{"id":353230,"date":"2021-05-11T14:04:12","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T21:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitseattlep.kinsta.cloud\/?page_id=353230"},"modified":"2025-04-09T11:31:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T18:31:30","slug":"seattle-whale-watching-101","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitseattle.org\/things-to-do\/outdoors\/seattle-whale-watching-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Seattle Whale Watching 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take full advantage of whale watching season in the Pacific Northwest.<\/h1>\n

By Anna Edlund <\/em><\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing quite like seeing Puget Sound\u2019s largest and most majestic residents from an up-close and personal vantage point. While we\u2019re lucky enough to spot Orcas, gray, and humpback whales year round in the Pacific Northwest, southern resident Orcas typically travel through the San Juan Islands May through October. The Sound is home to transient pods as well (mammal-eating orcas) who make regular rounds in search of harbor seals, sea lions and porpoises for their next meal. With a bit of luck, you\u2019re likely to see one of the two on any given tour.<\/p>\n

There are a number of places along the coast to catch a glimpse of whales from shore, and local tour options span guided kayak and boat trips off the San Juan Islands to catching a boat or seaplane right out of Seattle. Whichever whale spotting route you choose, don\u2019t forget a camera!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Courtesy San Juan Islands Whale and Wildlife Tours<\/p><\/div>\n

Before You Go <\/em><\/h3>\n

While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it\u2019s at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting\u2014check out the policy before booking.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whales are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, so many boats keep a respectful distance\u2013the regulated distance for <\/em>most species is 100 yards; Bigg\u2019s (transient) orcas is 200 yards; and endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales are 1,000 yards. You can find more info here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Come prepared if you\u2019re going out on the water. Bring warm layers, binoculars, and a camera. Snacks for the trip won\u2019t hurt, either.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Take full advantage of whale watching season in the Pacific Northwest. By Anna Edlund   There\u2019s nothing quite …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":316346,"parent":223887,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-353230","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nSeattle Whale Watching 101 - Visit Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There\u2019s nothing quite like seeing Puget Sound\u2019s largest and most majestic residents from an up-close and personal vantage point. 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