Whale Watching Tour From Anacortes

Whale watching tours from Anacortes offer a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of marine life up close. With high-speed vessels and expert guides, visitors can embark on an unforgettable journey to spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales in their natural habitat. While the chances of sightings are high, the true allure lies in the thrill of the unexpected and the chance to take in the wonder of the Pacific Northwest’s aquatic wonders.

Good To Know

• High-speed vessels operated by Blackfish Tours offer a 3-4 hour whale watching tour from Anacortes, WA, 90 minutes north of Seattle.
• The tour guarantees sightings of orca, humpback, and gray whales, as well as seals, porpoises, sea lions, otters, and various birds.
• The tour has received 654 reviews with a 4.8 rating, and 95% of travelers recommend it.
• The tour departs from a meeting point at 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221, with parking options available.
• The tour price starts at $119 per person, inclusive of taxes, with no refunds on cancellations.

Overview and Highlights

The Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes, San Juan Islands, USA offers visitors a chance to glimpse orca, humpback, and gray whales, as well as local wildlife like seals, porpoises, sea lions, otters, and various birds.

With 654 reviews and a 4.8 rating, 95% of travelers recommend this tour. Guaranteed sightings from April through early September make it a popular choice.

Departing from Anacortes, 90 minutes north of Seattle, the high-speed vessels operated by Blackfish Tours accommodate up to 49 travelers on 3-4 hour excursions.

Confirmation is received at booking, and service animals are allowed.

Tour Details

The Whale Watching Tour lasts 3-4 hours and departs from Anacortes, located 90 minutes north of Seattle.

Travelers board high-speed vessels operated by Blackfish Tours, with a maximum capacity of 49 passengers per tour.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking.

The tour starts and ends at the meeting point, a yellow building with a red roof, where free street parking and paid lots are available.

Meeting and End Point

The meeting point for the Whale Watching Tour is 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221.

The office is located on the second level of the yellow building with a red roof, past Skyline Marine Center.

Parking options include:

• Behind the office
• Along the street for free
• In paid lots across the street

The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point with enough time to park and check-in before the tour’s scheduled departure.

Pricing and Policies

From $119.00 per person, the Whale Watching Tour price includes the 8.3% Washington State sales tax and applicable fees.

The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are given upon cancellation. Gratuities for the friendly and knowledgeable crew aren’t included in the price. Travelers should be aware of these policies before booking the tour.

Despite the non-refundable nature, the tour’s high ratings and positive customer reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking an unforgettable whale watching experience in the San Juan Islands.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Travelers praised the friendly and knowledgeable crew, with specific mentions of guides Drew, Tiffany, and Hannah.

Many highlighted the opportunity to see multiple whale pods and various wildlife, enhancing the overall experience. Common sentiments included:

• Excellent service
• Informative naturalists
• Memorable sightings
• Highly recommended adventure

The exceptional experiences shared by customers made the Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes a must-do activity.

With a 4.8 rating and 95% traveler recommendation, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness the majesty of whales and marine life in the stunning San Juan Islands.

Sightings and Wildlife

On the Whale Watching Tour, guests can expect to see a diverse array of marine life beyond just whales.

Orca, humpback, and gray whales are the main attractions, but the tour also offers sightings of seals, porpoises, sea lions, otters, and various bird species.

The high-speed vessels operated by Blackfish Tours allow for optimal viewing and the best chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

With guaranteed sightings from April through early September, the tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to witness the rich marine ecosystem of the San Juan Islands.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Whale Watching Tour, guests should arrive at the meeting point, located at 2201 Skyline Way in Anacortes, Washington, with ample time to park and check in.

The tour company recommends arriving 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

Guests should prepare for the following:

• Dress in layers and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to withstand the changing weather conditions on the water.
• Bring sun protection, such as sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong on the open water.
• Pack a light snack and water, as the tour doesn’t include food or beverages.
• Bring any necessary medication and motion sickness remedies, if needed.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted. Service animals are allowed to accompany travelers on the tour.

The high-speed vessels operated by Blackfish Tours can accommodate a maximum of 49 passengers per excursion. While the meeting point is located on the second level of a building, there are no mobility restrictions to board the vessels.

Travelers should keep in mind that the tour takes place on open-air boats, so those with limited mobility may find the experience challenging. The tour give you an inclusive experience for all guests, within the constraints of the vessel design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Whale Watching Tour?

The tour typically lasts 3-4 hours, providing ample time to spot a variety of whales and local wildlife according to the tour details.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator encourages guests to pack a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy during the whale watching experience.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available on the Vessel?

Yes, the vessels have onboard restroom facilities available for passengers’ use during the tour. Guests can take advantage of these amenities as needed throughout the 3-4 hour excursion.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, passengers can take photographs during the tour. The high-speed vessels are equipped to allow for unobstructed views and photography of the whales and other wildlife encountered throughout the excursion.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

The cancellation policy states there are no refunds for cancellation. However, if the tour is cancelled due to weather, customers can reschedule or receive a full refund without penalty.

The Sum Up

The Whale Watching Tour from Anacortes promises an unforgettable experience. Guests can expect to see an array of marine wildlife, including majestic orcas, humpback, and gray whales, as well as seals and porpoises. With high-speed vessels, knowledgeable crew, and exceptional customer reviews, this tour is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the area.