Guided Tours ~ San Juan Islands Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Friday Harbor is a whale watching paradise. Words can’t explain the magic of witnessing our three resident pods of Orca whales surfacing just feet off the banks of San Juan Island, a nearly daily experience here in season (roughly May-September). We are also home to the only state park dedicated to whale watching, a world-class whale research facility and Friday Harbor’s hallowed Whale Museum is just across the street from Bird Rock Hotel.
We think of whale watch tours in terms of boat size.
- Small, intimate boats carry just six passengers.
- Medium-size boats offer more comfort without being too crowded.
- Bigger boats offer the most comfort and are great for families.
Give yourself the best odds of glimpsing whales by taking a tour with one of these reputable, sensitive guides.
small
Maya’s Westside Whale Watch Charters offers an intimate wildlife experience in the newest and fastest whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands. The Peregrine is a 2007 Glacier Bay catamaran, the standard for boats for her size, with tremendous safety, stability and a very smooth ride in all seas. The Peregrine’s two 150 hp eco-friendly Yamaha engines provide a dependable, quiet, warm and dry ride. She has exceptional visibility for all passengers, while her great speed gives her a wider range than other boats, so passengers get to see more wildlife. And she has a full head (bathroom)!
Personalized whale watching and chartered boat tours including private expeditions to outer san juan islands most people don’t ever get to see. outer island expeditions pride themselves on building san juan island adventures you’ll always remember.
medium
The Western Prince holds 30 people comfortably on one continuous level and there is always a naturalist on board to help explain the wonders. You will make great use of the free binoculars on board. An excellent trip for families.
san juan outfitters departs from the island’s westside, the best location in the northwest for sea kayaking, whale watching, and adventure tours. they specialize in high quality tours, low guide to guest ratios, state of the art equipment, exclusive launching facility, naturalist guides, and lots of wildlife.
medium+large
San Juan Safaris offers one of the best-organized and most professional trips in the islands and there is always a naturalist on board to answer your questions.
large
san juan excursions
The area’s largest tour boat is 64 foot Odyssey, operated by San Juan Excursions. Fantastic for group charters, as well as regularly scheduled wildlife trips.
