Whale Watching
Friday Harbor offers some of the best whale watching anywhere. Three resident pods of Orca whales make nearly daily appearances off shore in season. We are also home to the only state park dedicated to whale watching, with a world-class whale research facility.
Choose your whale watch excursion by boat size. Small, intimate boats carry just six passengers. Medium-size boats offer more comfort without being too crowded. Larger boats offer the most comfort and are great for families.
Before we go on the whale watch boats, though, you might also be interested in something a little more hands on. For that, please visit Friday Harbor Marine, with a delightful array of rental craft and services.
Small
Maya’s Westside Whale Watch Charters offers an intimate wildlife experience in the Peregrine, a 2007 Glacier Bay catamaran.
Personalized whale watching and chartered boat tours including private expeditions to outer San Juan Islands most people don’t ever get to see.
Medium
The Western Prince holds 30 people comfortably on one continuous level and there is always a naturalist on board to help explain the wonders. An excellent trip for families.
San Juan Outfitters departs from the island’s west side, specializing in high quality tours, low guide to guest ratios, state of the art equipment, exclusive launching facility, naturalist guides, and lots of wildlife.
Medium to Large
San Juan Safaris offers a very happy medium between the smaller and larger boats, and one of the best-organized and most professional trips in the islands. There is always a naturalist on board to answer your questions.
Large
The area’s largest tour boat is the 64 foot Odyssey, operated by San Juan Excursions. Fantastic for group charters, as well as regularly scheduled wildlife trips.
