Orcas Island Whale Watching

Recommended by 92% of travelers

San Juan Islands, USA

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket

Why travelers loved this

4.7

· Pranjal_N ·

Aug 2025

Great experience watching whales yesterday. The boats are comfortable, the captain of the boat Elliot and guide Kate were very helpful throughout the trip. We saw a pod of orcas- it was a mesmerizing experience. My kids had a great and unforgettable day.

· Susan_C ·

Sep 2025

This was one of the top excursions we’ve taken. We saw Orcas! The captain & mate was very knowledgeable & we learned a lot about the topography & wildlife in the area. I’d definitely recommend this experience for anyone going to Orcas Island.

Overview

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.

Take a whale-watching cruise near Seattle
Visit Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands
See resident killer whales
Witness local ocean wildlife in their natural environment

What's Included

Professional guide
High Speed Vessels
3-4 hour tour
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

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1608 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Most travelers can participate
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Teresa_R

Captain Phil and Sheila were great! We didn’t see any whales for the first maybe hour and a half, but once Captain Phil got news about whale sightings more north, he got us over there as fast as possible. We got incredible views of about twelve orcas. Sheila shared so much information about the islands and identified some of the orcas we saw. It was such a great experience, we would highly recommend.

Reviews

4.7

based on 448 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

A Birthday I’ll Never Forget

Kelly_N, Apr 2026

Celebrating my 50th birthday out on the water with my mom was already special—but this whale watching tour took it to a whole different level. From the moment we set out, the views were unreal… calm water, mountain backdrops, and that fresh ocean air that just hits different. It felt peaceful and exciting at the same time, like something amazing could happen at any second—and it absolutely did. We didn’t just see wildlife… we witnessed nature in action. A full-on seal hunt happening right in front of us (yes, National Geographic vibes 😳), followed by a bald eagle swooping down and snatching up scraps like it owned the place. It was one of those “did that really just happen?!” moments you replay in your head over and over. The crew was knowledgeable, fun, and clearly passionate—they made sure everyone saw everything and understood what was happening without over-talking the experience. If you’re even thinking about booking a whale watching tour—do it. And if you can bring someone special with you? Even better. Core memory officially unlocked.

perfect solo trip! Saw...

Carissa_R, Apr 2026

perfect solo trip! Saw seals, sea lions, and plenty of orcas! The guys were great! We had the perfect weather too!

It was great

Amritpal_K, Apr 2026

Our naturalist, Sam, was absolutely amazing, very knowledgeable. My daughter loves orcas, he came multiple times and talked to her and answered her questions. We saw three whales this time. We would definitely be back in summer to see more whales. He for sure convinced us to come back. My daughter will make sure we’re back, lol. I loved that apart from whales, we also saw sea lions, bald eagles, harbor purpoise and seals. It was a great experience. It was a big longer than I thought it was, but it was def worth it.

Amazing experience! We...

Skylar_S, Nov 2025

Amazing experience! We saw seals, sea lions, orcas, bald eagles, and more! All of the guides are so sweet and knowledgeable! I felt like I was in a live nature documentary. Make sure you plan around the ferry times so you don’t miss your experience!

Whale watching in Orcas

Susan_C, Sep 2025

Captain Chaz and Corrina...

Donna_L, Sep 2025

Captain Chaz and Corrina were so welcoming and very knowledgeable about the sea life, islands around orcas island. We had an amazing experience watching two male orcas swimming. Lots of picture opportunities.

Will do it again in a heartbeat!

Brenna_W, Sep 2025

What an AWESOME TRIP!! Shiela and Eliot were so knowledgeable and kind and funny and it could have been another 3 hours and we would have been happy campers. Thank you for the amazing trip!

Looking for Whales.

DaShawn_P, Aug 2025

Captain Phil and Gabe did a great job. My daughter and I had so much fun seeing the Orcas. We even got to see a humpback. Great experience!

Great experience watching...

Pranjal_N, Aug 2025

Great experience, spectacular views, very informative and professional staff. Will recommend and go back again.

Vincent_D, Aug 2025

Would recommend wearing layers even on a warm sunny day. Definitely an enjoyable informative tour of the orcas and touring through the islands

I’ve lived in the puget...

Emily_T, Aug 2025

I’ve lived in the puget sound area my entire life and never managed to see orcas on my own. They’re my absolute favorite and today was a dream come true!! Elliott did a fantastic job as captain getting us to the orcas, and our naturalist Ginny was full of information and enthusiasm. Thanks for an incredible morning!

Orcas… Orcas … Orcas!

Mary_Y, Aug 2025

We had an awesome trip, saw stellar sea lions, humpback whales, and a lot of Orcas!! Ginny and Beau were great!

A long ride to sight whales but well done

William_R, Aug 2025

We had to boat a long way across open ocean toward Vancouver to see the whales(humpback). We appreciated the whale sighting but it was a long ride with young children. The captain and his crew member were very gracious. The guide’s information given along the way was interesting .

Being new to the area &...

Kevin_Z, Jul 2025

Being new to the area & unfamiliar w/the ferry system, we excitedly booked a tour w/out taking in to account the ferry schedule & travel. The employees went above and beyond in giving us an opportunity to make a tour & it all worked out! The captain (Drew) & crew (Sean, Sophia & Katie) were diligent in finding whales to make sure everyone on board had a good experience! They're all so knowledgeable & nice! We had a great time. Would highly recommend.

Orcas island

Richard_M, Jul 2025

Orcas whale watching cruise was awesome. Accessing tickets through the app was seamless. Thanks for the memories.

Whale watching

Claudia_N, Jul 2025

The excursion is great Phil and Ginny hosted the tour and were very knowledgeable. Bring a jacket. It gets cold on the boat

Elliot and Gabe were...

Jennie_W, Jul 2025

Elliot and Gabe were awesome! Saw a bunch of minke whales and then a pod of orcas, they were able to give us a bunch of facts about all the other wildlife we saw too!

Spectacular

Peache_M, Jun 2025

Fantastic trip with my family; my 2 granddaughters were overjoyed with Captain Phil, Orcas + Humback

Captain Phil and Sheila...

Teresa_R, May 2025

Great Adventure

William_H, Apr 2025

Well worth the time and effort to get from Seattle & back on a “day trip!” We saw a gray whale, lots of harbor seals, and even a sea otter! The crew is amazing in their enthusiasm and the boat was very stable and comfortable.

Amazing boat trip to visit our orca friends

Adrienne_G, Oct 2024

Amazing crew. Amazing views. And the naturalist was so informative & took the time to check in and educate everyone on a personal level. It was the end of the season so I know we didnt see all we could see but they made sure we saw something!

Orca's in the Wild

john_w, Sep 2024

Seeing Orcas! Even though there weren't that many and it was a cold day, our crew didn't give in until the whales were found. Great trip! Dress warm :)

Incredible

Miriam_N, Sep 2024

Incredible experience. The crew was friendly offering to take photos of us. My in-laws were with us and had difficulty walking. The captain went the extra mile to make sure that even though they were inside he could still see the whale and orcas from his seat. We also experienced an orca hunt and kill. Absolutely amazing.

Marvelous Whale Watching Excursion

Kenneth_B, Aug 2024

Boat being surrounded by Orcas. A marvelous whale watching excursion lead by two wonderful crew members, (Scott & Becca), who knew their stuff and made everyone feel welcome.

Great way to see whales!

Sarah_H, Jul 2024

Sophia and Drew were fantastic. Loves that I finally got to see wild Orca. Trip was easy and great. I still think the company should send a list of what to bring, what's on the boat etc. Checkin waivers could be done online to save time but the actual tour was great.

Three whale species sightings!

Carol_A, Jun 2024

Three different whale sightings on our tour: orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales, plus sea lions and a bald eagle! Great whale watching experience with captain Drew and the marine biologists! They had to go out farther than normal to find whales but it was worth the extra distance. Very knowledgeable, friendly crew.

Orcas and a humpback

Rigo_V, May 2024

Very good tour, we saw a humpback and a pod of orcas. Trevor and Liberty were fantastic. Definitely a must do while on Orcas.

Great Experience

Autumn_Z, May 2024

Enjoyable experience. Very knowledgeable and friendly crew. Definitely recommend for all travelers, including children.

Whale watching treat!

ElizabethD_T, May 2024

The trip was beautiful! Liberty , the naturalist was charming and full of info about the orcas, it was a beautiful Mother’s Day! Well organized, clean, timely. Good value!

Recommend and will do again

Crisy_K, May 2024

Jim, Sofie and Tiffanie provided us with a wonderful tour. The girls are very knowledgeable and provided lots of info about marine life and Jim made sure we got a chance to see different animal groups. My husband and enjoyed our 22nd wedding anniversary on the boat and enjoyed every minute. Thank you for a memorable experience! Will definitely recommend and go again.