Orcas Island Whale Watching
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Orcas Island Whale Watching

Active
(442 reviews)
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Small group whale watching tours on some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES! See whales with us or come again for FREE.

Available options

1 pm Fall Whale Watch

3:30 pm Guaranteed Whale Watch

Small group whale watching tours on the fastest boats in the region with Guaranteed Whales! See whales with us or come again for free. Departs daily from Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA. Check in at 3 pm.

1 pm Guaranteed Whale Watch

Small group whale watching tours on the fastest boats in the region with Guaranteed Whales! See whales with us or come again for free. Check in at 12:30.

10:30am Guaranteed Whale Watch

Small group whale watching tours on the fastest boats in the region with Guaranteed Whales! See whales with us or come again for free. Departs daily from Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA. Check in at 10

What's included

3-4 hour tour
Professional guide
High Speed Vessels
8.1% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees. The taxes and fees are required by the governing authority and not within local supplier's control

What's not included

Gratuities

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
90 reviews
5★
77
4★
7
3★
3
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor 4.7
352 reviews
5★
301
4★
22
3★
9
2★
8
1★
12

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
This tour departs from Orcas Island. The island can only be reached by the Washington State Ferry System. If your party is not already on island we recommend our Anacortes departure location.
Check in begins 30 minutes prior to departure.

Meeting point

Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the departure time. Please check-in at our office at the top of the dock. Our Orcas Island location requires you to take the Washington State Ferry to get to the island.

Important notes

• Please check in 30-minutes before your scheduled departure.

About San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of 172 islands and reefs in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States. Known for their natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation, the islands offer a serene and scenic escape. With over 40 state parks and a rich maritime history, the San Juan Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Top Attractions

Friday Harbor

The largest town in the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is a bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and a charming waterfront.

Town Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary

Lime Kiln Point State Park

A scenic state park known for its whale watching opportunities and historic lime kiln.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Mount Constitution

The highest point in the San Juan Islands, offering panoramic views and hiking trails.

Nature Half day Free

Shaw Island Library

The oldest continuously operating library in Washington State, housed in a historic building.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dungeness Crab

A local delicacy, often served steamed or in crab cakes

Dinner Contains shellfish

Oysters

Freshly shucked oysters, often served with local mignonette sauce

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Marionberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with locally grown marionberries

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Kayaking Hiking Whale watching Beachcombing Spas Wine tasting Art galleries Museums

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and minimal rainfall. This is the best time for outdoor activities, whale watching, and exploring the islands' natural beauty.

15-25°C 60-75°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Other European languages
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

PST (UTC-8) / PDT (UTC-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The San Juan Islands are generally safe with low crime rates. However, travelers should always take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious when walking alone at night
  • • Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air
  • Friday Harbor Airport • 5 km from downtown Friday Harbor
  • Islands' Legacy Airport (Orcas Island) • 10 km from Eastsound

Getting around

Public transport

The transit system provides limited service on San Juan Island, connecting major towns and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Friday Harbor Eastsound Lopez Village

Day trips

Victoria, British Columbia
90 km from Friday Harbor • Full day

A charming city known for its historic architecture, gardens, and tea culture.

Swartz Bay, British Columbia
50 km from Friday Harbor • Half day

A scenic area known for its coastal views and outdoor activities.

Festivals

San Juan Island Fair • August Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival • July to August

Pro tips

  • Book ferry tickets and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season
  • Pack layers for variable weather conditions
  • Explore multiple islands for a diverse experience
  • Visit local farmers markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts
  • Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-64
1
Childs
Age 3-17
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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