Port Angeles: Where Whales Meet the Mountains
Whale watching and Olympic National Park — all in one unforgettable getaway from your basecamp in Port Angeles!
Port Angeles is your gateway to two of Washington’s most spectacular experiences. Step aboard a Puget Sound Express whale watching tour and come face to face with humpbacks, orcas, and more. Then, just minutes from the dock, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Olympic National Park — from lush rainforests to alpine ridges to wild Pacific beaches.
Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
September 2 – October 12, 2025
12:30pm departure
TRIP FARES
Adult: $135 Child (2-10): $105 Infants: FREE
(Note that departure times can occasionally vary due to tides: see note in “Things to Know” below)
Fall offers incredible whale watching in Port Angeles. Bigg’s killer whales and large groupings of humpbacks are the highlights. The range of our 4-hour tour includes the San Juan Islands, Victoria, BC, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We also see harbor seals, sea lions, otters, and a huge variety of seabirds. We’ll have you back in plenty of time to enjoy Hurricane Ridge, downtown Port Angeles, and the other splendors of Olympic National Park.
Whales We See In Port Angeles
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.
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.
Port Angeles & Olympic National Park Highlights
Hurricane Ridge
The crown jewel of Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers a peak visitor experience all year-round. Brace yourself for dazzling vistas and partake in year-round recreation, from hiking, cycling and skiing, to wildlife and wildflower viewing and more.
Food & Fun in “PA”
Whales and Mountains by day; seaside fun at night! After a big day, tuck in for an amazing meal at one of Port Angeles’ many outstanding restaurants. From movie theaters, casinos, and bowling to live music and nightlife in downtown, you will find plenty of fun once the sun sets.
Lake Crescent
Enjoy the wonder of nearby Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake with clear-water views to almost 60 feet. Dip your paddle in turquoise-hued alpine waters or rushing rivers. Bike, hike and run through old-growth forests, or cast a line for wild salmon.
Beach Time
A day at the beach is definitely a must while you’re visiting Port Angeles. One of the city’s charming traits is that you’re literally surrounded by a variety of beautiful beaches — from serene bays to the jagged coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Check out your options.
Stay a Few Days
Obviously – Port Angeles has a lot in store for you! Make a trip of it – with cozy inns, boutique hotels, and waterfront rentals, Port Angeles makes it easy to slow down, settle in, and explore it all.
View Port Angeles Lodging
Things to Know
Where do Port Angeles tours depart from?
115 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362
We are located in downtown Port Angeles in the Port Angeles Wharf. Port Angeles tours depart daily, but each day’s departure time may vary based on low tide or inclement weather. (These are highlighted in our reservation system as you book).
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.
Checking-in
The PSE check-in window is located on the west side of the Port Angeles Wharf, along its boardwalk. Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding closes 15 minutes prior to departure. If guests are not checked in by this time, tickets will be cancelled with no refund or ability to reschedule.
If you are traveling from out of the area please bear in mind that ferries and bridge openings can make the trip slightly longer than a map or GPS software might indicate! 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
Outside of 48 hours from the tour, rescheduling can be made at any time. Inside of 48 hours to the tour, rescheduling can be requested and at the discretion of the office and upcoming availability to approve. If approved a $10/person change fee is charged to the booking.
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.
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
Hello, my name is… Mystery Gray Whale!
Hello, my name is... well, we don’t actually know yet! Each spring, Puget Sound is visited by a group of roughly a dozen gray whales on migration from Mexico to Alaska, known as Sounders, who swing by for a ghost shrimp buffet. Typically, we see the same individuals...
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.