4.7 (509) · San Juan Islands · By Outer Island Excursions
Embark on intimate whale watching excursions aboard some of the fastest boats in the San Juan Islands. We offer a whale sighting guarantee: witness whales with us, or your next trip is on us – free!
Our fleet consists of smaller, swift vessels designed for optimal whale and wildlife viewing. We navigate the waters of the San Juans and the Canadian Gulf Islands in search of Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, and Minke whales. Our success rate for whale sightings is an impressive 98%!
Beyond whales, you'll have the chance to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including porpoises, seals, sea lions, various seabirds, and otters. We also specialize in private charters, which can be customized to include activities like fishing, kayaking, and island hopping.
✓ A 3 to 4-hour tour experience✓ Guidance from a professional expert✓ Access to high-speed vessels✓ Includes 8.1% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees, mandated by authorities and beyond the local supplier's control✕ Optional gratuities for the crewActivity Schedule
3 h 30
3.5-hour duration
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Check-in commences 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Please proceed to our office located at the top of the dock for check-in.
To reach our Orcas Island location, you will need to utilize the Washington State Ferry System.
Check-in commences 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Please proceed to our office located at the top of the dock for check-in.
To reach our Orcas Island location, you will need to utilize the Washington State Ferry System.
Kindly ensure you check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on board. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour. This tour departs from Orcas Island, which is accessible only via the Washington State Ferry System. If your group is not already on the island, we suggest considering our Anacortes departure point. Check-in procedures begin 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. 3:30 PM Guaranteed Whale Watch Experience small group whale watching on the region's fastest boats, with a guarantee of whale sightings! If you don't see whales, you can return for free. Daily departures from Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA. Check-in is required at 3:00 PM. 1 PM Guaranteed Whale Watch Enjoy intimate whale watching on the fastest boats in the area, complete with a whale sighting guarantee! See whales with us, or come back for another chance at no extra cost. Check-in begins at 12:30 PM. 1 PM Fall Whale Watch 10:30 AM Guaranteed Whale Watch Join our small group whale watching tours on the fastest vessels in the region, featuring a guaranteed whale sighting! If whales aren't spotted, your next tour is complimentary. Daily departures from Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA. Check-in is at 10:00 AM. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as tours often sell out. Dress in layers, as conditions on the water can be cooler than on land. Bring binoculars for a closer look at wildlife. Consider the ferry schedule when planning your travel to Orcas Island. Allow ample time for check-in before your departure. All sales are final. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.
Product code: 32928P2
Activity offered by Outer Island Excursions via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature enthusiasts Wildlife photographers Adventure seekers Guaranteed whale sightings or your money back (as a future trip) Travel on fast, smaller vessels for a more intimate experience High chance of seeing Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, and Minke whales Abundant opportunities to spot other marine wildlife like seals, sea lions, and otters Expert guidance from professional naturalists Tours depart from scenic Orcas Island
Elevation 23 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 5° Jan 6° Feb 7° Mar 9° Apr 12° May 14° Jun 17° Jul 17° Aug 15° Sept 11° Oct 7° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the whale watching tour? + The tour lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there a guarantee that I will see whales? + Yes, we offer a guaranteed whale sighting. If you don't see whales, you can come again for free.
What other wildlife might I see besides whales? + You can also see porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and otters.
How do I get to Orcas Island for the tour? + Orcas Island is accessible by the Washington State Ferry System. If you are not already on the island, consider our Anacortes departure location.
What should I do before the tour? + You need to check in at our office at the top of the dock 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Best whale trip
jakelK4900EW, October 2026
Drew and Genevieve are a great set of tour guides. Drew is a fantastic boat captain and is very knowledgeable about the boat the waters and the whales along with all the other islands that were passing by.
Genevieve was extremely nice from check in to the end of the tour. She knew so much about all marine mammals and life and how everything fits together in this beautiful ecosystem. They are showing all of us. I had a fantastic time out on the water with them and highly recommend finding this tour. Outer island excursions on orcas island is the place to go. Thank you for the great tour.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale Watching Must Do
KellyJo21, October 2026
An incredible experience yesterday!! We saw a humpback whale & a pod of orcas!! Thank you to Bruno, Genavieve, & Capt J (unsure how to spell his name, sorry!)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fabulous Excursion for seeing Whales
barbwP4674TD, September 2026
Drew, Bruno, and Genevieve were great. Very entertaining, knowledgeable and fun. We saw whales for an hour. Best Whale watching trip ever!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
WOW!!!
aussieshepmom, September 2026
We got lucky, cloudy day turned out to be beautiful, blue skies, and we saw orcas (watched a pod of 7 for an hour, “Jack!”) our first hour out. Our captain/guide Trevor and Sara/marine biologist were both very friendly and informative!!! Beautiful day on the water, Loved it!!! Thank you so much for making the experience so fabulous.
★★★★★ Viator review
Whale watching tour
Gretchen_C, September 2026
We did not see any orcas, but we saw a humpback whale, sea lions, harbor seals and water fowl. Our guides were very knowledgeable and knew where to go to see wildlife. An eventful tour!
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