Top San Juan Islands Half-day Tours

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 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.

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.

Observe Pacific Northwest whales in their natural environment on a 3.5-hour tour from Seattle. You have the chance to get up close to orcas, humpbacks, and minkes. Learn about the marine life from your on board guide.  In the event that you don’t see any whales during your excursion, enjoy a second journey on the boat free of charge.

This full day adventure includes about 4-5 hours of kayaking, high speed powerboat transport to and from the island, exploration on the beaches and a lunch break. We take a power boat to Sucia Island where we spend the day exploring the many coves and rocky shores of this spectacular state park. After a brief kayaking safety orientation, you and your guide will hop in your kayaks for a 4 to 5 hour paddle which includes a lunch stop (Lunch is not provided) and short hike at a remote beach. As we paddle around the island we stop by prime wildlife viewing locations and explore some of Sucia’s natural history. After the adventure of a lifetime we return to Orcas by power boat. One can encounter bald eagles, osprey, harlequin ducks, river otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise and even the occasional orca whale!

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!

Spend a picturesque six hours in and around the water on this kayaking tour, with a friendly guide to help you navigate the water and prepare your lunch on the beach. You’ll float through a wildlife habitat that’s home to the likes of seals, porpoises, and orcas. But don’t forget to look up for a chance at spotting some eagles too.

Join us on this 3 hour kayaking tour from the north shore on Orcas Island. Surrounded by private property on land, the park is only accessible by kayak, canoe, or row boat. Once at the park we take a brief break on the beach to enjoy a nature walk and beautiful views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding islands before we head back. These kayak tours explore the best wildlife area Orcas Island has to offer! It is home to many harbor seals, porpoises, shore birds, and eagles.

Experience the diverse marine life of the San Juan Islands on this Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour. Spanning 3-4 hours, this adventure is ideal for families, groups, and wildlife enthusiasts. With knowledgeable Marine Naturalists onboard, encounter orcas, humpbacks, seals, bald eagles, and more amidst stunning coastal scenery. The tour guarantees sightings of marine wildlife while sharing insights into the region's unique ecology and geology. Whales are spotted on 95% of tours between June and September. - Duration: 3-4 hours, perfect for families and large groups - Group Size: Accommodates 1-40 participants - Sunset tours offer gorgeous evening lighting - Expert guidance from experienced Captains and Marine Naturalists - Departures from the historic Roche Harbor resort, on the north side of San Juan Island

Discover the stunning coastal environment of Griffin Bay and Jakle's Lagoon before ascending the rewarding trail to Mt. Finlayson. The hike weaves through lush coastal forests and along a temperate marine lagoon, offering spectacular views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding grasslands. From the summit, experience panoramic vistas of the Salish Sea and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including marine mammals, shorebirds, and red fox, making this hike a comprehensive experience of San Juan Island's natural beauty.

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+

Take an adventure on San Juan Island through Griffin Bay. Jump in a kayak and follow the instructor through the calm waters to see what Dinner Island has to offer. Look out for harbor seals, river otters, and tons of seabirds in their natural habitat. As you paddle, marvel at the site of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the dazzling Olympic Mountain range.

Discover the beauty of Washington's Border Corner, the area north of Bellingham and the southern Canadian border. You'll enjoy a delightful day among beautiful old growth forests, beloved trails, historic parks, and scenic drives. At the Canada-U.S. border, you'll see the symbolic Peace Arch Park. Other highlights include the Dutch-themed village of Lynden, Semiahmoo Spit, Lynden Berthusen Park, Birch Bay, and Whatcom Falls Park. This private tour does not include hotel pickup.