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. Killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. But something that defines seattle more than anything is its location. Try whale watching from the shore at alki beach in west seattle, just a short drive or water taxi trip away from downtown. Whale watching seattle and whale watching washington are commonly associated with whale watching in the san juan islands.
Fantastic trip wasnt just about the orcas although they were brilliant. Puget sound express familyrun whale watching tours. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with seattles only halfday, guaranteed whale watching tour. Jan 07, 2014 killer whale kayaking tours san juan islands kayak with orcas. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching whale. Flights leave seattle in the morning and return in the early evening, and vary slightly depending on the time of the year. Our main vessel, the mv sea lion is 55ft long and has ample seating, heated cabin and a restroom on board.
Washington states best whale watching value and best spot north of seattle to see gray whales in the wild. The greatest whale watching value in the state just 30 minutes from seattle. Tours from seattle orca spirit orca spirit adventures. To read the entire content of this whale watching tours page, please go to. When whale sighting reports come in, we typically alter course towards whales within range of the boat. We will be in seattle and all around the area next week. Seattle whale watching tours whale watching tours, seattle. Island adventures whale watching in seattle, wa and san. Whale watching from land whidbey and camano islands.
Boats have a certified naturalist or trained captain on board to point out wildlife and describe their behaviors. Going whalewatching in september the seattle times. Can anyone recommend a whale watching tour company. Whale watch tours in the san juan islands island adventures. See orcas, humpback whales, and all the majestic wildlife throughout the salish sea on our tour out of edmonds just a few minutes north of seattle. Take your best shot at kayaking with killer whales near seattle, wa. Their discover the past walking tours, bus tours of victoria, butchart gardens tickets with bus service, and high tea available, 3 course dinner at the q andor high tea in the. Guaranteed whale watching tours puget sound express. October and november are the best time to see 80,000pound humpback whales as they migrate from the cold alaskan waters to tropical destinations like hawaii.
Youll find information on all of the dog friendly walking tours, boat tours, bus tours, and other group tours where pets are allowed in. 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. 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. Spend a day with orcas, humpback, minke whales and more as you cruise through the waters of the salish sea aboard five stars sleek, 40passenger vessel on a victoria whale watching adventure. And yet another option that pairs a unique experience with whale watching is taking a kenmore air flight out of seattle to the san juans, where you can board a whale watching tour. While we have wonderful boat tours that give you a great perspective, sometimes the whales schedule doesnt exactly match tour schedules. At seattle orca whale watching in partnership with san juan safaris we take great pride in providing you with the best orca whale watching and wildlife tours in the pacific northwest. The seaplane company takes off out of lake union and offers package deals that combine a flight with a whale watching experience. Staff onboard were really knowledgeable and the backdrop of the mountains in washington state was just spectacular. Contact eagle wing tours victoria bc and vancouver island. Island adventures holds the industrys highest success rate and was the first company to guarantee whale sightings on every tour. Seattle whale watching tours maydecember port townsend 4hour whale watching tour mayoctober port townsend san juan island whale watching tour mayseptember port townsend to san juan island passenger ferry. Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between midmay and midoctober when the salmon runs.
Whale watching in washington is one of the top things to do on a visit to the main city of seattle or the popular san juan islands. Last year the closest operator left from edmonds and did offer hotel pick up in seattle. Today in fact ferries are delayed due to whales, but that is a exception. 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. Seattle to friday harbor directions western prince whale. Anacortes, washington 45 hour tours februarynovember. Otherwise, tours leave from port angeles, port townsend, anacortes, bellingham, friday harbor, victoria, and vancover bc.
Tourists can whale watch any time of year in washington, but you should time your visit for the peak seasons of specific species. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whale watching cruise. Weve rounded up five incredible whalewatching spots along the pacific, from alaska to hawaii. Beginning just this year one company started to operate a whale watch tour out of downtown seattle in winter only. Leave from port angeles or port townsend for short transit times and long whale watching times. Where to go whale watching in the western usa visit the usa. Killer orca whale watching seattle to san juan islands. San juan island is considered the best place to view orca whales because of the large salmon population, which is their primary food source.
There are a large number of tour operators ready to take you out by boat to see them. Anacortes is the perfect departure point for guaranteed whale watching and wildlife cruises. Friday harbor is uniquely located in the heart of northwest whale watching country, home. Staff onboard were really knowledgeable and the backdrop of the mountains in washington state. See orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and all the majestic wildlife in the salish sea on our tour departing from edmonds. Whale watching tours do not at this point, leave from downtown seattle. Follow the whale trail san juan islands washington visitors. Is whale watching possible minus the expensive tours. Enjoy the rest of your time experiencing victorias british charms for a weekend to remember. With almost 85 whales in the area, youll have plenty of.
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. Visit washington dc, take a whale watching vacation to washington dc, and enjoy a whale watching trip in washington dc. Whale watching in washington washington whale watching tours. Click here to download all 12 months of killer whale watching data and be sure to zoom in to see. Our tours feature small groups, allinclusive days, and tripadvisor hall of fame guides. See orcas, humpback whales, and all the majestic wildlife in. Contact seattle orca whale watching we are located at 950 westlake ave n, seattle, wa 98109 phone. Gray whale watching near seattle, washington island adventures. Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale watching. Best time to whale watch in seattle seattle forum tripadvisor. The shores and waterways of washington state is filled with aquatic life like the minke, humpback and the california gray whales. Our guides and naturalists work to create educational, fun, and engaging tours that provide our guests with memories to last a lifetime. For somebody like myself who lives far outside of the.
The odysseys multi level wrap around viewing decks provide space, open air, comfort, and lots of warm sunshine. We boast more than 100 years of combined experience in the islands and have led excursions for hundreds of thousands of satisfied guests over 24. 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 guides and naturalists work to create educational, fun, and engaging tours that. 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. Well pick you up, take care of the details, bring plenty of food and drink, and maximize your time exploring. The most challenging part of this trip was navigating into seattle and figuring out parking. Kayak whale watching in the san juan islands, seattle, washington. Gray whales migrate past seattle, washington, each year on their way to alaska. That allows us to cover lots of ground so to speak and show you as many of the whales and other animals that call the san juan islands home as possible. Sail through breathtaking deception pass, and travel through the protected waters of the salish sea, while trained naturalists educate passengers about the remarkable ecosystem and its wildlife with a focus on whale and sealife conservation. Anacortes is our flagship location where island adventures first began back in 1996. The san juan islands provide one of the best opportunities for whale watching washington has to provide, offering protected waters and a huge variety of wildlife, which include our three pods of resident orca whales.
Whale watching san juan islands western prince whale. 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. 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. Whale watching just 90 miles from seattle in friday harbor on san juan island considered the premier location to view wild orca killer whales, the waters around san juan island are ideal for whale watching. High speed whale watching tour from downtown seattle.
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. While in the san juans book tours with san juan safaris. Looking for a company with great customer service, vast experience in the field and a strong safety record. Sea quest kayak tours and whale watching trips 41,438 views. Whale watching season is from may to september, but the 30foot mammals can be spotted yearround. Whale watching from land whale watching is a favorite activity in and around puget sound. The beach is a popular spot for seals and their pups to rest, making it a draw for orcas as well. Id like to go to seattle for several reasons but my main reason would be to whale watch. Our team of highly qualified crew set us apart from the competition.
Whale watch tours run 34 hours and are the best way to view wildlife here in the san juan islands. Seattle whale watching tours the seattle metros only halfday whale watching tour. Seattle whale watching san juan safaris san juan island. San juan excursions san juan islands whale watching.
San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle. 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. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is. The island explorer 4 is the little sister to the island explorer 5 the island explorer 4 is 85 long, 22 wide with many of the same great features. Get up close with the orca whales off the san juan islands near seattle on this 4hour whalewatching cruise. Is it possible along any of the island shorelines or onp coastline, etc. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with seattle s only halfday, guaranteed whale watching tour. Updated february 12, 2020 tours depart oak harbor and langley. The thrill of seeing a spout, or better yet, a breaching whale as it prepares to dive makes a fun adventure. The metro area now has its firstever, halfday whale watching tour. During peak season orcas are encountered on 90% or. See orcas, humpback whales, minkes, and all the majestic wildlife in the san juan islands departing just 15 minutes north of downtown seattle.
Seattle tours all the best things to do in seattle. 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 insiders guide to seattle gray whale watching 12. Whale watching tour companies seattle forum tripadvisor. With 3 generations of family dedication and experience, we guarantee youll see whales or your next trip is free. Our experienced, passionate team of captains and naturalists love to share our vast knowledge of whales, wildlife, and their beautiful pacific northwest home with. Just a 90mile drive from downtown seattle, anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure no ferry required. This special limited season focuses on gray whales that migrate along the west coast, stopping to feed in local waters on their way back to alaska. You can reach us by washington state ferry from anacortes or by air with friday harbor seaplanes from seattle. Contact eagle wing tours to learn more about the best whale watching tours in. Orca whale watching seattle, wa by san juan safarisseattle.
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. San juan excursions whale watching seattle seattle washington. The museum shows the process of preparing the skeleton for display, and has several. Whale watching cruises san juan cruises bellingham. Still, the terrain is beautiful, there is other wildlife to experience we saw seals, a bald eagle, lots of cool jellyfish, some waterfowl, interesting seaweed and kelp and the majestic scenery is breathtaking. Yes, victoria is just a short 45 minute float plane ride from downtown seattle with kenmore air offering multiple daily departures throughout the year. What they do is ferry people to friday harbor, then depart from there again to whale watch for 2 12 hours, then come back to friday harbor where everyone spends a couple hours in town. My dates are flexible but i would prefer to go in april. The clipper operates from downtown seattle but they arent primarily a whale watching tour. All the best things to do in seattle tours northwest. Seattle whale watching 101 visit seattle washington.
Our 34 hour classic whale watching tours depart from friday harbor, just steps from the ferry landing. On occassions orcas are spotted right off elliott bay. Island explorer 4 is the favorite boat for many of our guests. Whale watching adventures in anacortes, washiington. Gray whale watching near seattle, washington island. Whale watching seattle or victoria eagle wing tours. This usually involves a few hours of travel from seattle. A locals guide to whale watching in the san juan islands. The two naturalists on board were great knowledgeable, informative, and responsive they even customized a talk. Are there whale watching boat tours that leave from downtown seattle. 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.
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