Whale Watching Tours
Our whale watch tour was chosen as the 'Best Tourist Activity' in a Citizens' Poll.
The object of our San Juan Whale watch cruise is, of course, to find the magnificent Orca whales.
That said, we may also see Gray, Humpback or Minke whales, little known relatives of the great Blue Whale.
On our 70-90 mile whale watch cruise around the Puget Sound and San Juans in Washington, you will experience a seven hour long narrated scenic tour by our excellent, qualified naturalists. There are always at least 2 on board. The San Juan Islands are home to extensive bird species like the Tufted Puffin, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle, as well as Harbor Seals, Porpoises, Sea Lions, Minke & Gray Whales. Our naturalists will take you back to the history of the area, guide you through the geology of the Islands, point out significant landmarks (Light Houses, etc.) and our specialty; bring you closer to the Orca or Killer Whales. The experience of seeing the whales in their natural setting is extraordinary, and at times they breach so close to our boat that our passengers get splashed! Over 80 resident Orca whales make up "J", "K" & "L" pods, who call these waters home.
Our trips continue to be an overwhelming favorite with our passengers. Surveys show that our #1 source of customers are repeat customers. Our #2 source is word of mouth. Clearly, we're doing something right because our customers are going home happy, and they continue to come back again and again. Most years, people from all 50 states and over 30 countries enjoy our whale watch cruises. Read the testimonials.
Prices and Schedule
Our Whale Watch Cruises cost $89 for adults and $79 for ages 13 through 18, seniors, military, and AAA. Children 5 through 12 are $39 and children 4 and under are free. There is no fuel surcharge and parking is free.
Cruises are offered from Spring through Fall. They depart at 10:00am and return around 4:30pm. See our booking page for our schedule this year.
You may bring your own lunch or purchase one at the snack bar on board. A microwave is available for your use. Coffee and tea are free. We also supply binoculars for your viewing pleasure.
Why choose us?
With so many companies to choose from, it has to be confusing. You must be asking yourself: Who will provide me with the BEST San Juan Islands whale watching experience?
Let us spell it out for you.
Best wildlife: Orca, minke, gray, and humpback whales, harbor and Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, elephant seals, tufted puffins, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, stellar sea lions, california sea lions, and more. Not only can we show them to you, but our naturalists know them more intimately than anyone.
Experience: We’ve been doing this since 1962. We couldn’t be in business for so long if we didn’t love it and if we weren’t the BEST at what we do.
Success Rate: We are the only company with a seaplane for spotting whales. Add to that, our excellent boat-based and land-based spotting network and no one is more successful at showing you what you want to see.
Tall tales: We make island history fun by telling you about a war in which the only casualty was a pig and about prohibition era bootleggers who used commercial radio stations to tell their rum runners where the G-men would be waiting in ambush. Plus we add fascinating tales of the Native Americans who have lived in the area for 10,000 years. Then we add amazing tidbits about tides, weather, geology, botany, and more – if we see it, hear it, smell it, or sense it in any way, we talk about it.
Do you still not believe we’re the BEST? Read on.
Boat: The Island Caper has more than enough rail space on the main deck and top deck, you’ll never have to worry about someone being in your way when you want to snap a photo. Plus, with our size and abundant indoor seating, you won’t have to worry about bad weather spoiling your trip. The boat also has more navigational and electronic equipment than any other vessel in the fleet, likely the West Coast.
Easy access: We’re the only company that owns our own dock and loading area just two miles from Interstate 5. Plus we have free parking within 100 feet of our dock.
Sound system: Our superior public address system was designed and installed by the top audio systems company in the state.
The Price: Okay. I admit it. We couldn’t come up with another good “T.” So maybe we’re not the best wordsmiths around. Nobody can be the best at everything. So we’ll just have to settle for being the BEST at taking people on cruises of the San Juan Islands. And at just $89 for adults; $79 for ages 13 through 18, seniors, military, and AAA; and $39 for children 5 through 12...you’re not only getting the BEST cruise, but you’re getting it at the best price.
So, who will provide you with the BEST San Juan Islands experience?
We will.
Give Gayle or Leah a call at 1-877-734-8866 and tell them that only the BEST is good enough for you.
Dedicated and Responsible
As a founding member of the Safe Whale Watching Association, we are dedicated to providing a safe boating experience for our customers. Learn more about the SWWA.
As a charter member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest, we’re dedicated to research, education and responsible whale watching. Learn more about the WWOANW.
We received Sound Watch recognition for a perfect year in 2007. Sound Watch is the patrolling and educational division of the San Juan Whale Museum. They are out on the waters of the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands every day. Their primary goal is to educate all boaters in the State and Federal guidelines for safe viewing of wildlife. We thank Sound Watch for all the days they spend out on the water making sure these wonderful creatures of nature are looked after. We are proud that in the season of 2007 we were not observed making any mistakes. Learn more about Sound Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does your boat have food service, heated cabins and a restroom?
Yes, Island Mariner Cruises has food service, heated cabins, one with davenports, coffee tables and armchairs and the other with seating and tables, plus two restrooms on the main deck. We are also wheelchair accessible. See our menu and giftshop list.
2. Does your vessel have enough rail space for all guests at once?
Yes, The Island Caper has 350 feet of rail space and seldom carries more than 100 passengers. That leaves 3 1/2 feet per person.
3. Where are you located?
At the downtown marina in Bellingham, Washington. Stay on Interstate 5 until you are within 2 miles of our dock. Then you take a 4 lane truck route to the waterfront. There are no two lane roads, no towns to go through, and very little traffic. For directions see our Find Us page.
4. Are there places to stay nearby?
There are 1500 rooms and 200 restaurants, plus the largest mall north of Seattle within a 3 mile radius of our dock. For more information about hotels, restaurants and other businesses see our Local Links page.
5. How much does it cost?
The cost is $89 for adults and $79 for ages 13 through 18, seniors, military, and AAA. Children 5 through 12 are $39 and children 4 and under are free. There are no fuel surcharges and no dock or ramp boarding fees.
6. Is parking available?
Parking for autos and buses is free and is located within 150 feet of our dock. There is a loading and unloading zone within 40 feet of the boat.
7. When should we arrive? When will we return?
We would like you to check in around 9:30 am. We leave at 10am, returning around 4:30pm. (Occasionally, if the whales are putting on a good show, we may be a little late returning.)
8. How long have you been in the Whale Watching business?
Island Mariner Cruises started watching whales 44 years ago and started running scheduled whale watching trips 24 years ago. We have the most experience of any whale watching company in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Do you post your Orca whale sightings record from past years online?
Yes, since 2006. In addition, we are delighted to give you our latest sighting information on our Whale Sightings Blog, or you may want to check out the Orca Network to learn and see the latest Puget Sound whale info.
10. Do you have binoculars, a research quality hydrophone, and take home route maps?
We have binoculars available on board for customer use (free!). We have the best hydrophone we could buy and it is broadcast over 32 speakers. We have home route CHARTS (not maps) for a $5.00 fee. At days end, your route will be marked with where you saw wildlife. This is a quality chart meant for mounting if you wish.
11. Do you have more than one naturalist on board?
We always have at least 2 (and often more) naturalists on board. They have many years of experience and we feel they are the finest naturalists available.
12. Does your company give back to the community and environment?
Yes, e give and donate to many causes, educational groups, school groups, museums, church groups, etc. We are currently using bio-diesel fuel, and we are extremely careful to follow the guidelines and rules that are meant to keep our magnificent Orca whales as stress-free as possible.
13. Why should I choose Island Mariner Cruises for my Whale Watching tour?
Because we know you will love our delightful relaxed cruise through the beautiful San Juan Islands and be thrilled to experience the exciting Orcas and other mammals and wildlife. Read the testimonials and our Why Choose Us? page.
How to Prepare
The calm protected waters around the San Juan Islands offer excellent boating throughout the year and the Island Caper has plenty of indoor seating with air-conditioning and heating. However, the wise boater is always prepared. Wear sensible, non-slip shoes. Bring a sweater or wind breaker, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and suntan lotion (sun block). And you won't want to forget your camera and binoculars.
Reservations
Reservations are recommended for our whale watching excursions. We suggest 2 weeks ahead of time. However, you can often just walk on.
To make a reservation please visit our booking page.