4.8 (818) · San Juan Islands · By Outer Island Excursions
No ferry required! Experience small group whale watching tours on some of the fastest boats in the region with GUARANTEED WHALES. See whales with us or come again for FREE.
✓ 3-4 hour tour✓ Professional guide✓ High Speed Vessels✓ 8.5% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees.Activity Schedule
3 h
Our smaller, faster vessels take you out for whales and wildlife. Anacortes is a short drive from Bellingham and Birch Bay and is about 1.5hrs from Seattle. No ferry needed!
We head out into the San Juans and Canadian Gulf islands to search for Orca, Humpbacks, Grays and Minkes. We see whales on 98% of our trips!
We also see many other varieties of wildlife including porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea birds and otters.
We also customize Private Charters and can add fishing, kayaking, island hopping and more!
Anacortes San Juan Islands
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Meet at the yellow building with a red roof past the Skyline Marine Center. Our office is on the first level, marked Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Excursions. Parking is located behind our office building in our parking lot, along the street for free, or in paid parking lots across the street.
Meet at the yellow building with a red roof past the Skyline Marine Center. Our office is on the first level, marked Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Excursions. Parking is located behind our office building in our parking lot, along the street for free, or in paid parking lots across the street.
Please check-in 30-minutes before your scheduled departure.
Meet at yellow building with red roof - our office is on the 1st floor marked as Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Excursions.
Parking lot is located behind the office building
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Suitable for all physical fitness levels Children must be accompanied by an adult Please note that this tour departs from Anacortes (90 minutes north of Seattle) 1 PM Guaranteed Whale Watch Check in at 12:30 for 1 pm departure for 3-4 hour whale watch! We head out into the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands to search for Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, birds, seals, and more amazing wildlife. 10:30AM Guaranteed Whale Watch Check in at 10 We head out into the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands to search for Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, birds, seals, and more amazing wildlife. 1 PM Fall Whale Watch 3:30 pm Guaranteed Whale Watch Check in at 3 for 3:30pm departure for 3-4 hour whale watch! We head out into the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands to search for Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, birds, seals, and more amazing wildlife. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure for check-in. Dress in layers as the weather on the water can be unpredictable. Bring binoculars for a closer look at wildlife. Remember to bring your camera to capture the incredible sights. Consider motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Product code: 32928P1
Activity offered by Outer Island Excursions via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Wildlife enthusiasts Nature lovers Tourists seeking unique experiences Guaranteed whale sightings or your next trip is free Fastest boats in the region for more time whale watching See Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, and Minke whales Abundant other wildlife including porpoises, seals, sea lions, and otters No ferry required, direct departure from Anacortes Customizable private charters available
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 between 3 to 4 hours.
Are whale sightings guaranteed? + Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed. If you don't see whales, you can come again for free.
Where does the tour depart from? + The tour departs from Anacortes, Washington, which is about 1.5 hours north of Seattle.
What kind of wildlife can be seen besides whales? + Besides whales, you can also see porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea birds, and otters.
Is parking available at the departure point? + Yes, parking is available behind the office building, along the street for free, or in paid parking lots across the street.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Take the time to go on the tour
jakelK4900EW, October 2026
Coming from Florida to go on one of these tours specifically to see orcas/ whales in general was a shot in the dark. Drew our tour guide was fantastic! He took us all around the San Juan islands and knew how to find the perfect spot. We found 3 different types of whales!!! Couldn’t have ask for anything more. Thank you drew and Genevieve!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Guaranteed fun!
lisaaT839ZA, October 2026
It was absolutely spectacular. I feel like I learned so much from the guides from the captain. Everyone was warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend it.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale focused
Traveler62444003636, October 2026
Orca guaranteed sighting truly paid off. Captain Jared headed straight to the current sightings. We experienced two pods- each with a baby! And followed them as long as possible. Meagan, our naturalist, was friendly, very personable and a wealth of knowledge. Her enthusiasm for the whales was contagious! Definitely recommend. This trip is all about the whales!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Very cool experience
7alinas, October 2026
This was a great tour, I’m highly recommending it. The tour guides were excellent, very knowledgeable, professional and funny.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale Watching.
C8279EArobertk, September 2026
Great captain and friendly, knowledgeable naturalists. We saw orcas and sea lions. Cabin was warm on a cool day. Flexible viewing spots.
Parking was confusing - they had spots with their name on them in the back but they were paid spots. Park in the front for free if spots are available.
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