Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours from Anacortes
The world's best opportunity to see wild orcas is right here in the San Juan Islands, March through October.
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 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, sharing information to aid in studying and protecting all whales in the area. Over the years, 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).
Anacortes Tour Times and Pricing
Anacortes
One of the best opportunities to see wild orcas in the world is right here in the Salish Sea. The booming population of mammal-eating Bigg's killer whales feeds throughout the region year-round. In addition to killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales are also frequently seen throughout the year along with a variety of other marine wildlife.
2021 Anacortes Rates and Dates
March 13th - May 28th: 11:00 AM
May 29th - September 6th: 10 AM and 3:30 PM
September 7th - October: 11:00 AM
Adults: $109 | Discounted Adults: $99
Children (ages 3-17): $69 | Children under three: $1
As low as $89/Adults and $59/Children with 30+ day advance booking!
Spring and Fall Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
11:00 AM Departure
March 7th - May 28th and September 7th - October 30th, 2021
Our 11:00 AM departure allows us to maximize our encounters with whales and still return to the dock with plenty of time to enjoy some shopping and a late lunch or early dinner in the charming town of Anacortes before heading on to your next adventure. Don't miss out on the #1 whale watching tour in the Pacific Northwest!
Summer Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
Offering two different departure times to fit in your schedule better!
Often times, 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 over the other, we wouldn't run the bad 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. The afternoon tour is great because 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 great, so choose the one that works in your schedule best!
10:00 AM Departure
May 29th - September 6th, 2021
Our summer 10:00 AM departure allows us to maximize our encounters with whales and still return to the dock with plenty of time to enjoy some shopping and a late lunch or early dinner in the charming town of Anacortes before heading on to your next adventure. Don't miss out on the #1 whale watching tour in the Pacific Northwest!
3:30 PM Departure
May 29th - September 6th, 2021
During peak season, we occasionally offer a 3:30 PM departure from Anacortes as well. This afternoon departure is popular with locals and wildlife photographers. There's no better way to finish your day than on the water with whales!
Which Tour Should I Choose?
Often times, 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 over the other, we wouldn't run the bad 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. The afternoon tour is great because 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 great, so choose the one that works in your schedule best!
$20 for 30
Big savings for booking in advance!
Adults save $10 when you book 30+ days in advance and an additional $10 with military ID, AAA, AARP, seniors 65+, or college student ID. This deal cannot be combined with promotion codes or other discounts and is valid on whale watching tours only.
Save $10 for booking 30+ days in advance + Save $10 with adult discount = $20 Savings
What Vessel Will I Be On?
Island Explorer 5
The Island Explorer 5 is simply the best whale watching vessel anywhere.
She is 98' long, 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 guests will enjoy our South of the Border Cafe with hot food, snacks, beer, and wine for sale.
Vessel features:
- Outside rail viewing space on one side of the boat for all guests
- Indoor heated seating for all passengers
- Three viewing decks for the best possible vantage point over the water
- Best galley menu of any tour vessel in the area – fresh and changing with the seasons
- High-speed catamaran with speeds capable of 25+ knots, giving us one of the largest ranges in the industry
- AED onboard with highly trained/qualified staff and crew
South of the Border Cafe
The Island Explorer 5 features some of the best food in the Salish Sea!
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
Anacortes is known to have some of the best weather in the San Juan Islands. In the summer months, the temperature averages between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Even though the weather can feel warm on land, we always recommend bringing layers – sweatshirts and jackets – as it feels 10-20 degrees cooler on the water. Rain doesn’t have a negative impact on our tours as our excursion vessels are set up to go out in the elements and have lots of indoor space and cover.
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!
Prepare for your tour
It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. See our tips, suggestions, and frequently asked questions.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee whales on every tour March-October, and even offer two different orca guarantees.