Whale Seasons

San Juan Safaris vs Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Two whale watching operators in San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor and Anacortes), Washington. San Juan Safaris starts at $125 and Maya's Legacy Whale Watching at $199. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.

San Juan Safaris

  • 1-3 marine naturalists on each Classic tour
  • Kestrel can range up to 70 miles round trip, Sea Lion up to 50
  • Discounted packages for booking two trips
  • No tours in December or January
  • Shares a sightings network with the Pacific Whale Watch Association

Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour from Friday Harbor

From
$125 per adult
Length
3-4 hours (12:30 PM and 5:30 PM departures)
Group
1-125, varies by season
Min age
All ages
Cancellation
Cancel 48 hours ahead for 1-4 people, 10 days for 5-9, 30 days for 10+; no-shows pay full price

Adventure Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour

From
$150 per person
Length
About 3-4 hours
Min age
8+
Cancellation
Cancel 48 hours ahead for 1-4 people, 10 days for 5-9, 30 days for 10+; no-shows pay full price

Check dates with San Juan Safaris

Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

  • Captains and marine naturalist educators on board
  • Tours run rain or shine, but not in very heavy rain, big seas or thick fog
  • Says whales are seen every month, though not every day
  • Custom private charters by phone or email (price not listed)

Half-Day Whales & Wildlife Tour

From
$199 per person
Length
4 hours
Group
No more than 16 guests (typically 12 to 16)
Min age
All ages; evening tours best for 12+
Cancellation
May charge the fare for cancellations within 72 hours if seats cannot be resold

Full-Day Ecosystem, Wildlife & Whales Tour

From
$299 per person
Length
6 to 8 hours
Group
No more than 16 guests
Cancellation
May charge the fare for cancellations within 72 hours if seats cannot be resold

Check dates with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor and Anacortes), Washington.