Seattle may be surrounded by water, but many of the region’s best whale-watching excursions require significant travel to other parts of the state, which can be complicated for new visitors. Evergreen Escapes offers a simpler way to experience the Salish Sea. The Whales + Wildlife Watching Tour is the only tour of its kind that begins with pickup in downtown Seattle. Guests can be collected from their hotel or another agreed-upon downtown location, eliminating the need to rent a car, navigate ferry schedules, or make the long drive to Anacortes.
More Than a Whale-Watching Cruise
The adventure begins bright and early in Seattle, but the city quickly gives way to the farmland and coastal landscapes as we make our way north. Before boarding the boat, guests have the opportunity to explore Deception Pass State Park with a naturalist guide.
Known for its dramatic cliffs, forested trails, rugged shoreline, and powerful tidal currents, Deception Pass is one of Washington’s most spectacular state parks. Depending on the day, guests may walk along the beach, explore the forest, look for eagles and seals, or cross the iconic bridge rising 180 feet above the water. We’ll also enjoy a locally sourced picnic lunch here before continuing to Anacortes.
Searching for Wildlife in the Salish Sea
From Anacortes, guests board a specially designed vessel for approximately three hours on the water. The route travels through the channels, bays, and islands of the Salish Sea, one of the richest marine environments in the Pacific Northwest.
Orcas are a highlight, but every excursion offers different possibilities. Humpback, gray, and minke whales may also be encountered, along with harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, bald eagles, and an extraordinary variety of seabirds. Experienced captains and onboard naturalists share insights into the wildlife, geography, and history of the region throughout the cruise. Although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, exploring this remarkable ecosystem is an unforgettable experience in itself.
Whales of the Sound and Salish
The Salish Sea, which includes Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Strait of Georgia, is occupied by two distinct types of killer whales. The endangered Southern Resident killer whales live in three family groups known as J, K, and L pods. They feed primarily on fish, especially Chinook salmon, and range between the Salish Sea and the outer Pacific Coast. Although they were once regular summer visitors around the San Juan Islands, their presence has become less predictable as salmon distribution has changed. Bigg’s killer whales, historically called transients, travel in smaller family groups and hunt marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Bigg’s and Southern Resident killer whales may occupy the same waters, but they have different diets, social structures, behaviors, and vocal traditions. The region also provides habitat and feeding grounds for humpback, gray, and minke whales.
A Complete Day Trip from Seattle
This is more than transportation to a whale-watching boat. It is a thoughtfully planned, full-day exploration that combines forests, shorelines, islands, wildlife, and local stories.
Evergreen Escapes handles the details, including:
- Pickup and drop-off in downtown Seattle
- Comfortable transportation to and from Anacortes
- A guided visit to Deception Pass State Park
- A locally sourced picnic lunch
- Snacks and beverages
- Park admission
- Admission to a 3-4 hour whale watching boat cruise
- Guidance from knowledgeable naturalists
- All trip planning, preparation, and logistics taken care of by our team
At the end of the adventure, guests are returned to downtown Seattle—making this one of the most convenient ways to experience the wildlife and landscapes of the San Juan Islands without arranging a car or ferry journey.
For visitors and locals who want to see the wild side of Washington in a single day, this tour makes the journey as memorable as the destination.
