Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Friday Harbor, WA

Where does this San Juan Islands whale watching tour depart?

The tour departs from Friday Harbor located at 10 Front St #102, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

When should I arrive?

Check-in is 40 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

How long is this whale watching trip?

The tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending upon weather and boating conditions.

Is this tour suitable for toddlers?

Yes. This tour is suitable for all ages. For safety reasons, parents of children under age 2 are asked to stay in the windowed, heated cabin or use a "wear on" baby carrier.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat can accommodate people with wheelchairs. However, you cannot take the wheelchair into the boat as all seats must be anchored to the boat. Please call the number on your e-ticket prior to arrival to let them know of any accommodations for your group.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, there are two comfortable marine heads on the Osprey.

What should we bring / wear and what should we leave behind?

To prepare for your whale watching tour, bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, a camera and extra batteries, non-glass water bottle and snacks and/or lunch or dinner. Please leave behind alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana products. Out of respect for other guests on board, please no phone calls during the tour.

What should we wear?

Warm layers as it is significantly cooler on the water than on land, a hat, flat shoes preferably with a rubber bottom like tennis shoes, a rain jacket or windbreaker, and gloves (ideal for spring or fall tours).

What are we likely to see besides orca whales?

The Salish Sea ecosystem is rich with wildlife. Each tour is unique, but common animal encounters include lots of marine birds, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, otters, and porpoises. Plus many of their tours encounter humpback and/or minke whales.

How do they know where to find the whales?

San Juan Outfitters belongs to a "spotting network” with the Pacific Whale Watch Association. This network includes spotters on land, out on the water and sometimes in the air.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

While San Juan Outfitters do not guarantee whale sightings, 20 years of sightings data shows that you will have a 90-95% chance of seeing whales during the peak months of June – September. San Juan Outfitters are key members of a proprietary sightings network known as the Pacific Whale Watch Association.

Where does the tour go?

Wherever the whales are. Sometimes that might be out toward Canada, or down to the very south end of the island, or north to the Canadian Gulf Islands. Occasionally, the orcas are not around San Juan Island, but you can depend on this: they go wherever they want to go, and can easily cover 100 miles in a day.