:00pm
• 7 June to 17 August - 1:00pm and 5:30pm
• 18 August to 19 October - 1:00pm
Special limited tour

• 7 June to 1 September - 1.30pm

Return details:

This tour returns to the original departure point approximately 4 hours after departure

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick-up is not included; however, please provide your hotel details when booking, for the tour operator to keep on record for contact purposes only. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call and advise them of this information directly. The contact details for the tour operator will be on your voucher once you have a confirmed booking.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Whale Watching Cruise
• Tax

Exclusions:

• Transport to/from Friday Harbor from Seattle
• Gratuities (optional)
• Port Fee (USD1.00 per person)

Additional Info:

• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date
• Restrooms are available onboard the boat
• Wheelchairs are not permitted onboard the boat

We recommend you bring the following:

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Snack
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Extra Film
• Water Bottle (no glass please)
• Snacks
• Gloves (optional)
• Water Compatible Shoes, like tennis shoes or something flat, preferably with a rubber bottom
• Jacket or Windbreaker - comfortable clothing

The crew and other guests would appreciate it if you would leave behind:

• Cell Phones
• Smoking Materials

Getting to San Juan Islands
Driving from Seattle

Take Interstate 5 to the Burlington exit (230). Turn west on Highway 20 until you reach Anacortes (approx 60-90 minutes). Follow the signs to the ferry landing. Purchase a ferry ticket to Friday Harbor. Hop on and travel to San Juan Island (Approx 1 hour).

Please Note: We recommend you arrive at least 60-90 minutes prior to ferry departure to ensure space is available


By Air
Kenmore Air - Departing from both Lake Union and Lake Washington, Kenmore Air lands at the docks in Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.

San Juan Airlines - Lands at the Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor Airports, on San Juan Island. San Juan Airlines terminal location is at Boeing Field with shuttle service to and from Sea-Tac.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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