Orca Whale Watching, Wildlife & Birding Tours
Departing From Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

The best orca (killer) whale watching is here on San Juan Island, near Seattle, Anacortes, Bellingham, Victoria BC, Vancouver Island and Port Townsend. The islands are considered the "jewels" of the pacific north west, located in the Puget Sound.

May - September the island is generally sunny and warm. Because we are in what is known as the "rain shadow" created by the Olympic Mountains. While Seattle has about 30" of rain annually, we receive approximately 18". Most summer days are around 70, but bring a jacket because it is always a bit cooler on the water. This mild climate makes it great for outdoor activities both on and off the water.

We keep our guest count small. We place only 24 on the Sea Hawk and 18 on the Kittiwake. This gives you, our guest, the opportunity to converse on a one to one basis with your naturalist and captain. We pride ourselves on both personal attention and the insight that we bring to those viewing wildlife with us.

Our tours and staff are so well loved that a good portion of our business is repeat customers. Guests tell us repeatedly that our staff is warm, friendly and how much they learned from them.

Our vessels, the Sea Lion, Kittiwake and Seahawk both all stocked with plenty of educational materials, field guides, maps, blankets, jackets and binoculars. We also have Cetacean Research hydrophones on each boat (yes, you can hear the whales communicate). All vessels have heads.

The Kittiwake, pictured below, is 30 X 12 ' with ½ of its seating enclosed and ½ open air. A portion of the open air is covered by a canvas canopy. The Sea Hawk, pictured below, is 41 X 14' with heated indoor cabin seating, outdoor covered seating, outdoor open seating and a walk around deck.

Why YOU should go with US
We respect not only the legal distance from orca whales but the polite distance. This allows the orca time for foraging, resting and such. Our staff is handpicked for both their scientific understanding of wildlife, their love of and dedication to wildlife and the environment. We also select staff that has an outgoing and warm personality. All of us at San Juan Safaris pride ourselves on attention to detail and follow through.

Professional naturalist on each trip
Members of a whale spotting service
1997 - to present we had over a 90%
(per trip basis)sighting record!
Fast,safe,stable vessels
Emphasis on the entire ecosystem
Binoculars, blanket, jackets on board
Educational books, materials &maps on board
Hydrophone aboard both vessels

MV Sea Lion 55 X 15.8', walk around deck,
enclosed cabin &bathroom

MV Kittiwake 30 X 12' partially enclosed
cabin & bathroom.