Guaranteed Whale Watch Tour from Anacortes: Free parking included

See more whales than smaller boats can spot

A whale watching tour from Anacortes aboard the Island Explorer 5, a high-capacity vessel with elevated wheelhouses and upper decks that let you spot marine life sooner and view it better than low-profile boats. The 3.5-hour tour covers roughly 60 miles through the Salish Sea near the San Juan Islands, where orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales live year-round. Naturalist guides point out harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise, bald eagles and seabirds. Free parking is included, and the tour is guaranteed. If whales are in the area, the company finds them.

The experience

The boat leaves from Anacortes, a 90-minute drive north of Seattle with no ferry required. The Salish Sea holds one of the richest varieties of marine life on the planet, and Island Adventures has been running tours here since 1996. As members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, the crew has access to the best whale-sighting network in the world. If orcas or humpback whales are moving through the region, they know it. The Island Explorer 5 is built differently than smaller whale-watching boats: elevated wheelhouses and upper decks let you spot whales sooner and see them better, which is why the company sees more whales than any other operator on the coast.

The tour runs 3.5 hours and covers roughly 60 miles through some of the most scenic water in the Pacific Northwest. Your naturalist guide narrates in English throughout, pointing out orcas (especially Bigg's killer whales, the mammal-eating population that has been booming in recent years) along with humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales, harbor seals, sea lions, Dall's and harbor porpoise, bald eagles and various seabirds. The waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to watch wild orcas, and the calm conditions make for steady viewing. Free parking is included at the dock.

What’s included

• Free parking at the dock.
• naturalist guide in English.
• the 60-mile route through the Salish Sea near the San Juan Islands.
• whale sighting guarantee (if whales are in the area, the crew finds them).

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 12:00 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 150 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Island Adventures

Is this one for you?The elevated wheelhouses and upper decks mean you see whales sooner and view them better than on smaller boats. The design is what makes the difference when you're scanning open water for movement and deciding which tour to book.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales will I actually see on this tour?

Orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales all live in the Salish Sea year-round, and the Island Explorer 5 tour is guaranteed. If whales are in the area, Island Adventures finds them. The crew also spots harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise, bald eagles and seabirds throughout the 60-mile route.

How far is Anacortes from Seattle, and do I need to take a ferry?

Anacortes is a 90-minute drive north of downtown Seattle, and no ferry is required. You drive straight to the dock and park for free.

Why does the Island Explorer 5 see more whales than other boats?

The vessel has elevated wheelhouses and upper decks that let the crew spot whales sooner and view them better than smaller, low-profile boats. High-speed vessels often travel past whales without seeing them, but the Island Explorer 5's design and the crew's access to the Pacific Whale Watch Association's sighting network mean more sightings per tour.

How long is the tour and what should I wear?

The tour runs 3.5 hours and covers roughly 60 miles of open water, so bring layers and a windbreaker even on sunny days. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels, and you board under your own power.

Is there a guide on board, and what language do they speak?

A naturalist guide is on board throughout the tour and provides commentary in English, pointing out marine life and sharing information about the Salish Sea ecosystem.