wildlife tours seattle

Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour

Quick facts.

• The only Seattle wildlife & whale watching tour that departs and returns from downtown Seattle located at Pier 69 on the waterfront
• Tour duration is 3-6 hours depending on sighting locations
• Whale sightings guaranteed or receive a free tour for a later date
• Expert onboard naturalist guides tour and educates passengers
• Free Wildlife & Whale Watching Explorer Guidebook
• Validated discount parking across from terminal
• Locally-sourced onboard food and drink menu
• Select seats when you book

About this Whale Watching Tour

Hop aboard the San Juan Clipper and cruise out of Pier 69 on your journey across the Salish Sea. Wildlife watching opportunities may include transient orca whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, seals, sea lions, and a variety of wildlife!

Half-Day Tour (3-5 hours)

Depart direct from Pier 69 on Seattle’s beautiful waterfront as you cruise through the Salish Sea on our San Juan Clipper high-speed vessel. Our half-day whale watching tours explore sealife across the Salish Sea (please note, viewing locations may be north or south of Seattle) based on varying locations for viewings on a particular day.

• Wildlife Conservation and Best Practices
• How to be Whale Wise
• Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule: 10:30 AM: Depart Pier 69 in Seattle 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM: Whale & Sealife Search 3:30 PM*: Arrive Pier 69 in Seattle

*NOTE:  Return time to Seattle may be earlier based on whale and sealife sighting locations.

Prices vary by season.

• Whale sightings guaranteed: If you do not see whales during your Seattle Whale Watching Tour, you will receive a voucher for a complimentary trip good to use for one year from date of tour. • 1 child (1-11 yrs. old) is half of applicable adult fare. • Within 2 days prior to travel; the reservation is non-refundable, non-changeable and noncancelable. • Washington state sales tax and fees not included. • Pricing in USD and may vary based on selected Standard (non-window aisle) or Premium (window aisle) seating. • Restrictions apply, subject to change.

Trip Experience

Itinerary & map, terms & conditions, groups and charters.

Let our group travel experts plan the perfect trip for your group of 10 or more people!

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For guests traveling internationally, please review our ID and Requirements carefully before booking travel.

• Includes one-way or round trip travel via the Clipper ferry.
• Routes available between Seattle and Victoria
• Includes travel to any of our destinations with activities or hotel stay or both.
• Enjoy the convenience of booking the entire trip all at once.

Need help planning your trip? Call our Clipper Pacific Northwest travel experts at 800-888-2535 between 9am-6pm PDT (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm PDT (Sat-Sun).

Plan Your Trip

Children's ages

Clipper defines a child as 11 years and younger, but hotels and tours may have different child ages. Please enter the ages for all children 18 and under. Infants under 1 (<1) are free on the Clipper, but are not provided a seat.

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12 Wildlife Viewing Hot Spots in the Seattle Area

Sitting in the northwest of Washington State, Seattle offers an exceptional opportunity for wildlife viewing with locations that can be accessed in as little as one to three hours. There is no shortage of National Parks with Mount Rainier, North Cascades, Mount Baker and Olympic all within striking distance while state parks, wildlife areas and commercial establishments all add to mix. With the close proximity to the coast, those on the hunt for wildlife have the chance to spot not just large land mammals, but whales and countless migratory birds as well. Here are twelve must-visit wildlife viewing destinations in the Seattle area!

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually River Delta sees the freshwater Nisqually River combine with the saltwater of Puget Sound to form an estuary rich in nutrients and detritus, ideal for supporting a large network of sea life. Over 200 species of birds use the refuge as a migratory stopover. Additionally, the refuge attracts beavers, coyotes, deer, river otter and mink.

Chelan Butte State Wildlife Area

This high elevation wildlife area, nestled between the Columbia River and Lake Chelan, is home to bighorn sheep, coyote, golden eagles and mule deer. Access is from Chelan Butte Road in the north, Downie Canyon Road in the west and Stayman Flats Road from the south.

Tip: The hours just before sunrise and just after sunset are always the best time to watch for bears, deer, elk, moose and wolves.

Deception Pass State Park

Spanning both Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, Deception Pass State Park encompasses over 4,100 ac (1,659 ha) and includes 77,000 ft (23,470 m) of saltwater shoreline. The park is home to seabirds such as cormorants along with bald eagles, porpoises, seals and whales. Highway 20 runs through the park.

Hurricane Ridge

Located 17 miles south of Port Angeles on Hurricane Ridge Road, this is one of the most easily accessed mountain areas in Olympic National Park. The road to the Visitor Center and the trails around it offer opportunities to view black bear, deer, mountain goats, Olympic marmots and snowshoe hare.

Hurn Field Property

The Hurn Field Property provides food and shelter during the winter and spring for a large quantity of elk. The property can be found 3 miles west of the town of Concrete on Highway 20. A pullout parking area and interpretive sign are found at the base of the field where visitors are asked to remain to observe the elk.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is an icon of the Washington State landscape. The mountain is an active volcano and is the most glaciated peak in the continuous US, spawning five major rivers. Wildlife abounds in the park and includes black bear, bobcat, coyotes, black-tailed and mule deer, elk, marmots, mountain goat, mountain lion (cougar), red fox, weasels (including the Pine Marten) and more.

Mount Saint Helens Area

The Mount Saint Helens area is home to black-tailed deer and elk which can often be seen along the Merrill Lake shoreline and in the Mudflow Wildlife Area Unit, but be aware the Mudflow Area is closed from December 1 through April 30 to help improve elk winter forage. The wetland areas throughout the region are home to songbirds and are popular with birders.

North Cascades National Park

A wild and rugged park, North Cascades National Park offers up virgin forests, fragile subalpine meadows and hundreds of glacier-clad mountain peaks. The park is home to black and the occasional grizzly bear, black-tailed deer, fisher, mountain goats, marmots, pikas, grey wolf and over 200 species of birds.

Tip: To avoid dangerous wildlife encounters with large mammals, bring binoculars and keep a safe distance.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

While the animals viewed here are not technically in the wild, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located in Eatonville, is home to over 40 different native Northwest animals. These include bears, bison, big cats, wolves and more. The park features a tram tour, adventure and photo tours, zip lines, hiking trails and more. Visit nwtrek.org for more information.

Olympic National Park

The Olympic Mountains feature glacier-capped mountain peaks and old growth rainforest along the Pacific side of the park. Wildlife abounds both on land and water and includes black bear, deer, mountain goats, Olympic marmots, Roosevelt elk and whales. There are over 300 species of birds found in the park including bald eagles, black oystercatchers, northern pygmy owls and sooty grouse.

Wolf Haven is a nationally recognized wolf sanctuary that has provided a lifetime home for 300 displaced, captive-born animals since 1982. The haven offers guided, 50-minute walking tours by appointment only where visitors can get a rare, up-close view of the wolves which are often impossible to see in the wild. Visit wolfhaven.org for more information.

Woodward Bay Conservation Area

The Woodward Bay Conservation Area, just outside Olympia, provides habitat for shorebirds and songbirds. Visitors will find bald eagles, harbor seals, river otters, a large maternity colony of bats and one of the most significant heron rookeries in the state. Trails run through the conservation area providing viewing access.

And there’s more!

For even more incredible wildlife viewing areas around Seattle, check out our Washington State GPS Maps or our new Adventure Maps for Washington State

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The 9 best whale watching tours near seattle.

Experience the whales and other wildlife of the Pacific Northwest on these tours.

Best Whale Watching Tours Near Seattle

Getty Images

Whales are one of the best natural sights to see during a Seattle trip.

The water off the northwestern coast of Washington affords ample opportunities to see a wide array of wildlife, including orcas and other whales. The following tours, which U.S. News determined to be the best based on the input of both travel experts and tour-takers, will take you to the ideal viewing locations. Not all of these trips leave from the Seattle area, and some may be best suited for daytrips. Most tour options depart from the San Juan Islands, which sit north of Seattle. To get to the islands, you'll need to drive about 90 miles to Anacortes, Washington, then jump on a ferry. Whale watching in this area generally occurs year-round, with peak viewing opportunities from May to October.

Note: Some whale watching trips have minimum age requirements.

Outer Island Excursions

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $79 Duration: 3.5 hours

Cruise at speeds up to 50 mph (depending on the boat) as you search for whales, porpoises, seals, otters, birds and more. Along with the sights, passengers praise the funny, knowledgeable crew.

Tours depart daily from Orcas Island (in the San Juan Islands) at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and at 1 p.m. in spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September to mid-November). Tickets cost $109 for adults, $99 for seniors 65 and older, $79 for youths 3 to 17 and $10 for infants (ages 2 and younger). Custom and private excursions are available year-round with multiple departure points from mainland locations and other islands. Outer Island Excursions also conducts charter fishing trips and kayak outings.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

San Juan Safaris – Classic Whale Watch and Wildlife Tour

Price: Adults from $125; kids from $89 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

This tour concentrates on the resident orcas that spend half the year around the San Juan Islands (though other animals are likely to be seen as well). The onboard naturalists win praise from reviewers for their knowledge and amiability.

Boats depart daily from Friday Harbor near the ferry landing on San Juan Island at 12:30 p.m. from early March through October. In addition, sunset tours that depart at 5:30 p.m. are available from late May into mid-August. Tours last from three to four hours. Tickets start at $125 for adults and $89 for children 2 to 17. (Infants ride for free.)

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Courtesy of Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours

Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours – Western Explorer II

Price: Adults from $149; kids from $139 Duration: 3 hours

The San Juan Islands afford ample opportunities to see a variety of whale species, including orcas, humpbacks and minkes, as well as porpoises, sea lions, seals and various birds. The 3-hour tour on the Western Explorer II takes 25 travelers on an aluminum boat that can travel up to 40 mph. A unique trait of this tour boat is that it's powered by low-sound water jets, reducing the vessel's underwater sound footprint. A captain and naturalist guide each trip. Previous passengers found the experience informative and fun.

The tour is offered April through October at 12:30 p.m. During the summer months (May through September), tours take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $149 for adults and $139 for kids ages 7 to 12. Insulated two-piece suits for each guest are included in the price. This tour is not recommended for kids younger than 6, guests in late-term pregnancy or those with back or neck injuries. If no whales are spotted, Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours will provide a voucher for a future outing. The company also offers private and sea kayaking tours.

View & Book Tickets: Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours

Sea Quest Expeditions

Price: From $99 Duration: 3 to 6 hours

Enjoy a close-range view of the marine life that surrounds the San Juan Islands on a full- or half-day kayak outing. In addition to orca, gray and humpback whales, porpoises and sea lions can also be observed in this area. Reviewers consistently call the tour guides exceptionally knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. However, others expressed disappointment that they did not see more whales.

Trips take place from March through December. Full-day trips last about six hours; half-day trips generally run three hours (including travel time to the launch point and instructions on kayak use). The shorter outings start at 8 a.m. and range from $99 to $129, while the full-day trips commence at 11 a.m. and range from $119 to $149. Sea Quest Expeditions also offers nighttime kayaking tours and multiday kayaking/camping combination trips in Washington, as well as tours operating out of Alaska and Mexico.

View & Book Tickets: Sea Quest Expeditions

Bart Rulon | Courtesy of Puget Sound Express

Puget Sound Express – Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours

Price: Adults from $145; kids from $105 Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Departing from Edmonds (about 20 miles north of Seattle), these four- to five-hour boat rides take passengers to the San Juan Islands to see the whales and other sea creatures that inhabit the Salish Sea. Puget Sound Express' boats feature indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks, as well as a cafe that sells snacks, which tour-takers tend to appreciate. Passengers describe the crew as knowledgeable and personable.

Tours are offered from the end of April through December. You can expect to depart at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m., but note that these times vary with the seasons. These trips are suitable for all ages; tickets start at $145 for adults and $105 for children ages 2 to 10. (Infants cruise free of charge.) Specialty tours focusing on gray whales are also offered in March and April.

View & Book Tickets: Puget Sound Express

Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Price: From $149 Duration: 3 to 8 hours

Maya's Legacy Whale Watching is ideal for nature lovers, as the company takes a "whole ecosystem approach" to its outings – meaning you'll learn about more than just whales on this excursion. Tours, which are available year-round, explore the Salish Sea in the vicinity of Seattle and Vancouver Island , British Columbia. Travelers typically enjoy ample wildlife sightings and appreciate the friendly, knowledgeable crew.

Boats leave from two San Juan Island locations: downtown Friday Harbor near the Washington State Ferry landing and Snug Harbor Resort on the island's west side. Tours vary in length and are priced accordingly, starting at $149 for three-hour tours, $199 for four-hour tours and $299 for full-day trips (six to eight hours). Multiple start times are available and options vary by season. Maya's Legacy Whale Watching specializes in small-group outings; the number of participants may range from six to 16, depending on the particular excursion and the customized vessel used. Private charters are also offered.

View & Book Tickets: Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

San Juan Excursions – Whale Watching Tours

Price: Adults from $125; kids from $115 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Cruise on a converted U.S. Navy search and rescue boat on this three- to four-hour journey amid the San Juan Islands. Tourgoers praise the crews for being exceptionally accommodating and dedicated to finding whales.

The 65-foot boat, which features indoor and outdoor viewing areas, leaves from near Friday Harbor's ferry terminal at 9 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. daily from early April through mid-October. Tickets cost about $125 for adults, $115 for children ages 3 to 12 and $95 for infants. If no orcas are spotted on a given trip, patrons receive free passes for a second chance at seeing the whales on a different tour. Private charters and kayak tours are also available.

View & Book Tickets: San Juan Excursions

Crystal Seas Kayaking

Price: From $125 Duration: 3 to 7 hours

Rather than using motorized vessels, this tour has whale watchers paddle themselves in kayaks. Past patrons describe the observable wildlife as abundant and the guides as personable and entertaining. What's more, no prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Tours are available daily from April through October. Tickets start at $125 for three-hour and sunset tours and $219 for full-day tours lasting seven hours. The price includes use of all kayaking gear, as well as round-trip transportation from Crystal Seas Kayaking's office in Friday Harbor to the starting point at Snug Harbor. Trips depart several times a day beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing hourly until about 6:30 p.m. from March through September. From September to mid-October, short tours are offered between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., while full-day tours depart at 11 a.m. The company also has multiday and family tours.

View & Book Tickets: Crystal Seas Kayaking

San Juan Outfitters

Acquaint yourself with orca, humpback and minke whales, among many land and sea creatures, on this tour around the San Juan Islands. The 35-foot boat used on this family-friendly outing can accommodate up to 24 passengers and features a 360-degree viewing deck. Tour-takers consistently call the naturalists and guides informative, professional and amusing.

Three- to four-hour trips depart from both San Juan Island's Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor. The Roche Harbor tour leaves at 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The tour from Friday Harbor departs at 12:30 p.m. between March and October, and an additional tour runs at 5:30 p.m. between Memorial Day and mid-August. Tickets cost $125 for adults and $89 for children ages 2 to 17; infant tickets are free. San Juan Outfitters also conducts kayaking tours.

View & Book Tickets: San Juan Outfitters

Frequently Asked Questions

Whale enthusiasts can see orcas and gray and humpback whales year-round. Orcas usually travel through the San Juan Islands from May through October.

For whale watching in Seattle, you should dress in layers. While some tours may provide a raincoat or jacket for guests, it is wise to bring your own coat or jacket in case. Gloves, scarves and waterproof, closed-toed shoes are also ideal.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Seattle Tours
• The Best Seattle Boat Tours
• The Best Hotels in Seattle
• The Best Things to Do in Seattle

Tags: Travel , Tours , Vacations , Seattle

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It is with a heavy heart we share the sad news about the loss of our beloved Atlas. The nearly two-year-old male moose arrived at Northwest Trek over a year ago after he was orphaned as a calf in Alaska. Atlas passed away from a severe acute hemorrhagic disease. Our head veterinarian completed a comprehensive necropsy (animal autopsy) and results from advanced lab tests are pending. We are devastated by the loss and our thoughts are with all who cared for Atlas. Our two young female moose, Luna and Calli, are being monitored closely by our veterinarians and animal care team.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’d like to thank our wonderful volunteers for their time and dedication all year round! ❤️ Volunteers have made a positive impact on every part of our operations. Last year, 93 volunteers logged 6,907 hours at Northwest Trek! 🎉 We are highlighting three exceptional volunteers who are making a positive impact with their time and hearts. Learn more about volunteers, Karin, Kate and Chris on our blog! #nationalvolunteerweek #volunteerweek #volunteer #volunteering #nwtrek #wildlifepark

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 Dive in as we search for amphibian egg masses. We routinely survey Northwest Trek grounds for different amphibian species. During our search, we found western toad eggs and western toads in amplexus. Amplexus is a type of mating behavior where the male holds the female toad around the waist in a hug, and at the same time or with some time delay, he fertilizes the eggs as the female lays them. This important data is reported to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to better protect and conserve amphibians for the future. 🐸 #earthday #amphibian #amphibians #nwtrek #conservation #toad #frogs

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It’s almost time for the 2024 City Nature Challenge, a global collaboration in which cities share their nature observations. 🐌 Will you be the one to ID the most unusual species? 🦋 Join naturalists on guided walks through our nature trails on April 26-28 at 10:30 am and 2 pm. 🌳 #CityNatureChallenge #Nature #NWTrek

San Juan Safaris Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

The waters surrounding San Juan Island, located near Seattle are the #1 place in North America to see wild orca whales! San Juan Safaris offers the highest quality whale watching tours with a focus on our guests’ experiences and respectful wildlife viewing. Experience orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more from the comfort of our safe, fast, and US Coast Guard approved vessels. Tours are staffed by seasoned Captains and passionate Marine Naturalists who will teach you about the wildlife, ecology, and geology of the Salish Sea.

The 55ft M/V Sea Lion, has a heated inside cabin, wrap around viewing deck, ample seating inside and out and a comfortable restroom on board. For extra excitement, ride on the M/V Kestrel, the high adventure Zodiac style vessel. Suits are provided that ensure you keep warm and dry on this open air adventure vessel.

Vessels depart from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, which is accessed via the WA State Ferry departing from Anacortes, WA.

• Address 10 Front Street Ste. 102, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• Phone (360) 378-1323

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6 Whale Watching Tours in Seattle (and Places to See them FOR FREE)

Have you ever wanted to experience whale watching before? Seattle is a great place for whale watching – and there are plenty of places where you can see them!

There are plenty of whale watching tours in Seattle for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or want to explore on your own, Seattle offers plenty of options when it comes to whale watching.

So, in this article, we’ll explore the 6 best whale watching tours and places to see them.

1. FRS Clipper Tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FRS Clipper | Fast Ferries | PNW Travel (@frsclipper)

FRS Tours is one of the only whale-watching tours that leave directly from downtown at Pier 69. They’re one of the only services in Seattle with a half-day tour that runs from May to October. 

It’s a great choice for travelers interested in seeing transient orca whales, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke. 

Plus, it’s accompanied by an onboard naturalist who’ll educate you about whale conservation and life. Whale sightings are guaranteed – and you’ll get a free trip if you don’t spot a whale. 

2. Pudget Sound Express Tour

See whales in the wild with Pudget Sound Express ! Their three generations of family-run business have been helping visitors like you experience unforgettable moments through their whale watching tours. 

Departing from Edmonds – just minutes north of downtown Seattle, they use the quietest and fastest whale watching boats around the Salish Sea. 

With some of the highest concentrations of whales, dolphins, and sea life anywhere in the world near their location – you’ll truly experience a tour with views that will take your breath away!

Their goal is to ensure every traveler sees at least one orca during their trip, which makes them confident enough to guarantee it – otherwise, they’ll give you another trip absolutely free.

3. Argosy Cruises

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Argosy Cruises (@argosycruises)

Argosy Cruises offers amazing narrated sightseeing cruises in the Seattle area, taking passengers to explore breathtaking views of the beautiful waters and a skyline full of iconic buildings. 

Their cruise lasts an hour or two, depending on which one you take, and takes passengers around the port, giving them a glimpse into Seattle’s history and local industry. You’ll also see floating homes, houseboats, large fishing vessels, and potentially whales.

There isn’t a guarantee that you’ll see whales on this tour because it isn’t specifically geared towards it, but many Yelp reviewers said that they saw orcas on the tour. It’s worth noting that touring time may not be long enough to ensure total whale watching success on every trip.

4. Island Adventures Whale Watching

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Experience the incredible and majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat with Island Adventures Whale Watching . Located conveniently in Anacortes, Washington— a 80-mile drive from downtown Seattle, there’s no need to worry about ferry hassles! 

This tour provides visitors with the unique opportunity of seeing whales up close and personal, as well as humpback whales, minke whales, gray whale sightings (and more) within the San Juan Islands region. The San Juan region is the place to go for whale watching.

Vessels from Island Adventures provide an elevated view of whales, ensuring that you’ll have a better chance of spotting them even sooner than other tour groups onboard regular-sized boats! 

5. San Juan Safaris

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San Juan Safaris provides amazing experiences for whale watchers like no other place in the Pacific Northwest. Their Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour departs from Friday Harbor and lasts 3-4 hours, depending on the season. 

On tour, you can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife while taking in stunning views and learning from experienced captains and marine naturalists. 

San Juan Safaris also offers private charters and group sales for special occasions such as family reunions, weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties – all with guaranteed marine wildlife sightings.

6. San Juan Cruises

San Juan Cruises offers some of the most impressive whale watching tours. Providing guaranteed sightings with their fully narrated tour, experienced wildlife guides on board each trip, and a complimentary lunch onboard their deluxe 100’ tour vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. 

This company has been committed to responsible whale watching since 1987, utilizing all state and federal guidelines as a member of the Pacific Whale Watching Association. 

With guaranteed sightings or your next cruise at half off, this cruise has something for everyone, from singles and couples to families. 

Where to Go Whale Watching in Seattle For Free?

Alki Beach is a public beach in West Seattle with views of the Puget Sound. It’s one of the best 

places to spot orcas, along with seals and their pups, during the fall and winter months. 

Bring a pair of binoculars to get an up-close view, as it’s possible for whales and other marine life to drift by the beach closely during high tide. 

You can also take in panoramic views of Elliot Bay, the downtown Seattle skyline, and Alki Point Lighthouse across Elliott Bay from here!

Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park is a park on the shores of Puget Sound in Ballard, Seattle. This gorgeous spot provides stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains as you stroll along its loop trails and enjoy the beach areas. 

During fall and winter months, it is also a great place to spot orcas as they drift by in small family pods looking for prey species such as salmon or squid. With the help of binoculars, you can catch sight of them easily. 

Discovery Park

Take a leisurely stroll to the beach at Discovery Park for a good chance of whale watching. 

This park spans over 534 acres and provides plenty of incredible opportunities to witness whales spouting off in Puget Sound! Keep an eye out along the beaches, trails, and bluffs.

Point Defiance

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Point Defiance in Tacoma is another great place to look for whales. You can spot the orcas migrating up and down this area during the fall and winter months from its shoreline. 

A pair of binoculars might come in handy again if you’d like an up-close view. At Owen Beach, there’s also a chance to see seals and sea lions bobbing about near the shore!

Other Whale Sighting Viewpoints

There is plenty of potential whale watching sights in Seattle that have been marked down by Orca Network. Check out some additional locations here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i bring to a whale watching tour.

You may want to bring the following items when on a whale watching tour: 

• Warm layers for both upper and lower body – it can be significantly colder out on the water than on land, especially during fall and winter
• Hat – either a warm hat or sunhat, depending on the season 
• Rain jacket – if there’s a chance of rain, it’s best to be prepared 
• Gloves – ideal for spring and fall tours 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Binoculars and/or camera 
• Water bottle and any necessary medical items 

It’s also typically best to leave out the following: 

• Any personal alcohol or drugs
• Large items, such as beach chairs or umbrellas, due to space restrictions

What Are The Best Months for Whale Watching?

The best months for whale watching in Seattle are mid-June to early September. During these summer months, viewing opportunities of various whales such as Orcas, humpbacks, greys, and minkes are seen around 90% of the time. 

Although whales may be seen year-round in Seattle, it is not as predictable outside of the summer season.

What Chance Do I Have at Spotting Whales?

When booking a whale-watching tour in Seattle, you can expect to have around a 90 percent chance of spotting whales during the summer months. However, if seeing whales is important to you, you may want to consider booking an extra tour. 

Some companies, like the Pudget Sound Express, offer a complimentary outing should your initial tour prove unsuccessful in terms of sighting whales, so it’s worth checking the policy first before committing yourself financially.

What is the Best Time Of Day to See The Whales?

The best time of day for whale watching is typically in the morning. The wind usually dies down around sunrise, and this helps to create relatively calm ocean conditions compared to other times of the day, making it easier to spot whales and other marine mammals. 

Not only is the early morning time period typically calmer, but there is also less boat traffic on the water during this part of the day which can help facilitate improved sightings as well.

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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San Juan Island Whale Watching Adventure!

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3 Hr. Whale Watch Tour

3 hr. (approx.) whale watching tour. $149 per adult. Adventurous, Stable, Comfortable. Open "Zodiac" or "Fast Raft" style with full walk around deck.

Get a group together and join us on a whale watching charter in the San Juan Islands.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours departs from scenic Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, just 90 miles north of Seattle, Washington. You can reach us by Washington State Ferry from Anacortes or by air with Friday Harbor Seaplanes  from Seattle.

Friday Harbor is uniquely located in the heart of Northwest whale watching country, home to a magnificent array of sea life such as Killer Whales (Orcas), Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Bald Eagles, Porpoises, Seals, sea birds and Sea Lions.

Join us for an adventure whale watching tour through the spectacular the San Juan Islands. Friday Harbor is the perfect choice for any vacation in the Pacific Northwest, and being near the Seattle, Washington area makes it a great day trip as well.

Conservation, Whale Watching San Juan Islands

We hope you find our whale watching tours enriching and enlightening as well as fun and exciting. We believe that the best way to protect the wildlife and habitat of the San Juan Islands  is to educate our guests as we give them unforgettable experiences in nature.

Our company operates with great care and respect, without interfering with lifecycles of the creatures we observe. We strive to minimize our own environmental impact on the area we operate in, treading as lightly as possible and being proactive in supporting programs that will help the whales and wildlife we encounter.

“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum, Senegalese Environmentalist

At check out you will notice a conservation fund fee. This goes directly to the Center For Whale Research and other organizations dedicated to conservation.  We pledge at least 5% of our profits towards different organizations and programs that have a positive impact on our environment. Some of the programs we have supported in the past and will support this year include:

• The Center For Whale Research
• Orca Behavior Institute
• Save Our Wild Salmon
• Orca Network
• Ocean Conservancy
• Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group

Certificate of Excellence

Awarded to Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours Yearly by TripAdvisor since 2009

Committed to Customer Satisfaction!

See whales or come again free!

The Western Explorer II

• 40′ “Zodiac/Fast Raft” with full walk around deck
• Adventurous, Stable and Comfortable
• Only water jet whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands
• Perfect viewing platform
• High speed provides extra range when needed

Passionate Crew

Our experienced, passionate team is eager to share all they know about whales, wildlife, and the enchanting natural habitat the San Juan Islands provide.

Small Groups

Quality tours are built on personal interaction and remarkable nature encounters. We keep groups small to ensure each tour is a great experience!

The best whale watching boat in the region! Adventurous, stable & comfortable. Custom built to provide a superb experience.

Perfect Location

San Juan Island, 90 miles north of Seattle, is in the heart of the Southern Resident Killer Whales' range. Spend less time finding whales and more time watching whales!

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Whale Watching In The San Juan Islands

Adventure awaits you in the beautiful San Juan Islands , just 90 miles north of Seattle . Join Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours on an intimate sized tour departing from Friday Harbor as we explore the protected waters north of Seattle and discover the islands’ abundant wildlife and spectacular beauty. We are ideally located in the heart of the Salish Sea with premier access to an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

All tours are guided by highly experienced Naturalists and Captains, offering insightful information about the whales , wildlife and islands we encounter and explore! Orcas (Killer Whales ) are usually the main focus, and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours from about March to October, and to a lesser degree the rest of the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.

Our departure location in Friday Harbor (and fast boat) help ensure that our sightings are as high as, or higher than, any operator in the greater Seattle area! And, don’t forget the other wonderful wildlife: Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Steller Sea Lions, and many interesting Sea Birds.

With over 30 years experience, we are the longest operating whale watch company in the San Juan Islands , and with that experience we make every one of our tours a unique adventure! We have never been the biggest, nor do we strive to be. As an owner operated company, we take pride in providing a quality tour with a personal touch.

Our passionate crew is committed to providing the best whale watching experience in the area, making each tour an unforgettable adventure! Customer satisfaction is our primary goal. In the rare occasion that we don’t see a whale (Orca, Humpback, Minke, Gray, etc.) on your tour we still provide the best tour possible and happily invite you to come back out with us again for free until we are able to share a whale encounter with you.

Dedicated and Responsible: As an active member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we’re dedicated to research, education and responsible wildlife and whale watching .

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