A Guide to Seattle Whale Watching Season
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Updated January 2024
The Pacific Northwest is home to several whales, making whale watching one of the best things to do in Seattle during whale watching season. While the orcas are most often seen in Puget Sound, you can also spot other species such as humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales throughout Seattle’s waterways almost year-round! Last April I went on a whale-watching tour that departed just north of Seattle and it has been by far my favorite experience since moving to Washington and I recommend it to anyone planning to visit during Seattle whale watching season.
When Is Whale Watching Season in Seattle?
Whale watching season in Washington is from April to October, with peak viewing times being between May and July. As mentioned before, you can spot whales off the coast of Washington and in the Puget Sound throughout the year, but your chances of seeing one of these magnificent creatures is much higher during whale watching season. During whale watching season you can find many different types of tours that allow you to get up close and personal with these animals, or you can even try your luck at spotting whales from land!
Types of Whales You Might See Near Seattle
Gray Whales (spring and fall)
Gray Whales weigh about 40 tons and measure on average 45 feet long, which is about half the size of a football field! Their migration route takes them from Alaska down through Washington State into Baja California where they give birth each year between December and February before returning northward again in late March or April depending on how far south they go during calving season. Gray Whales can be spotted near Seattle at the beginning of whale watching season in April.
Transient Orca Whales (year-round)
Killer whales are some of the most sought out whales to see in the wild and they usually travel in small groups or pods consisting of two to six whales. Transient Orcas can be seen in the Puget Sound year-round and can also be seen from the Southern tip of California all the way to the Arctic Circle. Transient Orcas are apex predators and love hunting for seals and sea lions in the coastal waterways.
Humpback Whales (spring and fall)
Humpback whales are similar in size to the Gray whale & can grow up to 55 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. They're known for their acrobatic behavior during mating season and you may even see them breaching or lobtailing (slapping their tails on top of the water). These gentle giants migrate up from California every spring before stopping off at our shores to feed for krill and small fish alongside their young calves.
Minke Whales (spring and fall)
Minke whales are smaller than the above whales, but are another species of baleen whale like the Humpback & Gray whale. These whales can get up to 35 feet long with some weighing over 10 tons, and they also migrate from the Arctic to warmer waters to breed.
Tips for Whale Watching in Seattle
Many tours will take you out to see whales in the Puget Sound. You can find tours that depart from Seattle, Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Edmonds, or the San Juan Islands and almost all tours guarantee whale sightings during your trip.
Dress in layers! No matter which month your whale watching tour is in, the Pacific Northwest is known for its’ milder temperatures in the Summer and the boat ride can get windy. You’ll be inside on most tours as you make your way through the Puget Sound, but you will spend some time outside on the deck when the crew spots a whale.
It is illegal for boaters to approach within 100 yards of a whale (or any other marine mammal) under U.S. law and regulations. Even with this law in place, don’t fret - you will still be able to see the whales and have an incredible experience.
If you’re visiting from out of town, try to book your whale watching tour towards the beginning of your trip so that if you happen to not see any whales on your excursion, you can try again another day. Most tour companies know the best areas in the region to see whales and that’s why they guarantee that you’ll see a whale on your tour. If you end up not seeing any whales on your tour, they’ll let you join a tour on another day.
Keep your eyes peeled! The crew will constantly be on the lookout for whales and when they see one they’ll announce it and that’s when you can step outside onto the deck to watch the show. Typically, the boat will stay in that area for about 10 minutes so that everyone has a chance to see the whales come up for air and hopefully see the sought-after tail flick!
Whale Watching Tours Near Seattle
To find a whale watching tour, you can visit one of the many companies that offer tours below:
FRS Clipper departs from Seattle’s Pier 69 and offers half-day cruises including a Gray whale tour in March & April on the weekends and a classic half-day tour from May through October. Their trips last 3-5 hours and include narration by naturalists who will point out wildlife along the way.
Puget Sound Express offers guided tours that leave from Edmonds, Port Townsend, and Port Angeles. Their fleet includes two catamarans that seat 120-150 passengers and they also have two smaller boats that hold about 40 passengers. In April, you can book their Gray Whale Tour, which is the one I experienced and loved! They also have half-day tours that last about 4 hours, 8-hour full-day tours, and 3-day tours.
Island Adventures departs from Anacortes which is about an hour and a half north of Seattle and it’s a great option since it doesn’t require you to take a ferry. They offer 4-5 hour tours from February through October and offer discounted pricing if you book your tour more than 30 days in advance.
Whale Watching Tours Departing from the San Juan Islands
These tours during Seattle whale watching season are located further north and require a ferry to reach the departure location of Friday Harbor. Even though they’re located further away from Seattle, they are still amazing options and perfect if you’re looking for a weekend getaway. Keep in mind that ferries book up in the summer months so be sure to reserve your spot beforehand so that you don’t get stuck waiting at the ferry terminal all day.
Whale watching is a popular activity for people of all ages and is truly an experience that you won’t forget. A whale watching tour, whether it be via boat or kayak, is one of the best ways to see these majestic creatures up close. There are many different options available in and around Seattle during whale watching season and I’m confident you’ll now be able to find the right option for you!
Happy travels!
- Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
