See up to 4 Types of Whales from 4 Departure Locations!
Reservations are highly recommended. We do accept walk-ups 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.
All guests must be checked-in and ready to board the vessel 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Everett, La Conner, and Port Angeles Tours check-in directly at the dock. We ask that guests departing out of Anacortes check in to our main office to pick up the required parking pass.
Arrive Early
Arriving early can set the right mood and tempo for your trip. It’s definitely not pleasant to be rushed down the boat and dealing with the stress of missing your tour. All guests must be checked-in and ready to board the vessel 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. If you're taking a tour from Anacortes or Port Angeles, be sure to set aside time to check out the gift shop and ask for local recommendations!
Layers
One of the biggest keys to the trip is layers. Be sure to bring layers with you for your tour, regardless of season. Temperatures can feel 10-20 degrees cooler on the water so it's recommended that everyone in the group bring both a sweatshirt and jacket. There's plenty of room on all of our vessels to bring an extra bag for layers. The Island Explorer vessels are set up to be the most comfortable vessels in the area with ample indoor seating, but the more time you spend outside the more fun you're going to have!
Food and Beverage
Come hungry and ready to kick back, relax, and let us take care of the rest! Our state-of-the art vessels offer hot food, snacks, beverages, and beer/wine for sale. You're more than welcome to bring any food item you'd like, but for convenience it's almost easier to buy food onboard. Sample menus for all vessels can be found here:
Cameras
The Island Explorer vessels are the best photography platforms in the area. The upper viewing decks separate us from others, and give us an unparalleled vantage point over the water. We do not recommend bringing on a tripod – a monopod will perform much better. You are more than welcome to bring on anything from what's pictured on the left to an iPhone camera. We do have photos available for sale on most of our tours, but be sure to bring your own gear to try and capture a once-in-a-lifetime shot!
Binoculars
Binoculars are available to use onboard, free of charge. Simply ask your galley-deckhand once you board an Island Explorer vessel. If you have a favorite pair at home, you're more than welcome to bring your own. Binoculars are a great tool for finding whales and wildlife, but when it comes to sitting back and enjoying the show we recommend putting them down! In fact, the majority of the time you won't need to watch whales through binoculars because we parallel view at 200 yards for orcas, and 100 yards for all other whales.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 3 things we cannot control: weather, whales, and our guests expectations. We hope that by reading these frequently asked questions, you'll be better prepared for your next Island Adventures tour!
Check-in Procedures
Everett Check In Procedures
Check In: 1726 W. Marine View Drive, Everett, WA 98201
For our gray whale tours from Everett, boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure. The Island Explorer 3 is docked directly behind Anthony’s Homeport Restaurant at the Everett Marina at 18th Street. Report directly to the boat for check-in.
Island Adventures guests should park in the Marina Village Visitor parking stalls. Please do not park in the 2-hour restaurant parking.
Check In Tips
- Recommended parking is in the Marina Village Visitor parking stalls
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure
- No need for paperwork
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Remember your debit or credit card
- Bring your camera
Anacortes Check In Procedures
Check In: 1801 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221
Please check-in at our main office on Commercial Avenue to pick up your parking pass. Check-in at least 45 minutes prior to departure is required or your seats may be given away to waiting passengers. It is essential for trip quality to depart on time. From the main office, you'll be traveling three blocks to the designated parking area at Cap Sante Marina
Local recommendations (food, areas of interest, etc.) are available from our friendly office staff. We encourage you to browse in the gift shop before or after your tour.
Check In Tips
- Check in at main office for parking pass
- Arrive early
- No need for paperwork
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Remember your debit or credit card
- Bring your camera
La Conner Check In Procedures
Check In: 205 N 1st Street, La Conner, WA 98257
From La Conner, please check-in to the left of the La Conner Channel Lodge ½ hour prior to departure. A crew member will meet you at the top of the ramp and check you in to the manifest electronically. Please do not be late, as it's important to leave the dock promptly at the departure time to ensure the best possible tour for our guests. Get directions to our La Conner departure location.
Paid parking is located at 203 2nd Street, La Conner, WA 98257.
Check In Tips
- Recommended parking is at the Port of Skagit
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure
- No need for paperwork
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Remember your debit or credit card
- Bring your camera
Port Angeles Check In Procedures
Check In: 115 Railroad Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362
For our Whale Watch tours from Port Angeles, please check-in at the Landing Mall ramp ½ hour prior to departure. A crew member will come to the top of the ramp to check you in and guide you to the boat. It is imperative for you to be on time, the boat will leave the dock promptly at the scheduled departure time. Get directions to our Port Angeles departure location.
Parking can be found across the street at 150 E Front Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Check In Tips
- Recommended parking is at 150 E Front Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure
- No need for paperwork
- Bring layers and sunscreen
- Remember your debit or credit card
- Bring your camera
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 2002!