Best Time for Whale Watching Near Seattle
Whales are in the Salish Sea year-round, so there is no single “best” week to see whales near Seattle. The better question is: which season best matches the experience you want?
Puget Sound Express operates from Edmonds – about 20 minutes north of downtown Seattle – with half-day tours April through December, spring gray-whale outings, and summer full-day adventures that include a stop on San Juan Island. Whales are in the area year-round, but Bigg’s orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales all visit the Salish Sea on slightly different schedules.
The short answer
For the broadest mix of tour choices and long daylight, choose late spring through early fall. For a focused seasonal experience, choose February or March for gray whales. Fall and early winter can be especially rewarding for those who enjoy wildlife without the summer bustle.
A MONTH-BY-MONTH PLANNING GUIDE
- February–March: Sounder gray-whale season. A small group of gray whales makes a spring feeding detour into north Puget Sound, often searching the shallows for ghost shrimp. Bigg’s orcas are also in the area; if they are located nearby where we are viewing gray whales, we may view them as well.
- April–May: transition into the main season. Bigg’s orcas are the focus, but gray whales are also still in the area, and the first humpbacks begin returning to feed during their Pacific migration.
- June–August: the most scheduling flexibility. Longer days support morning and afternoon half-day departures as well as full-day trips. Bigg’s orcas and humpbacks are commonly-sighted, with minke whales and the occasional gray whale also possible.
- September–October: Humpbacks are still feeding in the region (sometimes in large groupings), Bigg’s orcas continue to roam widely, and crowds often ease. Daylight is shorter and departures move a bit later in the season.
- November–January: a quieter atmosphere with some weather variability. Bigg’s orcas are feeding as usual, and we can also see some early returning grays, as well as lingering humpbacks.
CHOOSE BY EXPERIENCE, NOT SPECIES
Whales are wild animals, and every trip is different. We know that many guests want to see orcas, and we generally do our best to make that happen. However, we want you to have the best experience, and our captains make decisions on that basis – not on a specific whale species. Therefore we recommend choosing a tour based on experience, not by a promised species:
- Choose our half-day tour when you want an outing that fits easily into a Seattle itinerary. Our Seattle (Edmonds) tours last about four to five hours and include indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, restrooms, and a galley. Our half-day tour can travel as far south as Tacoma, as far north as Bellingham, and as far west as Port Angeles.
- Choose our full-day tour when the journey itself is part of the goal. This tour lasts about 8 hours, and combines whale watching with a two-hour lunch stop in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
- Choose our gray-whale tour when you want a short, seasonal trip…or can’t wait to get started seeing whales in February!
FAQ
What month is best for whale watching near Seattle?
We see whales year-round in the Salish Sea, so in general the “best” month depends on the experience you are seeking. Due to weather, late spring through early fall offers the widest choice of departures and long daylight.
Can I see orcas from Seattle?
Yes, Bigg’s orcas travel throughout the Salish Sea and are the orcas PSE sees on our tours.
Is morning or afternoon better?
Neither time is consistently better or worse for whale sightings; choose the departure that works best with your travel schedule and gives you the most flexibility if plans change. Mornings generally sell out more quickly; afternoons often aren’t as full on the boat.
Does rain cancel whale watching?
Rain in the Pacific Northwest is common and does not generally impact a trip.
Convenience
Our comfortable, custom-designed whale watching boats will take you throughout the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands to find whales. Combine that with three generations of dedication and experience connecting Seattle visitors with the great outdoors – and we guarantee you’ll see whales or your next trip is free!
Highly Recommend!
We saw many whales and the boat and staff could not have been nicer. It was the perfect amount of time for an 11 and 14 year old on the half-day trip from Edmonds. The entire boat was very comfortable and clean. Very memorable and the favorite part of our Seattle family trip
Comfort
Enjoy indoor seating and large windows, restrooms, outside viewing decks, and a great galley/cafe — which serves up our signature, freshly baked “blueberry buckle” on every trip. Outside, it’s a menagerie of whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, shorebirds and many other species of marine life.
Whales We See
Bigg’s Orcas (aka Transients)
Bigg’s orcas are apex predators – mammal-eating orcas that feed on a variety of prey – from harbor seals to sea lions, and even dolphins and small whales. Bigg’s orcas generally travel in small groups, usually of two to six animals, and can range from Southern California up to the Arctic Circle. These are the orcas that we see most often in the Salish Sea, and they often put on quite a show after they complete a successful hunting foray! Bigg’s orcas are named in honor of cetologist Michael Bigg.
Gray Whales
The gray whale is a species of baleen whale with a dark slate-gray color, and is frequently covered by gray/white scars left by parasites which drop off in its cold feeding grounds. Grays have two blowholes on top of their head, which can create a distinctive heart-shaped blow at the surface. Adults range in length from 43–49 feet and weigh up to 40 tons. Each spring, gray whales migrate from the southern waters near Baja, north to Alaska. A small group of Grays nicknamed “Sounders” often turn east into Washington’s inland waters during the spring northern migration.
Humpback whales
The humpback whale is a species of baleen whale and has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. They are known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors. Adults range in length from 39–52 feet and weigh nearly 40 tons. Their diet consists mostly of krill and small fish. Until commercial whaling was banned in 1996, humpbacks were nearly hunted to extinction. They have rebounded, however, and we are thrilled to have them back in our neighborhood.
Minke whales
The elusive minke whale is among the smallest of the baleen whales. Previously known as a ‘piked whale’ or ‘lesser finback’, the minke has a dark gray back and white undersides. Their pectoral fins have a distinctive white patch or band. Minkes range in length from 23-33 feet and weigh up to 10 tons. Minke whales are widely distributed throughout the North Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They migrate seasonally from polar feeding grounds to equatorial waters, where they breed and calve. Minkes feed on small schooling fish, crustaceans, and plankton.
The Hanke Family
from our family to yours
Three generations of our family have helped visitors have life-changing experiences with some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. We’re blessed to live in what’s been called “the American Serengeti,” with one of the highest concentrations of whales and dolphins and sea life anywhere in the world — including our totem species, the orca. Few people know these waters like we do. Our experience and dedication make it possible for us to guarantee that you’ll see whales on your trip — or we’ll give you another trip absolutely free.
Whale-wise Whale Watching
Puget Sound Express is a proud member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA), dedicated to responsible, sustainable marine wildlife viewing and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. We’re also dedicated to reducing our footprint out there. The Saratoga and Swiftsure are soundproofed, hydrofoil jet boats with no propellers, making them the quietest vessels in the whale watch fleet.
Things to Know
Where do Edmonds tours depart from?
459 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA
We are located at the Port of Edmonds, across the street from Anthony’s Homeport Restaurant in parking lot 8 – look for “Whale Watching, Check In Here.”
Parking is available at the Port of Edmonds; however, because of a strict 3 hour limit on all spaces within the port a parking permit is required. Permits are $15.00 and can be purchased when making your reservation or when you check in. Purchased parking permits are handed to you at check in to be placed in your vehicle window.
Morning or Afternoon?
In the summer we offer morning AND afternoon departures. Whale sightings are excellent – and guaranteed – throughout the day.
Check-in and boarding
Travelers are required to be checked in no later than 30 minutes prior to sailing. Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. If guests are not checked in by this time, tickets will be cancelled with no refund or ability to reschedule.
Puget Sound Express is not responsible for traffic, ferry disruptions, or bridge closures. Please ensure enough travel time to account for the unexpected.
Changes/Cancellations
Our cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to a tour’s departure time. A tour is confirmed when a confirmation email has been received OR payment has been processed. Prior to 48 hours from departure, any cancellation of a confirmed reservation is fully refundable, less a $10 processing fee. Inside of 48 hours to departure, reservations are non-refundable. This includes all tours booked online within 48 hours of departure.
Rescheduling
More than 48 hours before the tour, guests may reschedule at any time. Within 48 hours of the tour, guests may request to reschedule; approval is at the office’s discretion and depends on availability. If approved, a $10-per-person change fee is charged to the booking.
Get to Know Edmonds!
Art galleries, performance halls, an historic downtown with sandy beaches – Edmonds is a terrific place to stop, breathe, and linger! Learn more.
We Guarantee You’ll See Whales
The Salish Sea is home to an astonishing variety of whales, including orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minke whales. With thousands of departures over 40 years, our local knowledge is unmatched. As a result, our success rate is the best in the industry. If you don’t see whales on your whale watching tour, we will gladly give you a voucher for a cruise on a later date – no questions, no hassles. Guarantee is not valid for split trips, specific whale species, or cash back.
Don’t Forget Lunch!
When making your reservation, you’ll have the option to pre-order boxed lunches for your tour. These options include Ham, Turkey, or gluten-free Caprese sandwiches. They come with chips and a beverage. All lunch orders must be placed prior to 3:00pm the day before the tour.
Are you traveling with an infant?
Children under the age of 2 can travel for free; however, if the boat is full that day, your child will be required to sit on your lap. You also have the option of purchasing a child’s rate ticket to ensure seating for your infant. NOTE: Infants must be included in your reservation.
No Car?
No problem – Dial up a taxi, Uber or Lyft to get dropped off right at our check-in kiosk.
Motion Sickness
The waterways we travel on are relatively calm, and our boats are quite stable and comfortable. However if you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend preparing for your trip with us. Over the counter remedies like Dramamine work best when used prior to departure. Learn more.
Latest News
Humpback Whale Summer!
Did you know that the summer months are an excellent time to see humpback whales in the Salish Sea? Whales venturing from their breeding grounds in Hawaii, Mexico, and even Central America head to the nutrient-rich waters of Washington State and British Columbia,...
Email Newsletter
Get the latest updates on the whales we’re seeing as well as tour updates and announcements. We send 1-2 emails/month. We respect your time and privacy; we will never share your email.