Seattle · SAN JUAN ISLANDS TOURS

San Juan Islands Tours: The 15 Best Whale, Kayak and Island Days

26 tours  ·  from $29 a head

Friday Harbor, Orcas Island and the channels between them are where Seattle goes to find orcas and paddle a kayak. These 15 are priced and timed, with a note on how you get to the islands first.

Whale Watching from Friday Harbor - Naturalist commentary makes the sightings count
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews

Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

1.Whale Watching from Friday Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 780 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $135Our pick

Set out from Friday Harbor with San Juan Safaris aboard the 55-foot MV Sea Lion, a boat with a heated, windowed cabin and an open deck. A naturalist helps identify whales and other wildlife as the captain follows sightings around the Salish Sea. Crews have included Vaun and Kelly, and Lauren and Emily; crew members vary by departure.

“Amazing experience! Watched a pod of orcas for almost an hour. Crew was incredibly nice and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes - The other wildlife can make the day
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes

2.Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 681 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

From Anacortes, Outer Island Excursions takes you by high-speed boat into the San Juan and Canadian Gulf islands to look for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and more. Naturalist guides explain the wildlife and local waters. Trips run about three to four hours, and sightings are guaranteed from April through early September.

“Really fun and we saw a lot of animals! It was a roomier boat than we thought and there are snacks and drinks available. The crew was very knowledgeable about local geography, history, and especially wildlife habits. Dress warm!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Orcas Island Whale Watching - The naturalist adds context
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews

Orcas Island Whale Watching

3.Orcas Island Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Leave Orcas Island on a high-speed boat with a captain and naturalist to search the San Juan and Canadian Gulf islands for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minkes. Trips last about 3.5 hours, with a maximum of 30 people. Crew members vary; past trips have been led by Captain Phil and naturalist Ginny.

“Very good tour, we saw a humpback and a pod of orcas. Trevor and Liberty were fantastic. Definitely a must do while on Orcas.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour - Guides who bring the water to life
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour

4.Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 239 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Depart from Orcas Island for a 3.5-hour wildlife cruise among the San Juan Islands. A professional guide helps you look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and birds, while the boat gives you wide views of the islands. Past crews have included Captain Brock, Tiffany, Sheila, and Phil. If you see no whales, a second excursion is offered free.

“Travel nurses- this was so fun to do even solo!! They were so friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable! My phone actually died before we saw any whales, but it was so nice to really take it all in from my own eyes and not from behind a screen! Captain Brock and Tiffany were wonderful and helped us see so many cool things. We got to see two killer whales take down a seal right off the back of the boat!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure - Reading the Haro Strait for wildlife
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Day Trips, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews

Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure

5.Full Day San Juan Island Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $126

Set out from Friday Harbor at 10:45 am for a six-hour guided kayaking trip around San Juan Island and the Haro Strait. Expect a small group of no more than 10, a beach lunch with Olympic Mountain views, and possible sightings of seals, porpoises, orcas, and eagles. Guides on past outings have included Tiffany, Nathan, and Hunter.

“Our guide, Nathan, was so knowledgeable about the island!!!! He prepared a great little lunch for us and we felt really safe in the kayak!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park - Wildlife and scenery, without a guarantee
Deception Pass Tours, San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park

6.Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Set out from Bowman Bay on Fidalgo Island in a tandem kayak with a guide and a group capped at 12. This roughly 90-minute outing suits beginners and families with older children. Guides such as Cora, Jeff, and Liam have led relaxed paddles, shared local nature notes, and helped first-timers feel at ease. Wildlife sightings vary.

“Liam, our guide, was very skilled and knowledgeable. The weather was perfection & there were Dahl's porpoises,a bald eagle, pigeon guillemotes with their bright red legs and feet, seals & sparkly tiny silver fish jumping up a foot out of the water to avoid being a seal's lunch!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island - What the height feels like
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Rock Climbing, Tour Reviews

Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island

7.Tree Canopy Climbing on Lopez Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250

On Lopez Island, a small group climbs 100- to 200-foot trees using ascenders, then moves onto branches as conditions and ability allow. Guides such as Brandon, Alex, and Rilin have led climbs. Expect hands-on safety instruction, provided gear, and a four-hour outing, not a zipline ride.

“Truly an unforgettable experience to experience Deception Pass from the treetops. Im afraid of heights myself but I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands - A quiet corner of the San Juan Islands
3-Hour Experiences, San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

8.3-Hour Sea Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $132

Spend about three hours paddling Burrows Bay with a professional guide, after a short lesson and gear fitting. Look for harbor seals, porpoises, and sometimes orcas, with views of Burrows Island Lighthouse, Rosario Strait, and the Olympic Mountains. Guides named Derek, Emma, and Tim have led trips, though your guide depends on the day.

“Our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. The scenery was beautiful, and we saw several seals including a baby swimming close to us!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour - Watching for whales in open water
Guided, San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour

9.Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 3h 30m · from $119

From Orcas Island, spend 210 minutes searching the San Juan Islands for orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, and gray whales. A naturalist guide explains wildlife behavior, while indoor and outdoor decks and an onboard restroom add comfort. Past crews have included guides such as Ginny, Hannah, and Trevor, though your crew may differ.

“Great trip, saw harbor seals, sea lions, orcas and Ollie the sea otter! Liberty and Elliot did amazing captaining us around the islands!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Anacortes: Whale Watching Adventure Tour Near Seattle - Searching the Salish Sea for whales
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Anacortes: Whale Watching Adventure Tour Near Seattle

10.Whale Watching Adventure Tour Near Seattle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 45 reviews · 3h 30m · from $149

From Anacortes, Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours takes up to 17 passengers into the Salish Sea aboard an open-air zodiac-style boat. A captain and marine naturalist guide the 3.5-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions and other wildlife. Cruiser suits, hats, gloves and binoculars are provided. No ferry trip is needed.

“Guides were very considerate, informative and truly care about the safety of everyone. They went out of their way to make sure we saw orcas and gave history and details about the family we viewed. I would recommend them and would book again if I were to come back.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island - Two hours on Griffin Bay
Guided, San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

11.Guided Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Meet your guide in downtown Friday Harbor, then ride to Jackson Beach for a safety briefing and an easy launch into protected Griffin Bay. Over about two hours on the water, a trained naturalist guide helps you paddle confidently and look for harbor seals, porpoises, and marine birds. Noah, Ryan, or Roni may lead your group.

“We had a great experience. Noah and Ryan were excellent guides. They were extremely professional and also very fun. My 11 year old loved getting all the basics of kayaking down. We also really enjoyed a detailed explanation of all the surrounding flora and fauna. It was a really cool educational adventure, totally relaxing, with smooth paddling and easy conversation.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Anacortes: Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near Seattle - What the Salish Sea search feels like
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Anacortes: Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near Seattle

12.Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near Seattle

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 4 hours · from $199

Head out from Anacortes aboard a high-speed vessel with Outer Island Excursions and a marine naturalist. The four-hour trip searches the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea for Bigg’s orcas, which can travel more than 100 miles in a day. Sightings are reported on 98% of trips, but the boat keeps a regulated distance, so bring warm clothing and be ready for a brisk, sometimes rough ride.

“The crew were very knowledgeable and made the experience much more interesting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands - What the $165 price includes in value
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

13.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $165

Meet your guide at the Friday Harbor Ferry Dock for a private, three-hour sunset paddle in Griffin Bay. Watch for harbor seals and roosting birds, then look for glowing plankton in the dark water. Hannah, Laura, Jared, and Maddie have guided trips, which are scheduled around new moons for darker skies.

“This was such a fun experience!! Hannah was an excellent tour guide. Hannah made sure we understood the equipment and stayed warm. The night was a little cloudy which made it great to see all the bioluminescence in the water!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half Day Sail Orcas Island - Choosing a morning or afternoon departure
San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Half Day Sail Orcas Island

14.Half Day Sail Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend about three hours sailing around Obstruction Pass with an experienced captain who teaches sailing terms and gives you hands-on time at the helm. The private lesson costs $680 for up to six people, with morning or afternoon departures. The captain is named Nate or Nat in accounts of the experience, so confirm who will lead your outing when booking.

“Do it! Nat is the absolute best! So knowledgeable and makes sure everyone is comfy. You will need to dress warmly any time you're out to Seattle but other than that, you don't really need anything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Fully-Catered Kayak Camping Trip in the San Juan Islands - Day two: breakfast, beach lunch and the return
2-Day Experiences, San Juan Islands Tours, Seattle Kayak Tours, Tour Reviews

2-Day Fully-Catered Kayak Camping Trip in the San Juan Islands

15.2-Day Fully-Catered Kayak Camping Trip in the San Juan Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $658

Paddle from Fidalgo Island across channels and along Guemes Island to Cypress Island Marine Protected Area, then camp for a night with a guide, supplied tents, kitchen gear and meals. The group is limited to eight and uses tandem kayaks. Tim, Katie, Gabe and Wolf have guided company trips, though your guide will depend on your departure.

“This was a great trip! Wolf was a knowledgeable and approachable guide, easy to talk to, but also aware of the group’s needs. He also prepared fantastic meals, and had been well-briefed on the group’s dietary needs. They sent us by water taxi to the island to make sure we got campsites (holiday weekend), which was wise because the campground filled up quickly. We went on a day paddle instead, and had time to hike before dinner. The 2 channel crossing back to Anacortes was a bit challenging due to currents and boat traffic, but the route was well-chosen and we didn’t have any problems. Very fun weekend, and a…”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in San Juan Islands Tours

★ 5.0Cafes and Kayaks: Full Day Kayaking Adventure on Orcas IslandFrom $1493 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Canopy Climb on Lopez IslandFrom $1994 reviews
★ 4.3San Juan Island: Full Day Kayaking Tour with LunchFrom $1493 reviews
★ 4.1Orca Whales guaranteed boat tourFrom $1993 reviews
★ 4.2Bioluminescence Night PaddleFrom $1793 reviews

Keep browsing

Seattle Harbor CruisesSeattle Sailing TripsSeattle Whale Watching ToursSeattle Kayak ToursBainbridge Island ToursDeception Pass Tours
Scroll to Top

Around Puget Sound

Pick a pier, a trailhead or a market stall.

Downtown

Pike Place MarketSpace NeedleCity ToursThe UndergroundObservation Decks

On the water

Harbor CruisesWhale WatchingSailingKayaking

Eat and drink

Food ToursCoffee CrawlsWine TastingCocktailsChocolate & Donuts

Into the hills

Mount RainierOlympic National ParkSnoqualmie FallsHikingE-Bikes