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Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Roche Harbor, WA

San Juan Island Outfitters • 248 Reuben Memorial Drive • Roche Harbor, WA 98250

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San Juan Safari's Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour

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Based on 302 reviews

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Overview

This Classic Whale Watch and Wildlife Tour is great for families! Go in search of orcas, humpback whales, seals, eagles and more aboard the 55-foot Sea Lion vessel. With marine naturalists on board, all of your curious questions will be answered. Plus, there is a field guide library and children’s books on board so kids are sure to be entertained.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

The Sea Lion vessel offers heated inside cabin areas and can take out up to 40 passengers at a time.
A field guide library and children's books available on board for the kids.
Tour duration is about 3 to 4 hours.
San Juan Island is accessed via the WA State Ferry that departs from Anacortes, WA.

Description

Step aboard the 55-foot Sea Lion vessel for this Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Roche Harbor and experience unforgettable whale watching in the San Juan Islands. This boat tour of the Pacific Northwest is great for families with small kids.

The waterways surrounding the San Juan Islands are considered the best place in the world to observe Orcas (Killer) whales in the wild, and the best location in the islands to access those waters is San Juan Outfitter’s exclusive marine adventure center at Roche Harbor. This location allows access to all the major waterways the whales travel, and you will often view whales within the Haro Strait, just a few miles from Roche Harbor. During the peak season, whales are seen on 90% of the tours, in addition to a variety of marine wildlife.

San Juan Island is accessed via the WA State Ferry that departs from Anacortes, WA. Anacortes is an easy 2-hour drive north of downtown Seattle. The ferry schedule changes seasonally and the ferry departs at specific times, typically around 9 am.

This classic tour is 3 to 4 hours long and is the best tour for those traveling with young children, the elderly, and large groups. With 1 to 2 marine naturalists on board, all your questions will be answered, and you will walk away with knowledge about the local wildlife, ecology, and geology of the San Juans. Enjoy the comforts of the M/V Sea Lion as you cruise through the San Juan Islands in search of orcas, seals, eagles, sea lions, porpoises, and much more!

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Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Roche Harbor Reviews

Based on 302 reviews

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Navigator07735727527

"Dream come true"

Reviewed August 17, 2024

Amazing experience! Although we didn’t expect to, we Saw orcas and they came right up to our kayak! Sean was great and made sure everyone respected their space. Great tour and made my dream come true!

rmckinney44

"Great way to spend an afternoon exploring the island"

Reviewed October 07, 2022

Our trip was absolutely fantastic. It was a beautiful day and our guide was extremely kind and thoughtful in making sure we were being educated while simply enjoying the day. We saw harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and other sea birds. A great way to spend an afternoon.

zuckerai

Scottsdale, Arizona

"Great trip"

Reviewed September 06, 2022

We did a 2 day/1 night kayaking trip out of Roche Harbor to Stuart Island. Our guide was Brendan and he was excellent. Super flexible and knowledgeable. He was well prepared for the trip and prepared excellent food for us. If I closed my eyes I would have though we were eating food from a nice restaurant! He was well focused on saftey and we felt in control at all times. We even got to see some Orcas play for a while. My understanding is that was pretty rare but Brendan did a good job of listening to radio chatter and figured out we were close enough to paddle over or else we would have missed it. What a treat! Brendan led a nice hike for a sunset view of the lighthouse. Full Service!!

tinaaP3099CC

Medford, Oregon

"Bioluminescence tour"

Reviewed August 02, 2022

We did the bioluminescent tour which was so awesome. Honestly - even if we had only seen the beautiful sunset from the water it would have been worth it but the light up algae made this tour one of my favorite things I ever done. I felt like Moana with the ocean lighting up as I touched it! The next evening we went night wading at a dark beach just to experience it some more. Kids were 16,14,10

snapplecap2

Yardley, Pennsylvania

"Bioluminesent algae, stars, the ISS and meteors - oh my"

Reviewed July 31, 2022

Did a night kayak trip to see bioluminesent algae and great stars. They run a great tour, and the whole experience is magical. Good equipment, easy in and out, and good safety provisions. My only complaint is that we could have used a map to help with parking and meeting place, but they do provide detailed instructions. .

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Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Roche Harbor is located at San Juan Island Outfitters • 248 Reuben Memorial Drive • Roche Harbor, WA 98250

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Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Roche Harbor

Where does this tour depart?

This Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour departs from Roche Harbor located at 248 Reuben Memorial Drive, Roche Harbor, WA 98250.

Is the tour appropriate for children?

Yes, it is great for all ages. There are also children's books on board for the kids. Parents of children under 2 years of age are asked to stay in the windowed, heated cabin or use a "wear on" baby carrier for safety reasons.

Is there a bathroom?

Yes, the Sea Lion vessel has a large marine restroom on board.

What should I wear?

Temperatures are significantly cooler on the water so warm layers and flat shoes with a rubber bottom, such as tennis shoes, are recommended. Other recommended items include a hat, rain jacket or windbreaker, and gloves (ideally for spring and fall tours).

What should I bring?

The following items are recommended: sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, water bottle (no glass please), and snacks. Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana products are prohibited.

Will the vessel accommodate a person in a wheelchair?

Due to safety reasons, the vessel can accommodate the person but not the wheelchair because all seats must be anchored to the boat itself. If the person can stand, walk up two steps on the outside of boat, then one on the inside, the tour operator will do their best to pre-board them. If you need assistance, please note your request in the comment section above when booking your reservation.

What is the best month to see the whales?

Peak season is considered the summer months of mid-June through early September. During this time, you will see whales (orcas, humpbacks, greys and/or minkes) on over 90% of these tours. There are whales in the San Juan Islands year round, but much less predictably outside of those summer months.

What will I see on this tour?

This tour offers breathtaking scenery and marine wildlife as you cruise in search for orcas, whales, seals, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises, and much more.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

While sightings of marine wildlife are guaranteed, whale sightings are not guaranteed. However, 20 years of sightings data shows that you will have a 90% chance of seeing whales during the peak months of June – September.

How do you get to San Juan Islands?

San Juan Island is accessed via the Washington State Ferry that departs from Anacortes, WA. Anacortes is an easy 2-hour drive north of downtown Seattle. The ferry schedule changes seasonally and the ferry departs at specific types typically around 9 am.