A boat built specifically for whale watching.
The west coast's premier whale watching vessel departs from the homeport of the San Juan Islands.
The Island Explorer 5 is the most state-of-the-art vessel on the entire west coast, boasting impressive speed and high-tech electronics.
The height above the water gives you a much better vantage point. (The legal viewing distance applies the same to all vessels — lower profile boats cannot get you any closer, so they just can’t see as well as you will from the Island Explorer.) A state-of-the-art audio/visual system allows our naturalist to turn the boat into a floating class room. The Island Explorer is safe (it exceeds all US Coast Guard requirements for the area), fast (capable of speeds of 25+ knots, which gives us the range to guarantee whales), and comfortable for all of our guests.
Tours Aboard Island Explorer 5
Signature Whale Watch
3-3.5 Hour Tours
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 Tours
6-7 Hour Excursions
May 16 | July 16 | September 19
For those seeking more time on the water, we are thrilled to introduce our inaugural set of Full Day Excursions. These extended 6-7 hour tours not only provide us with a broader range but also offer an opportunity to spend more time with whales and other wildlife.
Extended Range Tours
10-12 Hour Tours
April 22 | June 20 | August 19
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. We’re excited to announce three Extended Range Tours in 2025 on April 22nd, June 20th, and August 19th. Plan ahead, pick your dates, and book early… these tours are a favorite!
Historical Tours
3 Hour Tour
June 6 | August 22 | September 5
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!
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
2 Hour Cruise
July 4th, 2025
Skip the hassle of finding a good spot for your folding chair this 4th of July and enjoy a front-row fireworks view! This year, our Independence Day celebration is dedicated to providing you with the best possible view of the fireworks—from the water. Our tour will depart at 9:00 PM, and we’ll head out of Cap Sante Marina to position ourselves with an unparalleled view of Anacortes’ breathtaking fireworks display.
Private Charters
Custom tour duration and departure time
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.
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!
Whales and Wildlife
Our goal is to share as much local wildlife, scenery, and history as possible on each and every tour.
Prepare for your tour
It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. See our tips, suggestions, and frequently asked questions.