The one stop shop for all the details you'll need for your tour.
We want you to be as prepared as possible for your upcoming tour with us. Below, find information about our onboard menus, photo sales, whale watching etiquette and much, much more. We look forward to seeing you on the water!
Prepare for Your Tour
All guests must be checked-in and ready to board the vessel 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Both Anacortes and Everett tours check-in directly at the dock. If you're taking a tour from Anacortes, be sure to set aside time to check out the gift shop and ask for local recommendations!
Trip Extras
A trip with Island Adventures includes so much more than just a whale watching tour. Onboard, you'll learn about wildlife from a professional marine naturalist, earn a punch on our Frequent Floater card, and be able to pick up a 64-page color wildlife viewing guide for just a $1 donation that helps local whale-friendly charities!
Photos From Your Tour
After each tour, you'll have the opportunity to take home a one of a kind souvenir. Your tour's photos will be available for purchase on a USB thumb drive before you disembark. Forgot to grab one? Simply call or email our office. We maintain a library of photos from every tour since 2017 so you can purchase afterward if you change your mind.
Feel free to bring your own camera to capture some amazing shots as well!
Onboard Menus
The Island Explorer vessels boast the best food and beverage in the San Juan Islands. Aboard the newest Island Adventures vessel – Island Explorer 5 – you'll find the South of the Border Cafe, serving up hefty burritos, tasty wraps, and a variety of other local offerings. Our other vessel –– Island Explorer 4 –– delivers a simple but delicious menu featuring favorites like Ivar's clam chowder and Nathan's all-beef franks. Feel free to leave the picnic basket at home!
Whale Watching Guidelines
Island Adventures adheres to all state and federal laws when observing wildlife. Our guidelines include operating at safe, slow speeds around whales and viewing from respectful distances. At times a curious whale may approach our vessel, but close encounters like these are rare and always occur on the whale's terms.
Where Are We Located?
Island Adventures has the tour for you, regardless of where you are in Washington state. Our two departure locations – Anacortes and Everett – are strategically set up to offer the best whale viewing opportunity. Check out the links below to see which departure location is closest to you!
Testimonials
At Island Adventures, we pride ourselves on offering the best service in the industry. We understand (and share) the passion to see whales in the wild, and we want to make sure you have the best trip possible. No two tours are the same, which makes every trip truly special!
Check out the letters that passengers have send in, or check us out on trip advisor.com to see our latest reviews!
Photo Gallery
Amazing images are captured aboard Island Adventures tours daily. Aboard each trip, we have the opportunity to see resident orca, transient killer whales, minke, humpback, and/or gray whales. In addition to the 5 different types of whales, we see a wide variety of wildlife and world-class scenery. On our gallery, we highlight the past seasons, building of the brand new (state-of-the-art) Island Explorer 5, and showcase each whale species.
Check out the photo gallery to experience a tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're interested in booking a whale watching tour or already have a reservation, take a moment to review some of our guests' most frequently asked questions to help prepare for your upcoming adventure!
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!