7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Washington (2025 Guide)
Are you looking for the best whale watching tours in Washington State? There are numerous tours to choose from and it can be a bit overwhelming.
As a local, I’m here to share the 7 top-rated tours I always recommend to friends.
Whale watching is a magical and breathtaking experience. As you step aboard and venture into open waters—nature’s playground for whales and wildlife—you might spot a whale gliding through the waves or hear the powerful splash of a breach before you see it. Sometimes, it’s the misty spout shooting 10+ feet into the air that gives them away first.
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– Best Hotel Rates: Booking.com
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– Best Tour Services: Viator
Whale Watching Tours in Washington
Whale watching is an incredible way to observe whales in the wild. Many tour agencies in Washington State are members of the Pacific Whale Watching Association. What does that mean? This association is committed to whale conservation and education so visitors can understand the importance of respecting wildlife, without disrupting their habitats.
To ensure whale watching tours can continue, it’s crucial to minimize stress on these incredible creatures. Pollution, litter, noise, and heavy boat traffic all disrupt their habitat and well-being.
Some of the Orca pods in Washington have become endangered from the stressors above. This highlights the importance of following the guidelines set by tour guides to help protect these gentle giants.
💡 Etiquette for Whale Watching:
– Admire these large gentle giants from a distance for your safety and theirs.
– Be quiet and respectful of the whales’ space.
7 Best Whale Watching Tours in Washington
Growing up in Washington State has been a gift. From a young age, I spent countless hours sailing through the San Juan Islands and boating in the Puget Sound, immersing myself in the beauty of these waters.
Some of my most unforgettable memories come from witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat—seeing a whale tail emerge from the depths or watching an orca breach is something I’ll never forget.
With that in mind, I’m excited to share the top 7 whale watching tours in Washington. Not only do these tours have a high success rate in spotting whales, but they also prioritize respecting and protecting wildlife.
Let’s dive (pun intended) into the best whale watching experiences Washington has to offer!
1. Puget Sound Express (3 Locations)
Distance from Seattle: Various locations/times
Puget Sound Express is a family-owned whale watching company with over 37 years of experience connecting visitors to the majestic marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
Operating from multiple locations, including Seattle (Edmonds), Port Townsend, and Port Angeles, they offer convenient access to the rich biodiversity of the Salish Sea. Their boats are some of the fastest and quietest in the region, ensuring a thrilling and eco-friendly adventure.
Types of tours:
- Edmonds: Half-day tours between 4-5 hours
- Port Townsend: Half-day or full-day tours. They also offer 3-day wildlife cruises
- Port Angeles: Half-day tours between 3-4 hours
Puget Sound Express guarantees whale sightings, in the case that you don’t see whales, they will gladly give you a complimentary trip voucher for a later date – no questions and no expiration.
2. Island Adventures (Anacortes)
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Island Adventures, operating out of Anacortes, Washington, has offered exceptional whale watching experiences since 1996.
They prides themselves with a 97% whale sighting success rate, reflecting their commitment to delivering memorable encounters from March through November. Their tours provide opportunities to observe orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales in their natural habitats.
In addition to their standard tours, Island Adventures offers specialty trips, including full-day whale watching tours and historical tours, catering to both casual observers and avid wildlife enthusiasts.
Their vessel, the Island Explorer 5, is designed for comfort and optimal viewing, featuring spacious indoor seating and expansive outdoor decks.
3. Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures (Friday Harbor)
Distance from Seattle: ~ 3 hours and a ferry is required
Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures, based in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, offers intimate, small-group tours aboard their state-of-the-art vessel, the Western Explorer II—a 40-foot “Zodiac/Fast Raft” designed for adventure, stability, and comfort.
With over 30 years of experience, Western Prince offers an unforgettable whale watching adventure led by a passionate crew of expert naturalists and seasoned captains. Their deep knowledge ensures every tour is both informative and memorable.
4. Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours (Anacortes)
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours offers private, intimate adventures departing from Anacortes, Washington.
With a maximum of six passengers per tour, guests can expect personalized experiences exploring the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands. Beyond orcas, wildlife sightings often include humpback whales, minke whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
Captain Ken, a certified naturalist, leads the tours and also serves as your photographer, capturing memorable moments throughout the journey. His commitment to responsible wildlife viewing and conservation ensures that each tour is both educational and respectful of the natural environment.
5. Seattle Orca Whale Watching (Seattle)
Distance from Seattle: 0 minutes 😉
With a 90% whale sighting success rate during peak season, Seattle Orca Whale Watching offers an unforgettable journey into the Pacific Northwest’s marine life.
Departing from downtown Seattle, guests travel to Friday Harbor, a top spot for wild orca sightings. The high-speed MV Sea Lion ensures comfort and prime viewing with a heated cabin, wraparound deck, and covered outdoor seating.
A galley is also available, offering beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks for purchase. Tours typically last between 3 to 4 hours on the water, guided by knowledgeable marine naturalists who share insights into the local ecosystem.
For a unique adventure, consider a seaplane and whale-watching combo. You’ll get a breathtaking aerial view of Seattle and the Puget Sound before heading out on your whale-watching excursion—and on a clear bluebird day, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
6. Blue Kingdom Whale & Wildlife Tours (Anacortes)
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Blue Kingdom Tours, based in Anacortes, Washington, offers thrilling whale watching adventures aboard their Zodiac-style vessel.
Their tours range from 3 to 7 hours with a 99% whale sighting rate in 2024, and orcas are spotted on 87% of trips. Guests are equipped with cruiser suits to ensure warmth and comfort during the journey, enhancing the overall experience. The knowledgeable crew provides a polishing touch during each excursion with insights into marine life and local ecosystems.
7. San Juan Cruises (Bellingham)
Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours
Operating since 1987, they provide expert-guided tours through the San Juans, running from May to September. This tour is fully narrated by one of the knowledgeable staff members on a 100′ tour vessel. The captains are known to be respectful and give the mammals enough space while showing patience to make sure the patrons can get a close view.
They offer the following types of tours:
- Whale watching lunch cruises (5-6 hours)
- Sightseeings tours
- Dining cruises —don’t skip the Dungeness crab!
Whale sightings are guaranteed, but if you don’t happen to see any, you’ll receive a half-off voucher for your next trip. If you’re looking for an experience beyond the typical whale-watching tour, this is the one!
P.S. Many people have done this tour more than once because it was such a rad experience.
Best Seasons for Whale Watching
This varies by type of whale! Here is a quick breakdown:
🐳 Orcas: May to September, though you can see them year-round
- Also known as the “killer whale”
- Black and white, with large white patches around their eyes
- Complex social hierarchies with females at the top
🐳 Humpback Whales: Mid-June to early September
- Mainly black but have white on the throat, flippers, belly, and flukes
- They don’t eat for most of the year to conserve energy for migration and breeding
- Called the “acrobats of the ocean” – they are playful and curious whales
🐳 Gray Whales: March to May
- Gray bodies with small eyes located above the corners of the mouth
- They lack a distinct dorsal fin and have more of a “hump”
- They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes
🐳 Minke Whales: Year-round, but most commonly seen in the summer
- The body is black to a dark greyish/brown
- The dorsal fin is located 2/3 down the body
- They have smooth flippers unlike humpback whales (people commonly mistake these 2 whales)
What to Wear on Whale Watching Tours
When heading out for a whale watching tour in Washington, patience is key—you’re not just going to hop on a boat and spot whales instantly (well, you might). It’s common to be on the water for a while before seeing the action, so it’s best to dress for changing conditions.
- Warm layers – The weather is cool and more windy on the water
- Close-toe shoes – Preferably flat with a rubber sole for grip
- Shoes: Lightweight quick drying
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Waterproof rain jacket: Eddie Bauer
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses/sunscreen – Opt for sunscreen lotion over the spray to protect the boat and limit misting into the water
- Compact binoculars
- Camera – I highly recommend putting your camera and any other electronics in a waterproof dry bag to help protect them from saltwater and other elements
- Water bottle – Preferably no glass
- Waterproof daypack
- Snacks
Do you get motion sick or seasick?
My friends who get seasick love the non-drowsy Bonine tablets to help with nausea and motion sickness.
>> Related Posts: What to Pack for Seattle in June (2025)
Whale Watching FAQ:
✅ Is whale watching near Seattle worth it?
Yes!
✅ Where is the best place to see whales in Washington?
San Juan Islands
✅ What are the best months to whale watch in Washington?
Generally, the best months are April through October. There are also different “peak seasons” for each type of whale.
✅ What type of whales will I see in Washington State?
Orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minke whales.
Whale Watching Tours in Washington Concluded
Whale watching in Washington is more than just spotting a dorsal fin—it’s an experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. One moment, the water is still, and the next, a misty spout shoots into the air, giving away the presence of something massive just below the surface.
No two tours are ever the same, and that’s what makes it so special. Whether you’re watching from the deck of a catamaran, zipping through the San Juans on a high-speed boat, or soaring over the water by seaplane, each trip is its own adventure.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
