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SAN JUAN SAFARIS

Whale Watching Tours
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington - United States

San Juan Safaris - Washington Whale Watching Tours, San Juan Island
http://whale-watching.GordonsGuide.com/sanjuansafaris

Overview

See Wild Orca Whales!

San Juan Island - Where the whales are!

  • Whale sightings on 95% of tours.
  • 40 or fewer guests (you will never feel herded).
  • Fast, safe, stable, new 55-foot boat.
  • Trained and friendly whale naturalist on each trip.
  • Emphasis on the entire ecosystem.


  • Spring, summer and fall find magnificent orca whales plying the waters off of San Juan Island, Washington. These whales are focused on finding the Pacific runs of salmon that traditionally come into Haro Strait (located to the west of San Juan Island), mid-April to September.

    San Juan Safaris' whale sighting rates are over 95% and they guarantee that you will see marine mammals and take home wonderful life-long memories.

    The boat, the MV Sea Lion is 55-feet long and is the newest boat in the islands - fast and comfortable.

  • Members of a whale spotting service.
  • Fast, safe, stable, new 55-foot vessel.
  • Whale and wildlife library.
  • Educational books, materials, and maps on board.
  • Walk around deck.
  • Plenty of room in the heated cabin.
  • Space for everyone at the rails.
  • Free binocular use, jackets and blankets.
  • Hear the whale on the professional grade hydrophone.
  • Hydrophone speakers in the cabin and on deck.
  • Bow and stern seating.
  • Large bathroom.


  • San Juan Safaris has been operating from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island since 1994.

    Guests can also see:

  • Soaring Eagles
  • Playful Seals
  • Impressive Sea Lions
  • Dolphins
  • Great Blue Herons
  • Kelp Forests
  • Gorgeous Shorelines
  • View of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker
  • Rafts of Seabirds
  • River Otters
  • Porpoise
  • Minke Whales
  • Gray Whale


  • The San Juan Islands boast of sunny, warm days because they are in what is known as the "rain shadow", sometimes called the "banana belt". It can be raining in Seattle (up to 36 inches of rain annually), and most likely it is sunny in the islands. The San Juans’ receive about 18"-20" of rain annually.

    Usually summer days in the San Juan's are in the low 70s, but bring a jacket because it is always a bit cooler on the water. The mild island climate makes it great for outdoor activities both on and off the water.

    Great boat, great scenery, great wildlife viewing and great fun!!

    San Juan Island also offers plenty of hiking, biking, shopping, galleries, mopeding, history, museums, a winery, a lavender farm, an alpaca farm, a farmers market and many fine restaurants. Consider spending at least a couple of days. San Juan Island has over 50 lodging facilities. San Juan Safaris can assist you with lodging selections.

    San Juan Island is located in the northwest corner of Washington State. Seattle is 90 minutes from where you catch the ferry. Half the fun is getting there!

    San Juan Safaris is located steps from the ferry dock and a short walk from the seaplane dock.

    Travel & Industry Awards

    • Named Top 10 Adventures, MSNBC
    • Cowboy Magazine 2008 - Article
    • Travel + Leisure Magazine - Article
    • Horizon Air Magazine - Article
    • Smart Meetings Magazine - Article
    • Globe and Mail Magazine - Article
    • Oregonian Magazine - Article
    • Sports and Shots Magazine - Article
    • Fun Road Magazine - Article
    • Northwest Journey - Article
    • Puget Sound Voices Interview
    • Journal of the San Juans 2007 - Newspaper Article
    • Sunset Magazine - Article
    • Back Packers Magazine - Article
    • Via Magazine - Article

    Affiliations

    • People For Puget Sound, Board Member
    • The Whale Museum
    • Audubon
    • Whale Watch Operators Assoc. NW, Past Board Members for Nine Years
    • Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
    • San Juan Preservation Trust
    • Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists
    • Sound Watch
    • Puget Sound Attractions Council, Board Member
    • Chamber of Commerce San Juan Island
    • San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau - Founding Member
    • Whale Spotting Network
    • Center For Whale Research

    Payments Accepted

    • American Express
    • Cash
    • Certified Check
    • MasterCard
    • Visa
    • Traveler's Checks
    • Personal Checks

    Reservation Policy

    A firm reservation is paid in full at the time of the reservation. Groups of ten or more will be considered for a group discount. Military with ID are eligible for a 10% discount.

    Cancellation Policy

    A reservation is fully refundable if there are five or less in the party and the cancellation is made a full 48 hours prior to the tour that was booked. For larger parties, please ask.