Signature Whale Watch
Washington's best whale watching tours departing out of Anacortes
Our flagship tour has a brand-new trip duration with a wide variety of departure times throughout the season. This updated schedule provides guests traveling from across the state and country with greater flexibility, allowing them to select a departure time that best suits their schedule.
3-4 Hour Tours
February - November
Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996. Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required! The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale-watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.
You've reached the best value in the area.
Price, convenience, and quality – we offer the best of all three. We've proudly offered the best value in whale watching for 30 years. Our departure location is convenient no matter where you are in Washington state and is accessible without the hassle and added expense of taking a ferry.
10 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 3 PM Tours
February - November
Everyday Whale Guarantee
Adults: $119 | Discounted Adults and Students: $109
As low as $99 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
Children ages 2-12: $79 | Infants ages 0-1: $1
Kids ages 1-12 as low as $69 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
Departure times vary throughout the season
In order to give you the best possible whale and wildlife experience, our departure times change throughout the season. Our standard departure time is mid-day, and in the summer months, we’re able to offer three different departure times. Please check the online tour calendar for full departure time availability!
8 AM Early Bird Whale Watch
Fridays and Saturdays in July and August
The early bird gets the deal! On Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, join our first departure of the day and be the first on the water. Earlier departures embody the spirit of the search and more exclusive encounters with whales. This trip is perfect for those who like to wake up with the wildlife, and save while doing so!
Everyday Whale Guarantee
Adults: $79 | Discounted Adults and Students: $69
As low as $59 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
Children ages 2-12: $59 | Infants ages 0-1: $1
Kids ages 1-12 as low as $49 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
5 PM Sunset Whale Watch
Fridays and Saturdays in July and August
Whales, local brews and wine, and golden hour- could it possibly get better? Kick back and relax on our evening whale watching tours running on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August. These trips cater to a more mature crowd, avid photographers, and anyone looking to unwind during the most picturesque time of day on the water.
Come Back For Free Guarantee
Adults: $129 | Discounted Adults and Students: $119
As low as $109 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
Children ages 2-12: $99 | Infants ages 0-1: $1
Kids ages 1-12 as low as $89 plus tax/fees with advanced booking discount
Save $10 per person with 30+ day advance booking!
It pays to plan your tour in advance! Save $10 per person automatically for booking more than 30 days in advance – no promo code necessary. Simply select Calculate Total and our online reservation system will apply the Advanced Booking Discount!
Discounted Adults are those with an active AAA membership, AARP members, are active/retired military and/or dependent, seniors 65+, or students age 13-college.Ticket prices do not include WA State sales tax, port fees, or fuel charges. Parking is FREE in Anacortes! A $3 per person ticketing fee will be assessed on all reservations, as well as a $1 per person port fee on all Anacortes reservations.
Departure times vary throughout the season.
In order to give you the best possible whale and wildlife experience, our departure times change throughout the season. Our standard departure time is mid-day, and in the summer months, we’re able to offer three different departure times. Please check the online tour calendar for full departure time availability!
Which tour should I choose?
Oftentimes, deciding on a departure time can be one of the hardest parts of the reservation process. We can confidently say that there isn't a tour time that's better than the other. If we knew of a trip that saw more whales than the other, we wouldn't run the less successful trip!
We recommend choosing the departure time that works best in your schedule. Whales aren't on a rigid schedule, so both tours have the same whale sighting success rate. The benefits of morning versus afternoon come into play on the human side. Morning tours are great because you're first out on the water and have the rest of the afternoon to do as you please. If you're not a morning person, choose the afternoon tour! You don't have to get up early, and you end your day with whales and some pretty incredible lighting for photographs.
All tours are fantastic, so choose the one that works in your schedule best!
You’ll be on the most comfortable boat in the Salish Sea.
The Island Explorer 5 is simply the best whale-watching vessel anywhere. She is 98' long and 30' wide with a cruise speed of over 25 knots. She is also incredibly quiet which will enhance your whale-watching experience. 20+ years of whale watching experience has gone into the design of the Island Explorer 5. She has three full walk-around outside viewing decks with cathedral bow seating that provides more outside viewing area than any tour boat in the region. There are also two large heated cabins with seating for all guests, state of the art A/V system, and large comfortable bathrooms.
Onboard Cafe
Hot food and cool drinks on your whale watching tour!
The Sea Store on the Island Explorer 5 offers a variety of eats and treats to enjoy during your tour. Guests will enjoy freshly prepared food, hot and cold beverages (including beer and wine) at reasonable prices. No need to bring food with you, as this galley has something for everyone.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Please proceed directly to the marina for boarding and check-in. The closest address to enter into your navigation system is:
712 Seafarer's Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
Please park in one of the two approved lots (see map in your email confirmation). Please do not park in any spaces marked "Reserved" or "2-Hour Parking". Island Adventures will not be responsible if you are towed for parking anywhere other than in the gravel parking lot.
After parking, please walk across the Seafarers Way to Dock A and proceed down the ramp to the Island Explorer 5.
Boat Address: 712 Seafarer’s Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
Anacortes is the best departure location for orcas.
Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996. Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required! The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale-watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.
The Salish Sea is home to one of the richest varieties of marine life on the planet. There's no better place to view the booming population of Bigg's, or mammal-eating killer whales. In addition to orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales are also frequently seen throughout the year. Our experienced and professional naturalist guides will also highlight harbor seals, sea lions, Dall’s and harbor porpoise, bald eagles and many types of sea birds. The average tour covers 60 miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Our skilled captains and crew have built a rapport with local researchers, contributing our own data and information to aid the study and protection of marine life in the area. Through photo identification and experience on the water, we've come to recognize each whale's unique markings and understand their individual personalities. If the conditions are just right, we can even listen to their conversations by using underwater microphones (hydrophones).
How to prepare for your whale watch tour.
We're excited for the opportunity to show you as many whales and as much wildlife as possible in the San Juan Islands! Our whale watch tours require reservations before arriving to Cap Sante Marina. We accept last-minute reservations 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.
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!
Get Excited!
Watching whales in the San Juan Islands is an unforgettable experience. The serene waters we cruise through offer a breathtaking backdrop of some of the world’s most stunning scenery. We firmly believe that there are three things we can’t control: whales, the unpredictable weather, and our guests’ expectations. Unlike amusement park rides, each of our tours is unique and offers a chance to discover new wonders every day. Embrace the unexpected and come prepared to embark on a journey where our dedicated, year-round crew will do everything within their power to make your trip truly unforgettable.
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
More Tours with Island Adventures
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!
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.
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.