
Cruise the San Juan Islands on a private whale and wildlife tour for up to 6
3 or 6 hours
Up to 6 people
Naturalist, Safety gear, Tour
Explore the San Juan Islands on a private whale watching and wildlife tour aboard Spirit of Orca. Ride with a certified naturalist and look for orcas and other marine life in the Salish Sea.
Arrive 15 minutes before departure and use the restroom before boarding. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
Full refund if operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancel more than 1 week ahead: 100% refund. 1 week to 72 hrs: 50% refund. 24–72 hrs: 25% refund. Less than 24 hrs: no refund. If your slot is refilled, 100% refund.
Arrive at the vessel 15 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, you will have less time on the water with the animals.
Use the restroom before boarding. Public restrooms are available at the end of Seafarers Way, and there is a sit-down porta-pot if needed.
Yes. Bring your own food, snacks, and beverages, but do not bring alcohol or glass containers.
704 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, Cap Sante Marina, Dock A, Slip #15
Captain Ken and his wife Laurel run an exceptional small-boat operation that consistently delivers memorable wildlife encounters. Their intimate six-person vessel offers a completely different experience from larger tour boats, giving guests flexibility to move around and enjoy unobstructed views. Ken's extensive knowledge of local marine life and geography shines through, and reviewers repeatedly praise his skill at locating orca pods, humpback whales, sea lions, and various seabirds. His passion for the Pacific Northwest waters is contagious. A standout feature is Ken's photography service. He captures professional-quality images throughout the tour and shares them with guests afterward, allowing everyone to stay present in the moment rather than fumbling with cameras. The personalized attention makes this especially great for families and those who prefer a more private experience. Even on the rare occasions when orcas don't appear, guests report having wonderful days thanks to Ken's expertise and the beautiful scenery around Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.
It was amazing to be out in the ocean on a beautiful day with family. Although we did not have the chance to see any whales, we saw other incredible marine life, and the stunning views of Anacourtes were fantastic. Cruising around looking for whales was definitely a treat! A heartfelt thank you to Ken and his lovely wife for sharing their passion with us! Looking forward to going out again, and hopefully the whales will be around for us to enjoy :)
Catriona Kruse
October 12, 2025
It was amazing to be out in the ocean on a beautiful day with family. Although we did not have the chance to see any whales, we saw other incredible marine life, and the stunning views of Anacourtes were fantastic. Cruising around looking for whales was definitely a treat! A heartfelt thank you to Ken and his lovely wife for sharing their passion with us! Looking forward to going out again, and hopefully the whales will be around for us to enjoy :)
Catriona Kruse
October 12, 2025