Friday Harbor Day Trip & Whale Watching from Seattle

Seattle, United States of America

Take an all-day round-trip adventure from Seattle to San Juan Island's Friday Harbor aboard a high-speed catamaran. Upon arrival to the San Juan Islands enjoy a 2.5-hour guided Whale and Sea Life Search cruise as part of your voyage. Afterward you'll spend approximately 2-hours sightseeing and shopping at Friday Harbor before returning to Seattle later that evening.

Depart at 7:45am from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle and cruise through Puget Sound toward the San Juan Islands - Seattle's secret playground! The roomy seats have plenty of leg room for a comfortable trip. Step out on the deck for a breath of fresh air and take in the beautiful views or enjoy an onboard meal basket and beverage at your seat (meals and beverages are not included). On this 3.5-hour cruise, you'll enjoy beautiful island vistas and a multitude of marine wildlife. Upon arrival at your destination you can spend time at the wonderful beaches, shops and other fun attractions.

Upon arrival to the San Juan Islands take a 2.5-hour Whale & Sealife Cruise and continue your cruise through the waters of San Juan Island. This cruise departs Friday Harbor at approximately 11:30am and returns at 2:00pm. This 2.5-hour wildlife adventure is great for viewing orcas and other sea life in their natural habitats. The islands are home to 3 whale families, or pods, that migrate to the island waters for the summer months. You'll then have approximately 2.5 hours to spend in town shopping and sightseeing.

At 4:30pm you'll begin your trip back Seattle on a 3.5-hour cruise though the protected waters of Saratoga Passage and Deception Pass before arrive at Seattle's Pier 69 at approximately 7:15pm. 

Please note: Whale sightings are not guaranteed.

USD $69.99

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Tanna H	September 2011
Had a great time looking for whales. Unfortunately we didn't find any. The crew did everything they could be make the trip educational and enjoyable.

Review by: Phil	September 2011
Boat was well maintained and the crew very accommodating and the guide was very informative. They do serve food on the vessel but you can bring your own. It is a long trip but it beats driving to Friday harbor which would take just as long. Friday harbor was very nice and I had some of the best fried clams I have ever eaten at the Hungry Clam up on the hill.

Review by: Peter G	June 2011
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Ship was delayed an hour so each passenger received a 50% off coupon for a future trip. Saw a pod of orcas, bald eagles, porpoises and seals!

Review by: Anonymous	February 2011
The trip to the San Juan Islands from Seattle to Friday Harbor was truly a five star experience! The cruise there and back was very comfortable. We were able to view Orcas for quite some time allowing for lots of great photo ops. The naturalist, Stephanie's commentary was very informative and a great addition to the whole experience. Had no idea that the individual whales and their pods would be so well known to the tour guides and that they have been given names! Thanks for a wonderful day!

Review by: Jason P	August 2010
A very nice trip to take. Go on a clear day. The orca are much more visible.

Review by: Sue M, United States of America	July 2010
The trip to the San Juan Islands from Seattle to Friday Harbor was truly a five star experience! The cruise there and back was very comfortable. We were able to view Orcas for quite some time allowing for lots of great photo ops. The naturalist's commentary was very informative and a great addition to the whole experience. Had no idea that the individual whales and their pods would be so well known to the tour guides and that they have been given names! Thanks for a wonderful day!

Review by: John G, United States of America	July 2010
This is by far the easiest way to see Orcas and visit Friday Harbor from Seattle. The boat picks you up right from the Downtown Seattle docks and takes you non-stop to the San Juans. There is a Naturalist onboard who points out all the things to see along the way. After a brief stop in Friday Harbor, a smaller group continues on the Whale and Sealife tour. We were able to get on the bow of the ship (very cool!) and watch the Orcas swim right by us. The Naturalist knew each Orca’s name – we saw Ruffles, Double Stuff, Oreo and others…all from the J-pod of local Orcas. On the way back, you spend 2 hours in Friday Harbor where you can visit the Whale Museum and pick-up an early dinner to go – check out the Market Café or The Hungry Clam, both on A Street. On the trip back to Seattle, you get great views of Downtown Seattle. Make sure to bring sunglasses, a jacket and a well charged camera for photos.

Review by: Anonymous	July 2010
The trip to the San Juan Islands from Seattle to Friday Harbor was truly a five star experience! The cruise there and back was very comfortable. We were able to view Orcas for quite some time allowing for lots of great photo ops. The naturalist's commentary was very informative and a great addition to the whole experience. Had no idea that the individual whales and their pods would be so well known to the tour guides and that they have been given names! Thanks for a wonderful day!

Review by: Anonymous	July 2010
This is by far the easiest way to see Orcas and visit Friday Harbor from Seattle. The boat picks you up right from the Downtown Seattle docks and takes you non-stop to the San Juans. There is a Naturalist onboard who points out all the things to see along the way. After a brief stop in Friday Harbor, a smaller group continues on the Whale and Sealife tour. We were able to get on the bow of the ship (very cool!) and watch the Orcas swim right by us. The Naturalist knew each Orca’s name – we saw Ruffles, Double Stuff, Oreo and others…all from the J-pod of local Orcas. On the way back, you spend 2 hours in Friday Harbor where you can visit the Whale Museum and pick-up an early dinner to go – check out the Market Café or The Hungry Clam, both on A Street. On the trip back to Seattle, you get great views of Downtown Seattle. Make sure to bring sunglasses, a jacket and a well charged camera for photos.