Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes
Recommended by 96% of travelers
San Juan Islands, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
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Overview
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.
- Visit Anacortes, home port of the San Juan Islands
- See resident orca, humpback, and gray whales
- Witness local ocean wildlife in their natural environment
- Sightings are guaranteed from April through early September
What's Included
- Professional guide
- High Speed Vessels
- 3-4 hour tour
- 8.5% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees.
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
Meet at the yellow building with a red roof past the Skyline Marine Center. Our office is on the first level, marked Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Excursions. Parking is located behind our office building in our parking lot, along the street for free, or in paid parking lots across the street.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Anacortes
2
San Juan Islands
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please note that this tour departs from Anacortes (90 minutes north of Seattle)
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Deana_S
We sailed a total of 50+ miles around the islands. We saw 2 Orcas, a humpback whale, sea lion, seals, and a sea otter. It was an great experience. The staff was personable, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. I highly recommend a trip on the Blackfish VI.
Reviews
4.8
based on 729 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Lorri_K, Jul 2026
We met several wonderful families on the trip, and it was exciting to hear about their lives while enjoying the beauty around us.
The boat ride was absolutely wonderful. The employees were amazing—so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. The whales we saw were beautiful, and we learned so much about their behavior. We even learned about the local birdlife and a surprising fact: when whales eat seals, the smell is similar to watermelon.
The entire experience was fun, exciting, interesting, and incredibly informative. It was a beautiful day and a memorable adventure from start to finish.
Leonardo_H, Jul 2026
First, don't go with the expectations that you will see the Orcas or any other whale up close, but their fins in the horizon. I guess many of the people who posted pictures up close got really lucky. But wild animals are unpredictable and the crew do their best to get you there.
That being said, make sure you check the weather, and then you are off for an awesome day trip and a gorgeous view of the San Juan Islands and even Victoria in Canada. We ended up right in front of Victoria to spot the Orcas.
Our captain Matt, and crew members Ethan and Sam were exceptional and work really hard to give you the best of the day trip. It was over 3 hours of sailing. Make sure to bring your own water and snacks. We also saw many other wild animals.
I strongly recommend this day trip!
Justin_M, Jul 2026
The captain and crew were awesome and we were able to see Orca whales hunting a seal. Everyone in our group thought it was awesome.
Seth_W, Jul 2026
Had an awesome time with Outer Island Adventures. On our was Captain Drew, with Becca, Taylor and Ethan rounding out the crew. We saw a juvenile humpback whale, and three pods of killer whales. It was pretty cold, but a great experience. Very cool that the crew all have marine biology and zoology degrees so they are very knowledgeable about all the animal life.
jonathan_s, Jul 2026
Outstanding staff and an unforgettable experience I would highly recommend going on a whale watching trip with them!
SallyAnn_N, Jul 2026
Go in the afternoon for best sightings. All the crew was educated and helpful. We learned a lot! This was truly a once in a lifetime experience
Celeste_K, Jul 2026
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Washington! We saw two types of whales, seals, sea lions and a bald eagle. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. They were all marine biologists. Incredible experience, highly recommend!!
Hannah_B, Jul 2026
It was absolutely amazing the crew was very friendly and interactive; talked to you about yourselves and genuinely seemed like they wanted to get to know you. They were also very informative about the whales whenever we spotted them or we saw any wildlife. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.
Emma_E, Jul 2026
We saw whales, porpoises, eagles, otters and even wild sheep! The guides were so knowledgeable about everything. We would definitely come back and do this again.
Gracs_K, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful time seeing the whales and enjoyed a fantastic excursion! The crew members were friendly, experienced, and highly knowledgeable, making the trip both fun and memorable. We hope to come back and do it again next year!
Kassy_C, Jun 2026
All members of the crew were phenomenal!! They were all so friendly and knowledge! I can’t imagine going out there with anyone else. Incredible opportunity!!
Brandie_T, Jun 2026
Great experience. The crew (Drew, Sophie, Megan and Thomas) were helpful and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone!
Reina_M, Jun 2026
Good tour easy check in parking available and staffs kind & friendly Bruno take the time to greet and chat to everyone in the group.
Dustin_C, Jun 2026
First successful whale watching tour. Was able to see a pod of Orcas hunting! Such an amazing experience! Must do if in the area!
Shubham_S, Jun 2026
Amazing experience. Saw humpbacks, orcas, bald eagle, seals. Crew was very kind and informative, 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.
Joy_M, Jun 2026
The boat ride itself was beautiful. And the orcas w saw were amazing. Such a fun way to spend a day! It does get a bit chilly so layers are important.
Beverly_M, Jun 2026
Very nice and knowable crew! We followed a pod of orcas and saw sea lions, eagles and a coyote swimming to an island. My only regret (which wasn't their fault) was not seeing a variety of whales. I would definitely recommend them.
Allen_L, Jun 2026
Alex, Thomas, & Captain Preston were fantastic. We saw whales and other wildlife. Comfortable boat and knowledgeable crew. Great day!
juliawieland, Jun 2026
Incredible trip we will always remember! We’ve seen a couple orcas and a grey whale. Drew & the crew have been amazing. Absolutely knowledgeable and always trying to find the best spots to see whales.
Tony_C, Jun 2026
The boat was big enough that the ride was comfortable. There is an inside and an outside in case weather doesn’t cooperate. The staff was incredibly friendly and offered lots of information about the area and the animals without us asking - and they also asked several times if we had questions or needed anything. They guaranteed whales and we saw orcas in the first 15 minutes. It was amazing.
Francine_P, Jun 2026
Nice and knowledgeable crew. We saw a family of orca whales and a grey whale. Also a huge sea lion and bald eagles.
Amy_A, Jun 2026
Jeff was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We even saw a puffin and a gray whale! It was a smooth sailing
Halley_M, May 2026
This was an incredible trip. We saw two humpback whales and say orcas hunting a sea lion- the crew said that was so rare to see! The crew of Captain Matt, Brooke, Matilde, and Carly were so knowledgeable and wonderful! I would HIGHLY recommend this trip!
Amy_A, May 2026
My husband & I came on this whale watching as part of our 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration week. The crew was fun & friendly! They worked hard to find us whales & when they found them...wow! What a thrill!!! Sooo grateful for such a memorable trip & orca whales sitings of a pod of 7 that swam right next to our boat, out of nowhere! Thrilling!!! Thanks crew!
Hailey_C, May 2026
This experience was incredible! Every guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We saw an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, a pod of orcas, and porpoises! Would 100% come again! 10/10!
Jenni_W, Apr 2026
My husband and I had an unforgettable day on this tour, with a few successful whale sightings. The crew were all incredibly helpful and very willing to answer questions. The sights were breathtaking and the ocean is healing.
Deana_S, Oct 2025
We sailed a total of 50+ miles around the islands. We saw 2 Orcas, a humpback whale, sea lion, seals, and a sea otter. It was an great experience. The staff was personable, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. I highly recommend a trip on the Blackfish VI.
Donna_W, Oct 2025
It is cold for older folks, We had 3 layers and still we were still cold. Put on your warmer clothes and bring a raincoat if in October.
brenton_m, Oct 2025
Unpredictable, but definitely worth the trip! Got lucky and was able to see 2 humpback whales in a feeding frenzy and then saw a lone orca on the way back.
Michael_T, Sep 2025
We had such a great time!! Saw lots of orcas about 2 mins into the trip. The crew was super knowledgeable about the area and wild life!!
From $119.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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