A historical tour and circumnavigation of Fidalgo Island!

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!

A black and white aerial photograph of the waterfront town of Anacortes, Washington, showing houses, industrial buildings, roads, and a harbor, with water and hills in the background.

June 5, 2026

5 PM Departure

Boarding begins at 4:40 PM

3 Hours

Limited Passengers — Extra Crew & Museum Historians

$59 plus tax/fees

Please note that because this is a specialty tour, any gift certificates purchased for the 3-4 hour Anacortes tour do not apply.

Sold Out

Call our office at (360)293-2428 to be added to the waitlist.

Aerial view of a dockside area with a large cargo ship docked, containing containers and cranes, with surrounding buildings, roads, and residential streets nearby.

August 20, 2026

5 PM Departure

Boarding begins at 4:40 PM

3 Hours

Limited Passengers — Extra Crew & Museum Historians

$59 plus tax/fees

Please note that because this is a specialty tour, any gift certificates purchased for the 3-4 hour Anacortes tour do not apply.

Sold Out

Call our office at (360)293-2428 to be added to the waitlist.

A large passenger boat on the water with several people on the upper deck, with a mountain and forested shoreline in the background and orcas swimming in the water in the foreground.

Island Explorer 5 offers a scenic and educational experience.

The Island Explorer 5 is a floating platform for education. With our boat-wide audio system, you can listen to historical narration from all three decks! Step back into history with presentations and photos from the Anacortes Museum archive displayed on our six tv screens. Take in the sights with our outdoor viewing areas, or sit back and relax in our indoor padded seats. Fidalgo Island is steeped in history, and aboard the IE5, our historical trip will be an evening to remember!

Questions? We Have answers!

From making reservations to getting off the boat, we're here for every step.

Island Adventures stands out as one of the few whale-watching companies that employs dedicated office staff full-time and year-round. With decades of experience, you can rest assured that when you contact us through phone, text, or email, you’ll be speaking with a professional who genuinely cares about experience on the water. Our office is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week. Drop us a line or give us a call; we can't wait to help you!

Call or Text: (360) 293-2428

Email: whales@islandadventurecruises.com

Other Tours with Island Adventures

A whale's tail is sticking out of the water in the ocean, with the tail fluke prominently showing above the surface.

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 whale's dorsal fin and part of its back emerging from the ocean.

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 surface of the water with its tail behind and water splashing high.

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!

Multi-Day Expeditions

Our most anticipated adventure yet: a premium small group excursion crafted specifically for wildlife photography.

Join us on the expedition of a lifetime. For three days, we’ll explore the San Juan Islands and the straits far to the west and north in search of the extraordinary. Relax as we cruise comfortably on our luxury 38-foot Lindell, enjoying complementary breakfasts, lunches, drinks, snacks, an indoor heated cabin, three unique viewing platforms, and so much more.

People watching fireworks over a body of water at night, with the fireworks illuminating the sky in green and white.

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!

Two people observing whales from a boat with mountains in the background and blue sky.

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.