Orca Whale Watching in Washington

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When to Go Whale Watching

Spring Grey whales migrate from March to May Summer Minke whales can appear in the Salish Sea in summer Summer / Fall Humpback whales are visible from May to October Year round Southern Resident Orcas are present and visible year-round

San Juan Islands

01 From April to September, see orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales, lured by the abundance of Chinook salmon.

Olympic Peninsula

02 In summer, grab a tour boat to search for transient orcas and humpbacks from Port Angeles or Port Townsend

Seattle Whale Watching

03 Though not the best place in Washington to whale watch, there are ways to get creative without going far. Read More

Choosing a Tour

04 We've evaluated the best tours in the area with expert guides, frequent sightings, and solid reviews. Pick Your Tour

What to bring

05 Must-haves: rain jacket, rubber-soled shoes, seasickness meds, and a camera. See our road-tested picks on the blog.

More PNW Insider Tips

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