Viator Rating : 5 (681 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.0/10 (Verified Excellent)
San Juan Islands
Anacortes Whale Watching: Guaranteed Sightings!
180
Overview
Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes offers a fantastic chance to see whales without needing a ferry! These small group tours use some of the fastest boats around. What makes it even better? Whales are guaranteed! If no whales are spotted, guests can come again for free.
The tour heads out into the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands. Keep an eye out for Orca, Humpback, Gray, and Minke whales. But that's not all! There are often porpoises, seals, sea lions, seabirds, and otters to see. This tour is perfect for animal lovers who want an exciting experience on the water.
The tour includes a 3-4 hour trip on a high-speed vessel, a professional guide, and covers Washington State sales tax and applicable fees. Gratuities are not included. Private charters are also available and can include fishing, kayaking, and island hopping. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Upsell Risk (7 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Highlights
Guaranteed Whale Sightings: See whales or get a free return trip!
Fast Boats, More Whales: Reach whale hotspots quickly on high-speed vessels.
Expert Guides: Learn about whales and wildlife from knowledgeable professionals.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal and intimate whale watching tour.
No Ferry Needed: Easy access from Anacortes, near Seattle & Bellingham.
Diverse Wildlife: Spot porpoises, seals, sea lions, and more besides whales.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing lots of whales and other animals.
-
They said the boats were fast and comfortable.
-
The guides were friendly and knew a lot about the whales.
-
Many people thought it was a great trip for the whole family.
Some people wished the tour was longer.
-
A few customers mentioned that it can get cold on the water.
Know Before You Go
This whale watching tour includes a 3-4 hour trip on a high-speed boat with a professional guide. The price covers 8.3% Washington State sales tax and other fees. Gratuities for the crew are not included. The meeting point for the tour will be provided after booking.
Hot Tip
Bring warm clothes, even on sunny days, as it can get chilly out on the water. Also, remember to bring your camera to capture the amazing wildlife!
Review Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Anacortes whale watching tour for its knowledgeable and friendly crew, high-speed vessels, and reliable whale sightings. Many highlight the personal attention from guides and the excitement of seeing orcas, humpbacks, and other marine life up close. The main drawbacks mentioned are the lack of wheelchair accessibility and the strict non-refundable cancellation policy, but most guests consider the experience well worth it and highly recommend it for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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