Prepare For Your Tour
Reservations are highly recommended. We do accept walk-ups when space is available, but at times we do fill up days in advance and have to turn people away. The best way to ensure you have a spot on one of our tours is to book your tour online, or give us a call to reserve in advance.
All guests must be checked-in and ready to board the vessel 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. All tours check-in directly at the dock!
Arrive Early
Arriving early can set the right mood and tempo for your trip. It’s definitely not pleasant rushing down to the boat or dealing with the stress of missing your tour. All guests must be checked in and boarded 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. We suggest arriving at the marina at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time will ensure you have time to find parking and gather your belongings before heading out on the water for a great adventure.
Dress for Success
One of the biggest keys to having an enjoyable trip is wearing layers. Be sure to bring layers with you for your tour, regardless of the season. Temperatures can feel 10-20 degrees cooler on the water, so it’s recommended that everyone in the group bring a sweatshirt and jacket. There’s plenty of room on our vessel to bring an extra bag of layers. The Island Explorer 5 is set up to be the most comfortable vessel in the area with ample indoor seating, but the more time you spend outside the more fun you’re going to have!
Onboard Offerings
The Sea Store onboard the Island Explorer 5 offers an assortment of hot food, snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and exclusive merchandise for sale. Grab a bottomless souvenir mug, a bite to eat, and your new favorite whale sweatshirt during a trip! Our Sea Store is cashless, so make sure to bring a card for desired purchases.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages with you.
Photography Tips
The Island Explorer vessels are the best photography platforms in the area. The upper viewing decks separate us from others, and give us an unparalleled vantage point over the water. Our guests use everything from professional-grade telephoto setups to iPhones and everything in between. We recommend monopods instead of tripods if you're in need of a little extra support.
Don't want to deal with a camera? Don't worry! Our professional naturalists will be capturing shots throughout the tour. Souvenir thumb drives with photos from your adventure will be available for purchase on the boat before the end of every tour.
FAQ's
There are 3 things we cannot control: weather, whales, and our guests' expectations. We hope that by reading these frequently asked questions, you'll be better prepared for your next Island Adventures tour!
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 WayAnacortes, 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.
Tours with Island Adventures
Signature Whale Watch
3-4 Hours | Guaranteed Whales
February - November
Our flagship tour has a brand-new trip duration with a wide variety of departure times throughout the season. This expanded schedule provides guests with more potential adventures to pick from and greater flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Our signature whale watch is signature for a reason, look no further for the best value in whale watching.
Full Day Whale Watch
6-7 Hours | Guaranteed Orcas
May 17 | July 15 | Sept. 11
For those seeking more time on the water and more wildlife, we are thrilled to introduce our inaugural set of full-day excursions departing May 17th, July 15th, and September 11th. These 6-7 hour tours provide us with a broader range and the opportunity to spend more time with whales and other marine life. Dedicate your day to adventure with us!
Extended Range Whale Watch
10-12 Hours | Guaranteed Orcas
June 21 | August 23
Complimentary Fully Catered Food
Our 10-12 hour Extended Range tours offer the ultimate whale and wildlife adventure. These specialty trips are designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and true adventurers. Plan ahead, pick your dates, and book early… these tours are a favorite!
4th of July
Whale Watch and Fireworks Cruise
5 PM Departure | Boarding at 4:40 PM
At Island Adventures, we're offering a special 4th of July whale, wildlife, and fireworks cruise out of Anacortes, Washington. The 3-4 hour tour will depart at 5 PM in search of whales and wildlife before sunset, then we'll position ourselves for a front-row view of the fireworks display. Our full menu will be available and features Beecher's Mac and Cheese, Nathan's hot dogs, beer, wine, and more!
Historical Cruise
3 Hour Circumnavigation of Fidalgo Island
June 5 | August 20
Island Adventures is partnering with the Anacortes Museum to provide unforgettable 3 hr historical adventures! Enjoy expert narration from local historians, photos from museum archives, scenic views, and wildlife sightings as we circumnavigate Fidalgo Island. We’ll highlight history surrounding Anacortes, Guemes Channel, early explorers, landmarks, and so much more. This evening cruise is a must for history buffs, local residents, and visitors desiring to learn more about our incredible region!
Private Tours
Custom Tour Length
We'll craft a custom adventure for your next family, company, or crew outing.
Island Adventures is known as the area's premier whale watching company, but we also offer private charters throughout the year. The Island Explorer 5 features a full walk around lower deck, two upper viewing decks, great sound systems, heated cabins, galley service, two restrooms, and the best crew in the area. Whether it is a whale watching tour, wedding, corporate team building event, or a family reunion, give us a call and we will help you set up an event your guests will never forget.