10 Dolphin & Whale Watching in San Juan Island That You Shouldn't Miss

October 12, 2021 Christa Meece

An island vacation on San Juan Island in…Washington? San Juan might not be a tropical retreat, but this scenic scape proudly features beaches, orca pods and one of the country’s largest lavender farms. Lime Kiln Point State Park is the perfect place for whale watching, while Pelindaba Lavender Farm will set you up with a lifetime supply of the fragrant purple plant. The bustling Friday Harbor is a jackpot of restaurants and shops, plus unique attractions like the 19-acre sculpture garden at Westcott Bay Reserve.
Restaurants in San Juan Island

1. Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

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5.0 based on 1,111 reviews

Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Just 90 miles north of Seattle, Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington. Owner Operated, Experienced Local Naturalist Guides, Small Groups, Two Great Boats. Choose from the fast and comfortable 46' Western Prince II (limited to 32 passengers or less, with seating for 41) or, for the more adventurous, the Expedition Style 40' Western Explorer II (limited to 25 passengers or less).

2. Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Excellent
97%
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5.0 based on 1,490 reviews

Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching provides small group whale watching & wildlife tours from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, the best location to experience Orca whales in the wild. We also offer private charter whale watch & wildlife tours for small groups and larger parties. Recreational, engaging and informative, we offer memorable experiences with a passionate crew , custom-built whale watching boats, and small groups of passengers. We offer two convenient departure locations on San Juan Island. Our whale watching & wildlife tours depart year-round from downtown Friday Harbor, next to the ferry landing, and Snug Harbor Resort, on the west side of San Juan Island.

3. San Juan Excursions

Excellent
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5.0 based on 778 reviews

San Juan Excursions

Our Guarantee: See whales or your next trip is free! Fun and educational whale watch/wildlife cruises you'll never forget! April through September from Friday Harbor in the "sunny San Juan Islands" aboard the spacious, comfortable and stable 65 foot vessel "Odyssey." Locally owned and operated with local naturalist guides. 10% AAA, military, teacher and other discounts.

4. Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Excellent
94%
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5%
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5.0 based on 574 reviews

Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

The Most Loved Cetaceans of the World, Friday Harbor WA 'An Intimate and Personal Experience with your captain and the whales' 6 Passenger Limit! Observing whales in the 'WILD' in their 'Natural Environment' is one of our greatest passions and after touring with us we know it will be one of yours too. Your captain is a retired captain with 38 years experience sailing mostly oceans in Pacific and Atlantic. He is a certified Naturalist and loves to share personal stories about the whales you will be seeing.

5. Crystal Seas Kayaking - Day Tours

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 738 reviews

Crystal Seas Kayaking - Day Tours

Premiere Active Vacations in the San Juan Islands Since 1993 Crystal Seas Kayaking specializes in guided 3 hour, full day, sunset and multi-day kayaking and multi-sport trips in Washington's sunny San Juan Islands - mid March through mid October. The perfect adventure for singles, couples, groups, and families - no experience is necessary. We are locally owned and operated by second generation islanders on San Juan Island and proudly support local businesses, organizations, schools and small farms. Besides the incredible scenery and wildlife, our guides are a huge part of why you will love your trip. The majority of our staff are locals who majored in science or recreation and all of them have an infectious love and knowledge of the outdoors. They are all naturalists who are CPR and First Aid certified and many are also Wilderness First Responders.

6. Custom Coastal Charters

Excellent
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Custom Coastal Charters

We offer single day to multi week professionally skippered all inclusive yacht carters for up to 12 guests for day trips and 6 guests for our overnight trips. We offer charters in the San Juan islands of Washington state, as well as multi week charters on BC and up to Alaska.

7. Outdoor Odysseys

Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 321 reviews

Outdoor Odysseys

Since 1987, Outdoor Odysseys has been offering quality guided sea kayaking and whale watch tours in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Our tours feature an opportunity to search for Orca whales and eagles while paddling. We offer great camp cuisine including Dutch oven cookery and naturalist guides that are extremely knowledgable about the biological, geological and natural history of the area. We have been selected by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the "200 best outfitters" in the world.

8. San Juan Classic Day Sailing

Excellent
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5.0 based on 63 reviews

San Juan Classic Day Sailing

San Juan Classic Day Sailing offers 2 hour Day Sails, Half Day Private Charters, Sun Set Sails and Sailing Lessons out of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Wa. aboard beautiful classic, fully restored wooden sailing ships. We sail through some of the most beautiful and pristine waters in the world, offering guests a chance to participate hands on the the sailing of the vessel or the opportunity to just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. Along with spectacular natural scenery, the San Juan Islands are home to many species of marine wildlife, including porpoise, seals and sea lions, many types of water birds and the magnificent Orca Whales. We feel that seeing these animals from the deck of a sailboat, silently gliding through the water, is one of the most environmentally sound and respectful ways of viewing them in their natural habitat. We welcome you to join us! In addition to sailing, scenery and wildlife, we offer local wine and hors de oeuvres on most of our sails for a truly unique and exclusive experience.

9. San Juan Kayak Expeditions

Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 330 reviews

San Juan Kayak Expeditions

Established in 1980 San Juan Kayak Expeditions is chosen by the discerning traveler. They offers authentic small group sea kayak trips and tours ranging from 3 hour tours to 5 day expeditions and customized sea kayak rentals. Sea kayak with orca whales, porpoise, sea lions, harbor seals, otters, bald eagles and more! We specialize in personalized customer service, quality gear and fun, knowledgeable guides leading small groups. Our trips attract active adults (families, friends, couples and singles) of all ages who love adventure. Join us on one of our daily 3, 4 or 6 hour trips or for a multi-day kayaking camping expedition. For those experienced in the outdoors we offer a comprehensive kayak rental service. They also will arrange custom tours for wedding parties, reunions, outdoor clubs, schools and scout troops.

10. San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours

Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

San Juan Island Whale & Wildlife Tours

Whales Rock! Enjoy a six-passenger, personalized whale & wildlife adventure of a lifetime. Join Captain Hobbes who grew up on the water in England and has been operating whale watch tours and passenger vessels in the San Juan Islands for 12 years. Come aboard “Natsilane,” named after an Orca Whale legend, a 30’ Albin Fast Express Cruiser, and enjoy a comfortable heated cabin, with indoor and outdoor seating, restroom and snack bar. Don't be a sardine in a can on a big boat -- enjoy an intimate experience in the beautiful San Juan Islands!

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