Directions and Boarding Info

Meet at the boat!

There is no office, so you’re checking in directly at the boat! All of our tours depart out of Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes, WA. Please meet at the top of Dock A near the glass/metal structure on Seafarer’s Way.

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. We recommend arriving to the harbor 30 minutes before your tour to find parking. Please calculate your drive time based on arriving a half hour prior to your tour as we push off the dock at our scheduled departure time.

Image of a parking lot with a sign indicating 'Car Parking Only' point to the right, a speed limit sign showing 10 mph, and a building with the sign 'Samish Nation' in the background.

Parking

As you turn onto Seafarer’s Way, you’ll see a blue sign on the right before the stop sign that reads, “Car Parking Only.” Please park in the gravel lot. If you’re looking for a paved parking spot, continue to the stop sign, take a right-hand turn, and turn right into the Marine Trades Center.

Please do not park in spaces marked "Reserved" or "2-Hour Parking".

Island Adventures is not responsible if your vehicle is ticketed or towed.

After parking, please walk across Seafarers Way to A Dock (just past the glass and metal structures/bench shelter).

Marina with boats docked, modern glass shelter, parking lot with painted lines and yellow bollards, forested hillside in the background under a clear blue sky.

Meeting Spot

The top of Dock A has a sheltered waiting area with benches. Please wait in that location until instructed by a crew member to proceed down the ramp. As Dock A is a working dock, please keep the ramp clear.

Group of people boarding a boat at dock, woman with tablet assisting, water and dock structure in background.

Boarding

We will begin boarding 20-30 minutes before departure. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Guests not at the boarding location 10 minutes prior to departure are subject to losing their space with NO refund. All that is required to board is the last name on the reservation -- there is no need for any paperwork or confirmation email/number.

A woman and three children walking onto a dock towards boats. The woman is carrying a bag, and the children are dressed in colorful clothing, some with jackets. The scene appears to be at a busy harbor or marina.

Preparing for Your Tour

It’s always cooler on the water than people expect. Temperatures can feel 10-20 degrees cooler on the water than on land. Please plan accordingly; dress warm and in layers -- long pants, jackets, hats, and gloves are always recommended.

We have an onboard gift shop with a wide variety of hats, sweatshirts, souvenirs, and gifts. You’ll also find a snack bar with prepackaged snacks for sale onboard! Note that our vessel is cashless, so no cash just like an airplane.

Tours with Island Adventures

A whale's tail emerging from the ocean.

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.

A dorsal fin of a whale emerging from the ocean surface.

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!

A whale breaching the water surface with water splashing around it, near a rocky shoreline.

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!

People watching fireworks display over a body of water at night.

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!

A black-and-white aerial photograph of a coastal town with a body of water in the foreground, a pier with a large boat docked, and houses and buildings along the shoreline. Hills and mountains can be seen in the background.

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!

Two people observing a whale breach from a boat on a body of water with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky with clouds and contrails.

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.