See Orcas in the Salish Sea
Orca Watching: A Killer Good Time
Seeing the resident orcas (also known as killer whales) is a uniquely Puget Sound experience/
When you stay in Seattle Southside, it's easy and affordable to make the dream of seeing these gorgeous creatures a reality. Learn more about Orcas below, then browse hotels and start planning how you can make your dream a reality.
Orcas in Puget Sound
Two types of orcas can be spotted in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea: Southern Resident killer whales and Bigg's killer whales, formerly known as Transient orcas.
Southern Residents live in close family groups called pods—J, K, and L—and primarily feed on Chinook salmon. Bigg's killer whales are larger, wider-ranging hunters that prey on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises.
For Coast Salish peoples, including the Lummi Nation, Southern Resident orcas hold deep cultural significance. Today, they are endangered, threatened by declining salmon runs, pollution, and underwater noise.
Seeing an orca surface in local waters is one of the Pacific Northwest's most unforgettable wildlife experiences—and a powerful reminder of why protecting the Salish Sea matters.
Taking a Whale Watching Tour from Seattle
FRS Clipper offers whale-watching tours that depart directly from the waterfront in downtown Seattle, just a short drive or light rail ride from Seattle Southside. Parking located across the street from Pier 69 is partially validated, though not entirely free. A better option is to take the light rail into downtown Seattle and make a day trip of it. There are many hotels near SEA Airport within walking distance of local light rail stops. Most Seattle Southside hotels also offer free shuttles to the airport, where you can board the light rail into downtown Seattle.
Once aboard, tours on the FRS Clipper last three to five hours. You can often spot orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, seals, and more swimming in Puget Sound.
What to Expect:
You can sit on the top deck or inside the roomy cabin. On board, there's a snack bar selling sandwiches, pastries, and assorted beverages. Because the ride is so smooth and comfortable, it's a great option for anyone who wants to see whales without the jostle of a smaller vessel. The boat is accessible for standard manual wheelchairs, as well.
Your tour will have a naturalist on board to help explain which type of whales you see and the behaviors they exhibit. They'll also point out any other animals you can see on your tour. It's common to see harbor porpoises, seals, and different kinds of seabirds.
What to Bring:
You may want to bring binoculars or rent a pair from the ship. Though you'll still get close enough to see whales without them, they can give you a closer view. Laws to protect whales from ships mean that a certain respectful distance needs to be kept from these gorgeous creatures so that the noise from the ship's engines doesn't affect them.
What are the Chances of Seeing Whales?
The FRS Clipper team guarantees that whales will be sighted on your tour, and if not, you'll receive a voucher for a free tour on another day.
Our Review:
Members of Explore Seattle Southside tried out this tour a while back and saw a group of roughly 20 orcas surface multiple times as they moved north through the Sound. It was an awe-inspiring moment hard to put into words.
Flying to the Whales
Looking for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure? Fly2Whales combines two unforgettable experiences in one trip: a scenic seaplane flight and whale watching in the San Juan Islands.
Departing from Renton, you'll board a Friday Harbor Seaplanes flight to the islands before joining a whale watching tour with Western Prince Whale Watching. Unlike larger whale watching vessels, Western Prince uses smaller, open-air boats that offer a more intimate experience and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
To keep you comfortable on the water, the company provides insulated flotation suits, along with hats and gloves. While the ride is generally smooth, this tour is best suited for adventurous travelers and is not recommended for children under 6, those in late-term pregnancy, or anyone with back or neck injuries.
Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a snack, as food and beverages are not available for purchase onboard. Whale watching tours last at least three hours and may run longer depending on wildlife sightings.
Whale Watching from the Shore
It's totally possible to see whales from the shores of Puget Sound, at beaches such as Redondo Beach in Des Moines (which is part of the famous Whale Trail and has an informational sign about what you can see there). The nonprofit Orca Network continually updates its Facebook page with locations where whales have been sighted, and has a map of places to view orcas. While this does mean a bit more driving around and may not be as direct as a whale-watching tour, it is also a great way to explore the neighborhood while whale watching!
Plan Your Whale-Watching Adventure
There are many tour companies specializing in whale watching near Seattle. No matter which you choose, Seattle Southside, the area surrounding SEA airport, is the ideal home base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. The proximity to the airport, ease of transportation, and affordable prices make this the ideal home base for any whale-watching adventure.
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