Top San Juan Islands Day Trips

Get up close with the orca whales off the San Juan Islands near Seattle on this half-day whale-watching cruise. San Juan Island is where the southern resident killer whales live about six months out of the year, from mid-April to October. It’s also considered one of the best places to view orca whales.

Get up close with the killer whales of Anacortes, the home port to the San Juan Islands, on this whale-watching cruise led by naturalist guides. Climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback, and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters—plus a wide variety of birds and more.

Get up close with the killer whales off Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands near Seattle, on this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Eastsound. Led by naturalist guides and captains, climb aboard a Blackfish fleet vessel and travel through some of the most picturesque scenery in the Pacific Northwest searching for orca, humpback and gray whales. Along the way, see ocean wildlife in their natural environment, like seals, porpoises, sea lions and otters — plus a wide variety of birds and more. Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

For those who are especially passionate about Orcas, this trip is for you! Be prepared for up to five hours on the water in the diligent quest for the region's Biggs killer whales. This population of orca is healthy and thriving and can be found year-round in the Salish Sea. They are incredible to watch and can travel over 100 miles in a single day. We load up on our on fastest vessels and depart in search of orcas. We may also encounter the regions other species of whales and wildlife, but the focus is finding orcas. Our success rate is very high, over 95 percent! Tours typically last between 3 to 5 hrs. It can often be a cold trip so bundle up. Don't forget your camera!

Experience the thrill of whale watching on this full-day safari tour from Friday Harbor. Set sail on Kestrel, a fast and comfortable vessel designed for optimal wildlife viewing in the stunning Salish Sea. Search for orca whales, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, marine birds, and a variety of other species. With a small group size of just 16 guests, personalized attention from knowledgeable Marine Naturalists is guaranteed as you navigate through unique marine habitats. Enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Islands while keeping warm in provided exposure suits. Don’t forget to bring your packed lunch and snacks for this unforgettable day on the water. - 5-to-6-hour adventure with a maximum group size of 16 for a personalized experience - Provided exposure suits to keep you warm and dry on the water - Expert guidance from Marine Naturalists and Captains for an immersive experience - Perfect for whale enthusiasts ages 13+