Humpback and Orca Whale Tours from Anacortes
5–6 hour tours October 5, 2009 – January 2, 2010

Winter Whale Watching

In November and December, the southern resident orcas (J, K and L pods) follow the salmon runs in the Puget Sound. We also see humpbacks and minke whales on some tours. We are the only company to guarantee whale sightings this time of year.

The Island Explorer 3 is very comfortable for tours this time of year. She is 100 feet long and 24 feet wide with an upper viewing deck, full walk-around lower viewing deck, a large heated cabin for all guests, and a snack bar with hot food and all-you-can-drink coffee.

People travel from all parts of the globe to see our local orca whales. The southern resident orcas that we see on a regular basis have been studied for over 30 years and we continue to learn more about them every season. Our captains and crew have built a rapport with the local researchers, sharing knowledge to aid in protecting the species. Each individual is named and numbered by a photographic identification process and has their own distinct personality. Using our onboard photo-ID guide-books and digital images on a flat screen TV, individual whales can be recognized by comparing the pictures to the actual whale. The orca whales speak their own language using various clicks and whistles to communicate with and each pod (or family) has their own unique dialect - enabling us to tell the pods apart just by listening to them. We can also listen to their conversations by using our underwater microphone (hydrophone).

FREE Wildlife Viewing Guide

Free with each tour…

With each tour you’ll receive:

Take a look to see what food, drinks and amenities we have available on board.

Winter Season:
November – December
Saturday departures at 11:00 am. Limited mid-week, Sunday, and holiday departures.

Prices

$89 Adults
$79 Discounts—seniors over 65, active military, groups of 10+, AAA, students with ID.
$49 Children ages 3–12
FREE Children 2 & under
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Check-in Procedure for Anacortes

Guests are to make reservations by phone or online and will receive directions to our Anacortes location. Check-in time is about 1 hour prior to departure at our gift shop, which is only 3 blocks away from the boat.

View a map of our Everett location.

Tour Disclaimers

  • Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ups are welcome when space is available.
  • Island Adventures runs the longest and most convenient schedule in the whale watching business. Due to seasonal variations of our trip departures, we recommend that you call to confirm the schedule and to make a reservation. Our spring/fall season schedule will sometimes vary according to demand, inclement weather, or private charter bookings. During peak season, scheduled departures often fill early.
  • Prices do not include Washington State sales tax.
  • We reserve the right to substitute vessels/equipment and add or cancel cruises. 24 hour notice is required on all cancellations or rescheduling. 48 hours notice is required for groups of 10 or more. 2 weeks notice is required for canceling private group charters or groups of 40 or more.
  • Island Adventures is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property onboard any of our tours.
  • Cancelled reservations are subject to a $5 cancellation fee per person.

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