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 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 rushing down to the boat or dealing with the stress of possibly 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, be sure to set aside time to check out the gift shop, use the restroom, or get recommendations about other things to check out while in town!
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 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!
Onboard Offerings
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 and wine for sale. You're more than welcome to bring any food item you'd like, but our convenient cashless cafes have plenty of options. Sample menus for all vessels can be found here:
Photography Tips
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. Our guests use everything from professional-grade telephoto setups to iPhones and everything in between. We recommend monopods instead of tripods if you're in need of a little extra support.
Don't want to deal with a camera? Don't worry! Our professional naturalists will be capturing shots throughout the tour. Souvenir thumb drives with photos from your adventure will be available for purchase on the boat before the end of every tour.
FAQ's
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 4 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
The Port of Anacortes is currently undergoing a major renovation. For Spring 2021, we will be departing temporarily from D-Dock. If you have joined us before, this is a different dock than we have departed from in the past.
The closest address to enter into your navigation system is:
1019 Q Avenue
Anacortes, WA 98221
Once you turn onto 11th Street, you may park in the 72-Hour Visitor Parking to either your left or right (shown in yellow on the map below). Please do not park outside of these approved parking areas. Island Adventures Whale Watching cannot be responsible if your vehicle is towed for parking in an unapproved area.
After parking, please proceed to the C/D/E/F/G ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, take a right, then your first left down D-Dock. (path in red). The Island Explorer 5 will be parked at the end of D-Dock.
Check In Tips
- Arrive early
- 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 2003!