Sightseeing Cruises

Seattle WIldlife & Whale Watching Tour

4.6/5(34)

Lesli H

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

This trip was a last-minute decision. We had been on a n Alaskan cruise and were able to see Humpbacks, but no Orcas, so it was nice to see some Orcas in action. We had the privilege of seeing a Gray Well feeding on this tour. Lauren was absolutely awesome and her love for her job and her knowledge was very obvious. The extra tutorials were a definite plus. We were able to see an orca pop-up as if to say "who's out there watching me? Cheese!!!" So thankful she was able to catch that and email it to everyone that was on the trip thank you thank you thank you!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nancy L

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

We took the half day wildlife and whale watching tour in August. It was a beautiful, clean, modern boat. I enjoyed the presentations on the wildlife. We saw orcas in multiple locations, and they slowed and rotated the boat for better viewing. We also saw harbour seals and more.

C P

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Food was appropriate for the setting (handheld-portable) but a bit expensive. The cruise and the crew who provided the service were both awesome. A very enjoyable day.

James P

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

We booked the half day whale watching tour on July 15, 2026 for my family of four and were not dissapointed. We got to see a humpback whale and a gray whale along with several harbor porpoise and sea lions. The onboard naturalist was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions we had. This was definitely a highlight of our trip to Seattle.

Debra C

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

This was the chance of a lifetime! To be able to experience wildlife in their natural habitat was awesome! The entire process from booking to the end of the tour was easy. The entire crew was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this cruise!

Beth S

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

The cruise itself was nice, but the sighting of 3 whales was definitely the highlight . We saw 2 gray whales , but it was the humpback whale they called Orion that made the trip a success . He hung around for quite some time , we would see him blowing air, then he would surface , and go under again showing us his " fluke" or tail. We were in total awe as we saw him breach twice ! A magical moment we were told and it felt like it. I highly recommend the experience !

Set out from downtown Seattle for a half-day wildlife and whale watching cruise, guided by expert naturalists.

Spot orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles as you explore the vibrant Salish Sea ecosystem.

Stay cozy in a heated cabin and take home a complimentary photo package to remember your adventure.

Whale sightings are guaranteed; if you don’t see whales, enjoy a free return trip on a future date.

Half-day guided wildlife and whale watching

Heated cabin for comfort

Complimentary photo package

Whale sightings guarantee

food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

34 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Lesli H
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
This trip was a last-minute decision. We had been on a n Alaskan cruise and were able to see Humpbacks, but no Orcas, so it was nice to see some Orcas in action. We had the privilege of seeing a Gray Well feeding on this tour. Lauren was absolutely awesome and her love for her job and her knowledge was very obvious. The extra tutorials were a definite plus. We were able to see an orca pop-up as if to say "who's out there watching me? Cheese!!!" So thankful she was able to catch that and email it to everyone that was on the trip thank you thank you thank you!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nancy L
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
We took the half day wildlife and whale watching tour in August. It was a beautiful, clean, modern boat. I enjoyed the presentations on the wildlife. We saw orcas in multiple locations, and they slowed and rotated the boat for better viewing. We also saw harbour seals and more.
C P
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Food was appropriate for the setting (handheld-portable) but a bit expensive. The cruise and the crew who provided the service were both awesome. A very enjoyable day.
George D
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It was very informative, beautiful scenery, boat and crew were awesome. Had a great time. Thanks so much. George and Tina. From Maryland
Linna R
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The guide was awesome! So knowledgable and informative. I LOVE that we were able to see three different species of whales! It was a great day!

Cruise the Salish Sea on a half-day tour from downtown Seattle, guided by expert naturalists with guaranteed whale sightings.

Getting started

Begin your adventure at Pier 69 on Seattle’s waterfront, where you’ll check in and board the high-speed Emerald Clipper. After a brief introduction from your onboard naturalist, settle into the heated cabin as the vessel departs for the Salish Sea.

What to expect

Seattle wildlife & whale watching tour

This half-day sightseeing cruise explores the diverse marine life of the Salish Sea, a vital ecosystem shaping the Pacific Northwest. Led by experienced naturalists, the tour highlights the region’s wildlife and maritime history.

Features

Orca and humpback whale viewing: Spot resident orcas and migrating humpbacks, with a whale sighting guarantee or a free return trip.

Salish Sea ecosystem: Encounter porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and gray whales, each playing a key role in the local environment.

Expert narration: Naturalists share engaging stories and facts about the area’s ecology and waterways, enriching your journey.

Heated cabin and photo package: Stay comfortable in the heated cabin and receive complimentary photos to remember your experience.

What to bring

Dress appropriately for marine weather; layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are recommended.

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at boarding.

Consider bringing binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing.

Bring any personal medications you may need during the 3–5 hour tour.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and beverages are not permitted onboard.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard.

Accessibility

The vessel is not fully wheelchair accessible; upper deck seating (Comfort, Vista, and VIP classes) requires walking up stairs.

Accessible restrooms are available on the main deck.

Passengers with limited mobility are advised to select main cabin seating.

Additional information

Passport is not required for this tour.

The tour departs from Pier 69 on Seattle’s waterfront; please arrive early for boarding.

Tour duration is 3–5 hours; return time may vary based on wildlife sightings.

Onboard food, spirits, and beverages are available for purchase; these are not included in your ticket.

Within 48 hours of travel, reservations are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-cancelable.

Whale sightings are guaranteed; if no whales are seen, you will receive a voucher for a complimentary future tour.

Complimentary photo package is included with your ticket.

Restrooms are available onboard.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.