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Seattle Whale Watching Tours

Seattle whale watching tours cross Puget Sound and the Salish Sea to the San Juan Islands, where Southern Resident and Bigg's killer whale pods are regularly sighted in summer. Find San Juan Island day tours, Friday Harbor combo options, and naturalist-led tour formats here.
Loved by over 55 million guests worldwide
Slide 1 of 8, Orca swimming near a tour boat during Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour.
Orca swimming near a tour boat during Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour.
Tourists on a boat photographing wildlife during Seattle whale watching tour.
Whale breaching in the ocean during Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour.
Sea lion resting on a yellow buoy during Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour.
Jellyfish in Seattle waters during wildlife and whale watching tour.
Gray whale breaching in Seattle waters during wildlife tour.
Orca breaching in the waters near Seattle during a wildlife and whale watching tour.
Orcas swimming near forested shoreline on Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour.
4 hrs
  • Set out from downtown Seattle for a half-day wildlife and whale watching cruise, guided by expert naturalists.

  • Spot orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles as you explore the vibrant Salish Sea ecosystem.

  • Stay cozy in a heated cabin and take home a complimentary photo package to remember your adventure.

  • Whale sightings are guaranteed; if you don’t see whales, enjoy a free return trip on a future date.

More details
  • Set out from downtown Seattle for a half-day wildlife and whale watching cruise, guided by expert naturalists.

  • Spot orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles as you explore the vibrant Salish Sea ecosystem.

  • Stay cozy in a heated cabin and take home a complimentary photo package to remember your adventure.

  • Whale sightings are guaranteed; if you don’t see whales, enjoy a free return trip on a future date.

from
$149.61
Slide 1 of 10, High-speed ferry in Victoria harbor with cityscape and marina views.
High-speed ferry in Victoria harbor with cityscape and marina views.
Passengers boarding high-speed ferry from Seattle to Victoria with Puget Sound views.
Ferry staff serving drinks to passengers on Seattle to Victoria high-speed ferry.
Afternoon tea set with pastries and sandwiches on a Seattle to Victoria ferry.
High-speed ferry interior with seating, Seattle to Victoria route.
Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC with colorful flower beds and lush greenery.
Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC with colorful tulips in the foreground.
High-speed ferry docked in Seattle, WA, with views of Puget Sound, en route to Victoria, BC.
High-speed ferry on Puget Sound with Seattle skyline in the background.
High-speed ferry approaching Victoria, BC harbor with cityscape and Parliament Buildings in view.
2 hrs 45 mins - 3 hrs
  • Direct high-speed ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, with flexible one-way or round-trip ticket options.

  • Enjoy onboard locally sourced food and drinks for purchase, plus access to a gift and duty-free shop.

  • Panoramic views of the Salish Sea from spacious, comfortable Economy Class seating.

  • Table or group seating is available in select areas, perfect for families or friends traveling together.

  • Select either a one-way ferry from Seattle to Victoria or a one-way return journey from Victoria to Seattle.

More details
  • Direct high-speed ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, with flexible one-way or round-trip ticket options.

  • Enjoy onboard locally sourced food and drinks for purchase, plus access to a gift and duty-free shop.

  • Panoramic views of the Salish Sea from spacious, comfortable Economy Class seating.

  • Table or group seating is available in select areas, perfect for families or friends traveling together.

  • Select either a one-way ferry from Seattle to Victoria or a one-way return journey from Victoria to Seattle.

from
$145.13

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What our guests say

Helen B

United States
Solo
Jul 2026
Excellent service. Information available as needed. No need to go asking or searching for it. Friendly helpful attendants throughout the journey to point the way. Gorgeous trip across the water. Fast, convenient, but not too fast as the joy was in the journey. Thank you!

Seattle to/from Victoria Direct Fast Ferry Tickets

Nancy L

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
We took the half day wildlife and whale watching tour in August. It was a beautiful, clean, modern boat. I enjoyed the presentations on the wildlife. We saw orcas in multiple locations, and they slowed and rotated the boat for better viewing. We also saw harbour seals and more.

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

Linna R

United States
Couple
3 weeks ago
The guide was awesome! So knowledgable and informative. I LOVE that we were able to see three different species of whales! It was a great day!

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

Debra C

United States
Couple
Jul 2026
This was the chance of a lifetime! To be able to experience wildlife in their natural habitat was awesome! The entire process from booking to the end of the tour was easy. The entire crew was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this cruise!

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

Lori P

United States
Group
Jul 2026
Had a wonderful time and we say Indy the killer whale this afternoon. Knowledgeable and great way to spend the afternoon!

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

Beth S

United States
Couple
Jun 2026
The cruise itself was nice, but the sighting of 3 whales was definitely the highlight . We saw 2 gray whales , but it was the humpback whale they called Orion that made the trip a success . He hung around for quite some time , we would see him blowing air, then he would surface , and go under again showing us his " fluke" or tail. We were in total awe as we saw him breach twice ! A magical moment we were told and it felt like it. I highly recommend the experience !

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

Marla S

United States
Couple
Jun 2026
This trip was a 10 out of 10! The boat was amazing. Ali lead the tour and was fun. Informative and passionate about the sea. We saw humpback and gray whales. The humpbacks put on a show breaching and slapping pectorals. AMAZING

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

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