Whale and Wildlife Tours Departing from Anacortes
The world's best opportunity to see wild orcas is right here in the San Juan Islands, February through November.
Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996. Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required! The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and, gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.
The Salish Sea is home to one of the richest varieties of marine life on the planet. There's no better place to view the booming population of Bigg's, or mammal-eating killer whales. In addition to orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales are also frequently seen throughout the year. Our experienced and professional naturalist guides will also highlight harbor seals, sea lions, Dall’s and harbor porpoise, bald eagles and many types of sea birds. The average tour covers 60 miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Our skilled captains and crew have built a rapport with local researchers, contributing our own data and information to aid the study and protection of marine life in the area. Through photo identification and experience on the water, we've come to recognize each whale's unique markings and understand their individual personalities. If the conditions are just right, we can even listen to their conversations by using underwater microphones (hydrophones).
Anacortes Tour Times and Pricing
2024 Tours
4-5 Hour Tours
One of the best opportunities to see wild orcas in the world is right here in the Salish Sea. The booming population of mammal-eating Bigg's killer whales feed throughout the region year-round. In addition to killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales are also frequently seen throughout the year along with a variety of other marine wildlife.
Departure Times
February 17th - May 3rd: 11:00 AM
May 4th - September 2nd: 10:00 AM, 3:30 PM
September 3rd - November 30th: 11:00 AM
Spring and Fall Pricing
February 17 - June 30 | August 19 - November 30
Adults: $109 | Discounted Adults: $99
Children (ages 2-12): $69 | Infants 0-1yr: $1
As low as $89/Adults and $59/Children with 30+ day advance booking!
Summer Pricing
July 1 - August 18
Adults: $119 | Discounted Adults: $109
Children (ages 2-12): $79 | Infants 0-1yr: $1
As low as $99/Adults and $69/Children with 30+ day advance booking!
Spring and Fall Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
11:00 AM Departure
February 17th - May 3rd and September 3rd - November 30th, 2024
Our 11:00 AM departure allows us to maximize our encounters with whales and still return to the dock with plenty of time to enjoy some shopping and a late lunch or early dinner in the charming town of Anacortes before heading on to your next adventure. Don't miss out on the #1 whale watching tour in the Pacific Northwest!
Summer Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
10:00 AM Departure
May 4th - September 2nd, 2024
Our summer 10:00 AM departure allows us to be the first whale watching boat out of Cap Sante Marina in search of as many whales and as much wildlife as possible. Return to the dock with plenty of time to enjoy beautiful Anacortes in the summer. Don't miss out on the #1 whale watching tour in the Pacific Northwest!
3:30 PM Departure
May 4th - September 2nd, 2024
During peak season, we offer a 3:30 PM departure from Anacortes as well! This afternoon departure is popular with locals and wildlife photographers, and is the crew's favorite tour. Enjoy fewer people on the boat with the same whale sighting success rate as the 10 AM tour. There's no better way to finish your day than on the water with whales!
Which Tour Should I Choose?
Often times, deciding on a departure time can be one of the hardest parts of the reservation process. We can confidently say that there isn't a tour time that's better than the other. If we knew of a trip that saw more whales over the other, we wouldn't run the bad trip!
We recommend choosing the departure time that works best in your schedule. Whales aren't on a rigid schedule, so both tours have the same whale sighting success rate. The benefits of morning versus afternoon come into play on the human side. Morning tours are great because you're first out on the water and have the rest of the afternoon to do as you please. If you're not a morning person, choose the afternoon tour! You don't have to get up early, and you end your day with whales and some pretty incredible lighting for photographs.
All tours are fantastic, so choose the one that works in your schedule best!
$20 for 30
Big savings for booking in advance!
Adults save $10 when you book 30+ days in advance and an additional $10 with military ID, AAA, AARP, seniors 65+, or a student (age 13yrs - college). This deal cannot be combined with promotion codes or other discounts and is valid on whale-watching tours only.
Save $10 for booking 30+ days in advance + Save $10 with adult discount = $20 Savings
What Vessel Will I Be On?
Island Explorer 5
The Island Explorer 5 is simply the best whale watching vessel anywhere.
She is 98' long, 30' wide with a cruise speed of over 25 knots. She is also incredibly quiet which will enhance your whale watching experience. 20+ years of whale watching experience has gone into the design of the Island Explorer 5. She has three full walk-around outside viewing decks with cathedral bow seating that provides more outside viewing area than any tour boat in the region. There are also two large heated cabins with seating for all guests, state of the art A/V system, and large comfortable bathrooms. Onboard guests will enjoy our South of the Border Cafe with hot food, snacks, beer, and wine for sale.
Vessel features:
- Front Row Viewing: Outside rail viewing space on one side of the boat for all guests
- Indoor heated seating for all passengers
- Three viewing decks for the best possible vantage point over the water
- Best galley menu of any tour vessel in the area – fresh and changing with the seasons
- High-speed catamaran with speeds capable of 25+ knots, giving us one of the largest ranges in the industry
- AED onboard with highly trained/qualified staff and crew
South of the Border Cafe
The Island Explorer 5 features some of the best food in the Salish Sea!
Anacortes Check In Procedures
Please proceed directly to the marina for check in. The closest address to enter into your navigation system is:
712 Seafarer's Way
Anacortes, WA 98221
Please park in the gravel parking lot on your right before the stop sign (see map above). Please do not park in any spaces marked "Reserved" or "2-Hour Parking". Island Adventures can not be responsible if you are towed for parking anywhere other than in the gravel parking lot.
After parking, please walk across the street to Dock A and proceed down the ramp to the Island Explorer 5.
Check In Tips
- Arrive early
- No need for paperwork
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Remember your debit or credit card
- Bring your camera
Anacortes is known to have some of the best weather in the San Juan Islands. In the summer months, the temperature averages between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Even though the weather can feel warm on land, we always recommend bringing layers – sweatshirts and jackets – as it feels 10-20 degrees cooler on the water. Rain doesn’t have a negative impact on our tours as our excursion vessels are set up to go out in the elements and have lots of indoor space and cover.
Online Reservations
Make a reservation online with our secure system and receive an immediate email confirmation.
Whale Report
See what we've seen on the water. There's a detailed account from every tour since 2003!
Prepare for your tour
It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. See our tips, suggestions, and frequently asked questions.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee whales on every tour!