Where and When to See Whales
How to Spot Whales from Shore
Watching Wildlife Responsibly
Nominate a Site
Alphabetical Site Listing
- Alki Beach Park
- Bush Point
- Cape Flattery
- Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint
- Coupeville
- Dosewallips State Park
- Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook
- Fay Bainbridge State Park
- Feiro Marine Life Center
- Freshwater Bay County Park
- Jetty Island
- La Push
- Langley
- Lime Kiln State Park
- Lincoln Park (Pt. Williams)
- Marina Beach Park
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
- Point Roberts Lighthouse Marine Park
- Point Robinson
- Port of Kelsey Bay
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center
- Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
- Salt Creek Recreation Area
- San Juan County Park
- San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Sekiu Overlook
- Shipwreck Point
- Stamm Overlook Park
- The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- The Seattle Aquarium
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States, carrying over 23 million passengers to 20 different ports of call throughout the Sound. From Tacoma to Sidney, B.C., the ferries provide a tremendous opportunity to view marine wildlife.
They are the only boat-based viewing platforms on The Whale Trail. Look for The Whale Trail signs on each ferry, and at the ferry terminals!
Where the Whales Are
The animals you might see from a ferry depend on the route you are on and the time of year.
- During the summer, the southern resident orcas (J, K and L pods) might be seen from the San Juan Island ferries, and sometimes from the Anacortes terminal.
- From October to February, the southern residents are often spotted in central Puget Sound, following salmon runs. You might see them from the Coupeville, Edmonds, Bainbridge, Bremerton and Vashon ferries.
- Transient (marine-mammal eating) orcas may show up at any time of year. Their travel patterns are less predictable, but they have been increasingly seen in Puget Sound over the last few years.
- Gray whales feed near Whidbey Island from March to May. Watch from them on the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry.
- Seals and sea lions are common throughout the Sound, and might be seen on any crossing. Dall's porpoise and harbor porpoise are also often seen.
Did you know?
- If you see an orca or other whale, let the ferry personnel know! The captain will likely announce it so the other passengers can see them too.
Address / Contact
2100 Ferry Terminal Road
Anacortes, WA 98221
1.888.808.7977
wsfinfo@wsdot.wa.gov
Washington State Ferries
Whale Trail Features
All ferry routes are on The Whale Trail
Marine Mammals Commonly Seen Here
Marine Mammals Occasionally Seen Here
Marine Mammals Rarely Seen Here
Travel Tips
Traveling on a ferry? Bring your binoculars!
The San Juan Island route is part of the San Juan Scenic Byway.
Is there a place or Telephone number with information about where Orcas are being seen? I’ll be in Friday harbor in June.
For now the best place to check for “real-time” sightings is Orca Network’s Facebook page, where people often post recent sightings. On San Juan Island, check in with The Whale Museum to see if the whales have been around. When you are on the island, the best place to see them from shore is on the west side of the island – Westside Land Preserve, Lime Kiln State Park, and San Juan County Park; or on the southwest from San Juan National Historic Park. At Lime Kiln, researchers keep daily track of the whales’ passages and post the most recent sightings on a white board near the Lighthouse. Good luck! Come back and post some pictures of what you see :)