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San Juan Islands Orca Whale Watching Tours

Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington, near Seattle.

Orca Whale Watching Season 2012: April 7 to October 13

Private Whale Watching Charters
year-round.
The best Orca (killer) whale watching is here off San Juan Island. San Juan Safaris is located in Friday Harbor, just steps from the ferry landing on San Juan Island.
Orca Whale Watching Tours San Juan Island click here

Why San Juan Safaris?

No tour operator sees whales more often than San Juan Safaris - 90% or better. Our whale watching boat Sea Lion is 55 foot, new and fast.

With only 40 or fewer guests aboard, there is plenty of room at the rails or in the windowed cabin for everyone to view whales and wildlife.

Knowledgeable marine naturalists will inform and amuse you. Our crew loves their work and it shows. Guests tell us that the staff is attentive, warm and friendly.

San Juan Safaris is proud of its reputation for strictly adhering to the 'Whale Watching Guidelines' and for respectful wildlife viewing ethics. The owner has been in the wildlife viewing business for over forty years!

Read a recent article about owner Bill Wright and his background
whale watching and wildlife.

We guarantee that you will take home life-long memories. ©

reserve your whale watching tour adventure now

Why San Juan Island?

San Juan Islands Top 10 Safaris Island
by MSNBC
Best for: Orca whale watching, porpoises, seals, minke whales, and bald eagles.
Washington State's San Juan Islands, celebrated for the spectacular wildlife-viewing opportunities they afford. Visitors here from mid-April through mid-October can ogle majestic pods of orca whales as they prowl the ocean for marine food sources.

On land, the opportunities can be equally dazzling, with coastal congregations of seals and sea lions, as well as tranquil protected wetlands that are home to a plethora of waterfowl and sea birds.
When to Go: May through September are the best months for wildlife viewing, particularly for the star attraction: pods of orca whales."

Spring, summer and fall find magnificent orca whales plying the waters of Haro Straight off the west side of San Juan Island, Washington. These whales are focused on finding the Pacific runs of salmon that traditionally move through these waters, mid-April to the first part of October. For more information about
San Juan Island click here.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island has a good deal to offer

San Juan Island is known for orca whale watching, sea kayaking, hiking, biking, mopeding, history, a vineyard, museums, a lavender farm, an alpaca farm, a farmers market and many fine restaurants. There are many activities on San Juan Island.

These are just a few reasons to come and stay. Consider spending at least a couple of days. San Juan Island has over 50 lodging facilities. You may also wish to visit Lopez Island and Orcas Island as a day trip from San Juan Island. We can assist you with lodging selections.

Friday Harbor Whale Watching click here

Half the fun is getting here

The ferry route has been designated a "Scenic Byway". The ferry ride to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island is about one hour in duration. The islands' shorelines and views Mt. Baker are breathtaking. For information about using the ferry click here

Contact us about
whale watching

You are welcome to email us a question or better yet, talk to a human! Our office is open 10 - 2 in the winter and 8 - 8 PT in the summer. There is voice mail should you miss us.
800-450-6858 or 360-378-1323
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Whale Watching Tour Mobi Site
breaching orca whale by ernie westle
Breaching Orca - photo contest winner Ernie Westle of Canada, taken near San Juan Island

Whale Watching Boat MV Sea Lion 55 foot long
Our whale watching boat MV Sea Lion- 55 foot, new and fast with walk around deck and bathroom

Orca Whale Photo Contest winner David Erlich 2007
2007 Orca Photo Contest Winner David Erlich

Orca Breaching by Dennis Anderson 2008 Photo contest winner
Orca Breaching by Dennis Anderson 2008 Photo contest winner
Hi guys, I took my high school biology class out with you a couple of weeks ago and had a fantastic time. The kids couldn't say enough about the trip--the boat, the naturalists, and mostly the whales were really great. Thanks! I wasn't sure where to send photos for your contest (this is the only email that I found on the web site) so I've attached them here. I had never seen breaching before (this is probably my sixth or seventh trip), so when they did it over and over, I was amazed. I hope it's OK to send fairly large photos. If you want the whole series, I have six or seven in a row of a couple of different breaches. Here are the photos, and thanks again for a great trip. We'll definitely use you guys again! Dennis Anderson

Whale Watching is great for the entire family. The Bechtolds aboard the Sea Lion
Families and Whale Watching - a perfect outing

Stellar Sea Lions off San Juan Island and the light house
Patty Quales and her husband sent this in for the 2010 Photo Contest . They are the winners for 'wildlife'. This was taken on the southern end of San Juan Island of Stellar Sea Lions hauled out. Note the lighthouse in the background.

Baby orca whale by Janet Holby 2010 Photo Contest Winner
Janet Holba 2010 photo contest winner in the whale category from June

We are proud members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, formerly known as Whale Watch Operaors Association Northwest. Both Colleen & Bill are board members for many yearsPacific Whale Watch Association LogoThis logo assures you that a company is a member in good standing. The "Association" has worked with scientists, NOAA and industry leaders to assist in writing the Whale Watching Guidelines and Best Practices
sanjuansafaris.com is the copyrighted intellectual property of San Juan Safaris, Inc., Friday Harbor, WA, USA
updated:
Whale Watch Tours | Whale Watch Charters | Whale Watch Flight Package | Reservations|Site Map

Departing from Friday Harbor San Juan Island, Washington

800-450-6858 or 360-378-1323

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Whale Watching
Orca Whale Watching-A Ferry Ride From Seattle, Washington
San Juan Islands - just 90 minutes from Seattle!
http://www.sanjuansafaris.com/seattle_whale_watching.html

Whale Watching Departure Times & Prices From Friday Harbor San Juan Island
Orca Whale Watching/Wildlife/Birding Tours Departing From Friday Harbor San Juan Island, Washington
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_departure.html

What To Bring When You Go Whale Watching in the San Juans, Washington
A handy list so you can be prepared to have a great tour.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_bring.html

FAQ's About Whale Watching on San Juan Island, Washington
Answers to frequently asked questions about whale watching and wildlife tours.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_faq.html

Meet Your Whale Watching San Juan Safaris Staff
Learn more about our whale watching and kayak guides.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_staff.html

What Else You May See While Whale Watching around the San Juan Islands, Washington
List of birds and other wildlife that may be seen while whale watching
http://sanjuansafaris.com/see_wildlife.html

Our Whale Watching Boats in Friday Harbor & Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington
Learn more about out vessels
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_vessels.html

Group Whale Watching and Wildlife Wildlife Tours from Friday Harbor San Juan Island, Washington

Whale Watching tours for groups or events.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_group.html

Private Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour Charters from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington
We specialize in small groups and independent travelers, with personalized attention and interaction from our naturalist staff.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/whale_private.html

Seattle Whale Watching Tours Near Seattle Washington
Tour times and prices
http://sanjuansafaris.com/seattle_whale_watching_tours.html

Our Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Philosophy
Respectful interaction with wildlife, laced with Serious Fun.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/philosophy.html

Meet the Owners of San Juan Safaris, San Juan Island, Washington
We love what we do and want to share our knowledge with others.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/owners.html

Eco-Tourism Consultant
Bill Wright - Eco Tourism Consultant, Tourism Consultant, Marketing Consultant
http://www.ecotourismconsultant.com/

Schedule of All Whale Watching Tours on San Juan Island, Washington
See our current whale watching tour schedules with prices.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/schedule_tours.html

Getting Here or How to Get To The San Juans in Washington State
Transportation options including Washington State ferry and private air charter.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/gettinghere.html

About The San Juan Islands, Washington, An Insiders Opinion
What To Know When Coming To San Juan Island
http://sanjuansafaris.com/about_the_sanjuans.html

Lodging- San Juan Island, Washington
Bed & Breakfasts on San Juan Island, Washington
Stay in a friendly B&B - options range from a working ranch to elegant Victorian homes.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_ b&b.html

Camping              On San Juan Island, Washington
RV sites, cabins and campgrounds.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_camping.html

Hotels On San Juan Island, Washington
Hotels on San Juan Island.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_hotels.html

Resorts On San Juan Island,Washington
Resorts, condominiums and cabins on San Juan Island.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_resorts.html

Vacation Rentals on San Juan Island, Washington
Homes, cabins and suites for rent,
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_vacationrentalhomes.html

San Juan Island Activities in Washington State
Art galleries, parks and recreational activities.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/to_do.html
Canada Links
A Stones throw from San Juan Island
http://sanjuansafaris.com/canadianlinks.html

 

San Juan Water Taxi in Washington State
Water Taxi service from Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor to Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Stuart Island, Shaw Island, Canada, to Anacortes and other outer islands in the San Juans
http://sanjuansafaris.com/fridayharbor_water_taxi.html

Cancellation Policy
Our policy regarding whale watching tour reservations that need to be cancelled.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/cancelation_policy.html

Whale Watching Gift Certificates
Give a life-time memory. Not just more stuff!
http://sanjuansafaris.com/gift_certificates.html

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
Guidelines developed with the help of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/wild_life_ethics.html

Download A Brochure

Whale Watching Brochure San Juan Island, Washington
Whale watching schedule & pricing in pdf format.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/pdf/whalewatching_fridayharbor_sanjuanisland/pdf/whale_brochure.pdf

 

Whale Watching Employment With San Juan Safaris located on San Juan Island, Watching ton, near Seattle
Summer jobs in the eco-tourism industry.
http://sanjuansafaris.com/jobdescriptions.html

Seattle Information

Lodging Seattle
Hotels in Seattle, WA
http://sanjuansafaris.com/lodging_seattle.html