Whale Watching in Seattle: Deals Up to 70% Off

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Seattle Whale Watching Reviews

It was amazing! Captain made sure we saw the whales and wildlife. The crew were very helpful in explaining everything we did and saw.

Orcas Wild

Island Adventures is the best! The captain and the crew are very knowledgeable and very polite. They want to see the whales as much as we did and this boat moves fast to get in as much viewing time as possible. The boat is new and very clean and comfortable. We spent a lot of time with Orca Whales and even had one swimming under our boat. We will be doing this trip again so fun!

Island Adventures

Crew was friendly and knowledgeable. Saw a pod of Orcas and followed them for a while, saw a humpback on the way in, plus some seals. A good trip.

Outer Island Expeditions

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Seattle Whale Watching Discounts: Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering what to wear or what you might see on your Seattle whale watching tour? We've got the inside scoop on these Emerald City excursions with a difference with our FAQs below. For more information on reserving and using your whale watching deals, check out the Groupon Manual.

How much is a whale watching tour in Seattle?

Prices will vary, but you can expect to pay around $100 to hit the water on a whale watching tour. Most tours will last around four hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sea breeze and get up close to some of nature's most majestic creatures.

Boats feature viewing decks, heated indoor seating and restrooms, plus refreshments to cater for you while you're on board. Experienced skippers will lead you on your tour and help you spot wildlife along the way. Browse our whale watching discounts to find the best deals in the Emerald City.

When is the best time of year for whale watching in Seattle?

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Seattle, and thankfully you can embark on a tour throughout the majority of the year.

Peak whale watching season is between June and September, but many tours operate from March right through to November, and provide plenty of opportunities to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Gray whales are most commonly sighted in March and April, before heading north for the summer – but orcas and humpback whales can generally be seen from March to November.

With a large number of whales making their home in the Puget Sound, there's always a great chance of catching a glimpse on your tour.

What is the best whale watching tour in Seattle?

There are a number of different tours to pick from when you're in the Emerald City – so be sure to check out the price, where they go from, and what's covered on each tour.

Among the best whale watching tours, these are just a few of our favorites:

Orcas Wild – an entertaining and educational museum talk followed by a three-and-a-half-hour tour. Tours leave from the appropriately named Orcas Island.
Island Adventures – board these tours at Port Angeles Landing Mall on the edge of Olympic National Park or Anacortes, at the northern tip of Fidalgo Bay.
Outer Island Expeditions – board your tour at Orcas Island or from Anacortes, next to Washington Park.

What types of whale can you see in Seattle?

Seven different species of whales and dolphins can be seen in Seattle's Puget Sound and the Salish Sea waters up the coast of Washington.

These species are orcas, transient orcas (sometimes also known as Bigg's orcas), gray whales, humpback whales, minkes, fin whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, and pseudorcas. Experienced captains will be able to point these out on your whale watching tour – as well as the other wildlife that makes its home in the waters around the Emerald City.