One of the most memorable things to do this summer is to go whale watching in the San Juan Islands. We’re right in the middle of the best time to see orcas in the San Juan Islands, not to mention humpback whales, gray whales, and other majestic marine mammals. Our beautiful archipelago, about 90 miles North of Seattle, is home to some of the country’s most brilliant wildlife and pristine wilderness. The San Juan Islands comprise more than 170 islands, with four main stops on the Washington State Ferries from Anacortes: Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas, and San Juan Island, where you’ll find our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast.
As you glide into Friday Harbor, you may even glimpse the whale watching tour boats at the dock or heading out on the Salish Sea. Many of the local excursions depart from this marina. Peak season for whale watching in the San Juan Islands starts in May and extends through September. Apart from being one of the best places for San Juan Island whale watching, there are so many fabulous things to do in Friday Harbor. Spend your days hiking to jaw-dropping views of our island paradise, kayak through calm waters to see marine animals up close, relax with a delicious glass of local wine, or explore historic lighthouses and other San Juan Island landmarks.
Of course, don’t forget to leave yourself plenty of downtime. Relaxing is, after all, what a San Juan Island getaway is all about. Summer travel to the San Juan Islands is busy, so you’ll not only want to secure your lodging at our top-rated Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast as soon as you can, but you’ll also want to secure your spot aboard the San Juan Island ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. Reservations are a must if you want to guarantee your place, and they fill up quickly!
Once reservations are made, let our experienced concierge team help you plan an unforgettable trip to the San Juans. From helping you with your San Juan Island whale watching tours to making reservations at our top-rated Friday Harbor restaurant, we’re here to take the guesswork out of your vacation. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime adventure whale watching in the San Juan Islands. Book our Friday Harbor lodging today!
The Best Time for whale watching in the San Juan Islands
Whale watching in the San Juan Islands is nothing short of exceptional, especially between May and September. During this peak San Juan whale watching season, the waters are teeming with numerous whale species, including transient orca pods and Humpback Whales, as they visit the rich feeding grounds off the coast of the San Juan Islands. There’s no doubt this is also one of the best times to visit the San Juan Islands!
To enjoy the best San Juan Island whale watching, you’ll find several reputable operators out of Friday Harbor. These Friday Harbor whale watching tours offer various experiences, from intimate outings on small boats and thrilling zodiac-style adventures to more comfortable and spacious vessels. We recommend carefully selecting a tour operator from the options provided below to ensure the best whale watching experience in the San Juan Islands.
- San Juan Safaris offers thrilling whale watching tours from Friday Harbor. Guests can see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. With experienced naturalists on board and small group sizes, they provide an educational and intimate experience, ensuring a memorable San Juan Island whale watching adventure.
- Another local favorite, San Juan Island Outfitters, offers personalized whale watching trips led by expert naturalists out of Roche Harbor, about a 15-minute drive from our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast. These trips provide guests with an educational and unforgettable experience on the water. With various tour options, they ensure close encounters with orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife in the scenic San Juan Islands.
- Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching is one of our favorite go-to resources for whale watching Friday Harbor. They offer intimate, small-group tours in San Juan Island. These tours provide an exceptional opportunity for whale watching in the San Juan Islands, not to mention the chance to see diverse marine wildlife up close as you tour the Salish Sea. Expert captains and marine naturalists lead these tours.
- The knowledgeable guides at San Juan Excursions offer guests an insightful whale watching trip. They also depart from Friday Harbor with the goal of seeing lots of local wildlife, including orcas, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and much more.
- Finally, consider Western Prince Cruises, which offers shorter or longer-range tours for extended whale watching in the San Juan Islands. They also offer private charters, which are perfect for groups.
For some, the thought of heading out on the water for an extraordinary day of San Juan Island whale watching sounds daunting, and maybe even unappealing. Seasickness can be easily remedied, if that’s the concern, but for those who just prefer to keep their feet on the ground, did you know you can also enjoy some of the best whale watching in the San Juan Islands from land? It’s true!
Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the best places in the world to watch whales from shore. This beautiful state park is home to a historic lighthouse, where you’ll enjoy stunning views over the Haro Strait. Stand on the shore long enough during the summer, and you’ll likely spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine wildlife as they transit the sound. There is a reason the lighthouse now houses the Whale Research Center! We recommend asking us to pack you a picnic to fully enjoy the day of San Juan whale watching at this remarkable park.
The Best Friday Harbor Lodging for Your Whale Watching Getaways
The best time for whale watching in the San Juan Islands coincides with the peak tourist season. But even with more visitors in the area, there’s so much open wilderness, state parks, miles of shorelines, and hiking trails that you can still have a quiet and restful retreat. The best Friday Harbor whale watching tours are within walking distance of our Bed and Breakfast, making our Inn & Suites one of the most convenient choices for those visiting the San Juans to see orcas and other whales.
Our property offers various lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfast rooms for two to spacious suites for small groups or families. We even have a whole house vacation rental for a bigger group, not to mention pet-friendly Friday Harbor lodging. Here’s a long list of perks included with your stay, and we never charge a resort fee or activity service charges. Free parking, friendly concierge services, and bike and kayak rentals, to name a few. But one of our favorite amenities is our home-cooked, scratch-made breakfast that we deliver to your room each morning of your stay.
We’re also a popular destination for weddings and events, with catering on-site through our sister business, Coho Restaurant, and lovely wedding packages that take all the stress away from the big day. Imagine celebrating your big day here, but spending some time with your wedding party on one of these top-rated San Juan Island whale watching tours together? Talk about an unforgettable wedding weekend!
There’s a lot to love about the San Juan Islands, and staying at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast is just the start. We can’t wait to host you for this year’s San Juan Islands whale watching season. Book your lodging today!
