Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching tours can be a thrilling way to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The San Juan Islands offer a guaranteed whale watching experience, ensuring visitors won’t leave disappointed. With a maximum of 49 travelers, this personalized tour provides an intimate encounter led by knowledgeable experts. And if no whales are spotted, guests receive a free second trip, making it a risk-free adventure. The opportunity to observe orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales up close, while enjoying breathtaking scenery and educational insights, is certainly an experience worth considering.

Good To Know

• Guaranteed whale sighting on a 3.5-hour excursion in the San Juan Islands, with a free second trip if no whales are spotted.
• Personalized experience with a maximum of 49 travelers, allowing for close encounters with orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales.
• Educational insights about local marine life provided by a knowledgeable guide in a small group setting.
• Flexible scheduling with two departure times available in summer and alternative pickup locations to avoid delays.
• Inclusions like professional guide, food, and drinks, with a hassle-free cancellation policy and COVID-19 refund guarantee.

Tour Overview

The Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour offers a 3.5-hour excursion in the San Juan Islands, USA, with prices starting from $119.00 per person.

This tour provides the opportunity to observe orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales in their natural habitat.

With a maximum of 49 travelers, the experience offers a personalized, small-group setting where guests can interact with the knowledgeable guide and learn about the local marine life.

The tour includes food, drinks, and gratuities.

If no whales are sighted, the company offers a second trip free of charge.

Travelers must use the Washington State Ferry to access Orcas Island, the departure point.

Experience Highlights

Observe local marine life in their natural habitat on this personalized whale watching experience.

With a maximum of 49 travelers, the small group size enhances interaction with the knowledgeable onboard guide. They’ll provide educational insights about the whales, orcas, and other marine life you may encounter.

Two departure times are available in the summer, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule.

Whether you spot orcas, humpbacks, or minkes, this tour offers the opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close in their coastal environment.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Where does the tour depart from?

The guaranteed whale watching tour departs from the Rosario Village Marina at 1608 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245.

To access Orcas Island, you’ll need to take the Washington State Ferry. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Keep in mind that ferry schedules can impact arrival times, so the tour company provides standby options if you miss your scheduled departure.

Anacortes is an alternative departure point to consider if you want to avoid potential ferry delays.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes a professional guide, as well as food and drinks, and gratuities.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children can attend when accompanied by an adult.

Service animals are permitted, and the tour is located near public transportation.

The key accessibility details are:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult
3. Service animals permitted

Cancellation Policy

The Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This policy provides flexibility for travelers in case plans change unexpectedly. The table below outlines the cancellation policy in more detail:

Cancellation Period	Refund Amount
24 hours or more	100% refund
Less than 24 hours	No refund
No-show	No refund
Weather-related	100% refund
COVID-19 related	Flexible

This straightforward cancellation policy ensures a hassle-free booking process and provides peace of mind for visitors planning their whale watching adventure.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour’s knowledgeable staff, memorable whale sightings, and overall enjoyable experiences.

Customers praise the tour’s ability to consistently deliver on its promises:

1. Knowledgeable guides who provide informative insights about the local marine life.
2. Frequent whale sightings, including orcas, humpbacks, and minkes.
3. A personalized small-group experience that allows for greater interaction with the guide.

However, some reviews note issues with ferry schedules impacting arrival times, though the tour company offers standby options for missed trips.

Recommendations suggest Anacortes as an alternative departure point to avoid potential ferry delays.

Whale Sighting Opportunities

One of the key draws of the Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour is the opportunity to spot a variety of whale species in their natural habitat. Guests have a chance to observe orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales during the 3.5-hour excursion. The tour company guarantees whale sightings, and if no whales are spotted, they offer a complimentary second trip.

Whale Species	Sighting Likelihood	Key Features
Orcas	High	Largest dolphins, recognizable black and white coloring
Humpbacks	Moderate	Dramatic breaching and long pectoral fins
Minke	Low	Smaller baleen whales, sleek appearance

The diverse marine life and guarantee of an unforgettable whale encounter make this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the San Juan Islands.

Tour Scheduling and Departure Times

Although the Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour operates year-round, there are two departure times available during the peak summer season from June to September.

The tour departs at:

1. 9:00 AM
2. 1:30 PM

This allows travelers flexibility to fit the excursion into their schedules.

The tour returns to the meeting point at Rosario Village Marina, providing a convenient start and end location.

Customers are advised to plan their transportation, including the Washington State Ferry, to arrive on time for their selected departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy if Whales Are Not Sighted?

If no whales are sighted, the tour company offers a second trip free of charge. Travelers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance with no penalty.

Do I Need to Bring Any Equipment for the Whale Watching?

You don’t need to bring any special equipment for the whale watching tour. The tour provides all necessary gear, including binoculars and life jackets. Just dress comfortably and bring any personal items you may need for the 3.5-hour excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but children can participate as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. There are no specific age restrictions, allowing families of all ages to enjoy the whale watching experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes complimentary food and drinks, but you’re welcome to bring additional items if desired.

How Likely Are We to See the Different Whale Species Mentioned?

The tour offers a good chance of seeing orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales, as these species are commonly sighted in the San Juan Islands. However, wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, which is why the company offers a second free trip if no whales are spotted.

The Sum Up

The guaranteed whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With a commitment to marine conservation and a flexible cancellation policy, this personalized experience ensures both thrilling sightings and peace of mind. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an adventure, this tour won’t disappoint.