Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Active
3h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
*Get up close and personal with magnificent transient orcas, minke and humpback whales as well as harbor seal and an array of seabirds
*Soak in stunning mountain, island and ocean vistas as you cruise through the Salish Sea
*Perfect for a quick escape while staying in Seattle!
Available options
Premium Seating
Premium Seating: Enjoy the very best seats with window aisle seating on San Juan Clipper!
Standard Seating
Standard Seating: Non-window seating on San Juan Clipper. Tables available.
What's included
Includes all applicable taxes and surcharges
Exhilarating 3 to 5 hour whale watching tour with an expert onboard naturalist
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We start our tour from Pier 69 along historic Alaskan Way just steps from the world famous Pike Place Market.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Departing from Pier 69 on Seattle’s downtown waterfront, the vessel begins its journey by heading out into Elliott Bay. As you leave the dock, you’ll have a clear view of the Seattle skyline, with the iconic Space Needle standing tall to the right. The city’s skyscrapers line the shore, and the bustling waterfront gradually fades into the distance. It’s a smooth and scenic start to the trip, offering great photo opportunities and a unique perspective of Seattle from the water.
3
Departing from Pier 69 on the Seattle waterfront, less than a mile away from iconic attractions such as the Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. The whale and marine wildlife tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Salish Sea while searching for orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also spot seals, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and other marine birds. A naturalist is on board to provide expert commentary and answer questions, helping you learn about the local ecosystem, whale behavior, and conservation efforts. The tour follows respectful wildlife viewing guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable experience for both guests and animals. With comfortable seating, panoramic views, and plenty of opportunities for photos, this tour combines adventure, education, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
What's not included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
171 reviews
5★
106
4★
31
3★
14
2★
7
1★
13
Tripadvisor
4.0
76 reviews
5★
47
4★
10
3★
4
2★
5
1★
10
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please arrive at the FRS Clipper Terminal, located on Seattle's waterfront at Pier 69, 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
Important notes
Guests will redeem their Viator tour voucher at the FRS Clipper Seattle ticket office with an agent on the day of the tour.
Please arrive at the FRS Clipper Terminal, located on Seattle's waterfront at Pier 69, 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
About Seattle
Seattle, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture, is a city where innovation meets nature. Nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it offers a unique blend of tech-driven progress and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Top Attractions
Space Needle
An iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Expensive ($35-50 for adults)
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest and most famous public markets in the U.S., Pike Place Market is a vibrant hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Market
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A stunning exhibit of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring intricate and colorful installations in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
A museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture, featuring exhibits on music, science fiction, and video games.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Seattle Waterfront
A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions, offering beautiful views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Scenic
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for attractions and dining
Discovery Park
The largest park in Seattle, offering beautiful trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seafood
Fresh seafood is a staple in Seattle, with local specialties including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters.
Main course
Contains seafood, may contain allergens
Coffee
Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops and roasters offering high-quality brews.
Drink
Vegetarian/vegan options available, may contain caffeine
Marionberry Pie
A local favorite, Marionberry pie is made with Marionberries, a type of blackberry grown in the Pacific Northwest.
Dessert
Vegetarian, may contain gluten
Philly Cheesesteak
A Seattle twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique toppings.
Main course
Contains meat, may contain allergens
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Picnicking
Scenic drives
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The weather is generally pleasant, and there are numerous festivals and events taking place.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) (GMT-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Seattle is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour guides and taxis
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
Getting there
By air
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from downtown
By train
King Street Station
By bus
King Street Station Bus Terminal, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Link light rail is clean, efficient, and covers many key areas of the city. It's a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Belltown
Pike Place Market
Capitol Hill
Fremont
Ballard
Day trips
Mount Rainier National Park
85 miles (137 km) from Seattle • Full day to overnight
A stunning national park featuring the iconic Mount Rainier, as well as beautiful trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Snoqualmie Falls
28 miles (45 km) from Seattle • Half day
A breathtaking waterfall and park featuring beautiful views, hiking trails, and a historic lodge.
Bainbridge Island
12 miles (19 km) from Seattle (by ferry) • Half day to full day
A charming island featuring beautiful scenery, local shops, and a variety of dining and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) • Late May to early June
Bumbershoot • Labor Day weekend (late August to early September)
Seattle Pride • Late June to early July
Pro tips
- Visit the Space Needle at sunset for the best views of the city and surrounding landscapes
- Explore Pike Place Market early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the famous fish throwing
- Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic and relaxing day trip
- Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for a unique and interactive experience
- Try the famous Seattle coffee and pastries at local cafes and bakeries
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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