It's whale-watching season in Seattle!Although orcas, gray whales, and humpback whales can be spotted in the Pacific Northwest year-round, May through October is the best time to look out for southern resident orcas.
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Orca whales range through the San Juan Islands the most between March and October and you can expect to see them on the vast majority of our tours during that time, although we do have sightings throughout the year. We also regularly encounter beautiful Humpback Whales (through November) and Minke whales in the area.
What is the best month to see the whales? – Peak season is considered the summer months of mid-June through early September. During this time, we see whales (orcas, humpbacks and/or minke) on over 90% of our tours. There are whales here year round, but much less predictably so outside the summer months.
You can see orcas in Seattle, Washington and the surrounding areas year round. But summer between May and September are the best times to kayak with orcas. That's because their food source, salmon, is most active around this time.
Neither is a really good base for whale watching--both are quite a distance from where the orcas tend to be found. victoria or the san juan islands make a better base for whale watching.
– Peak season is considered the summer months of mid-June through early September. During this time, we see whales (orcas, humpbacks and/or minke) on over 90% of our tours. There are whales here year round, but much less predictably so outside the summer months.
November to JanuaryDrawn by the gathering of their favourite prey, herring, killer whales emerge from all over the waters of northern Europe and congregate in the Fjords near Tromsø in Norway. Some argue that this is actually the best place to see killer whales in the wild, and not Vancouver. It really doesn't matter.
Experience the ONLY half-day Seattle whale watching tour that departs directly from downtown! Embark on a 3-5 hour (depending on sighting locations) adventure aboard the San Juan Clipper fast ferry as an expert naturalist helps you spot transient orcas, humpback whales and other sealife.