A: The best time for whale watching in Seattle is in the Summer between May and October.

What time of year can you see orcas in Seattle?

You can see orcas in Seattle, Washington and the surrounding areas year round. But summer between May and September are the best times to kayak with orcas. That's because their food source, salmon, is most active around this time.

When can you see humpback whales in Seattle?

Buckmaster says, “Generally speaking, May-June through early fall is the best time to see humpbacks as they return to the Salish Sea to feed on spawning herring.” Weighing in at 40-tons and reaching up to 50-feet in length, humpbacks are the largest species of whale in the Salish Sea.

What time of year can you see whales in Washington state?

The Best Time of Year to Spot Whales

Whales are a migratory species that follow the pacific coast during the spring and fall. While sightings have occurred anywhere from October through July, your best bet is to plan a trip in spring, specifically the month May.

What is the best month to go whale watching?

Summer Whale Watching (June, July, August):

The Summer months are the best months to witness the world's largest animal…the BLUE WHALE! Southern California is the best place in the world to look for a Blue Whale as they seek the nutritious krill that allows them to grow to their epic size.

Seattle Whale Watching Tour

17 related questions found

What time of year are orcas in Puget Sound?

What is the best month to see the whales? - Peak season is considered the summer months of mid-June through early September. During this time, we see whales (orcas, humpbacks and/or minke) on over 90% of our tours. There are whales here year round, but much less predictably so outside the summer months.

Can you whale Watch in Seattle?

You can try whale watching from the shore at Alki Beach in West Seattle, just a short drive or water taxi trip away from downtown. ... You're more likely to spot orcas here during the fall and winter months, but transient whales can be seen here year round. (Pro tip: Bring along a pair of binoculars.)

Can you see whales in April in Seattle?

Most Seattle residents will consider it lucky to spot a single whale while in town, but those with an eye to the water may see multiple whales each year. ... Minke, humpback, and orcas are commonly seen between May and October, while gray whales are common in March and April as they head north for the summer.

Where are orcas in Washington state?

The San Juan Islands off the coast of northwestern Washington are known for being one of the best places to see orcas in the wild. It's about a 90-minute drive from Seattle to Anacortes, then a short ferry ride across the sound to Friday Harbor, where many whale-watching outfitters leave on daily excursions.

Are there orcas in Puget Sound?

In the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands there are two different types of orca whales: mammal-eating orcas the Chinook salmon- eating orcas called Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). ... The salmon-eating SRKW orca whales exist and travel as members of three distinct pods: J, K and L pods.

Are whale watching tours worth it?

Whale-watching can be a thrilling experience, an adventure on the water resulting in incredible memories and surprisingly good photos of seabirds, dolphins, and of course the whales. It's an exciting day out: a new perspective, as you watch the coastline recede, and scan the vast horizon for a spout.

Are there sharks in the Puget Sound?

While they may be a unique sight at the surface, several shark species swim Puget Sound beyond the eyesight of anyone but a diver. Hillier said that seven to ten shark species swim in the region, the most common of which is the spiny dogfish.

Why is Puget Sound called whulge?

The sound, called Whulge by the Salish Indians, was explored in 1792 by British navigator George Vancouver and named by him for Peter Puget, a second lieutenant in his expedition, who probed the main channel.

Is it safe to kayak with orcas?

Is it safe to be around orcas (killer whales) in a sea kayak? Yes, and it is a thrill that you will never forget! Orcas are incredibly smart, observant, and remarkably agile for their size. They never bump into kayaks or act aggressive in any way.

Where is J pod today?

She is the oldest member of her matriline, but has no surviving calves. J pod spends more time than the other pods in the inner Salish Sea, traveling as far north as Texada Island on BC's Sunshine Coast.

What do you wear whale watching in Seattle?

What to Wear

• Warm layers - it is significately cooler on the water than land.
• Hat - warm or sun depending on the season.
• Flat shoes preferably with a rubber bottom, such as tennis shoes.
• Rain jacket or windbreaker.
• Gloves - ideal for spring and fall tours.

Are dolphins in the Puget Sound?

Harbor porpoise returned to the Puget Sound around 2000, and sightings of several dolphin species have been increasing since 2010. Sightings of common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins have increased considerably since 2016 and Pacific white-sided dolphins are seen from time to time.

What time of day are orcas most active?

The best overhead light is from 11 am - 3 pm, for beautiful blue waters. The calmest sea conditions tend to be before noon and towards sunset. The whales are active throughout the day and their behavior changes as groups of whales encounter each other.

Can you see whales in November in Seattle?

Orca tours are offered between mid-February and November, while humpback whales, grey whales, and Minke whales may be spotted throughout the year.

Can you see whales from orcas Island?

Orcas can be sighted all year long, but the three Southern Resident pods (J-, K- and L-pods) generally forage for Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea during the summer months (May - September). ... Besides orcas, there's the potential for spotting humpbacks and minke whales from the park.

Where can I see orcas in June?

In summer, chances to observe orcas are best at the shores of Washington and British Columbia, particularly in the north of Vancouver Island and at the Strait of Georgia where the residents are following the salmon.

Where are the orcas?

Orcas Island (/ˈɔːrkəs/) is the largest of the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, which are in the northwestern corner of San Juan County, Washington.

Where can you find orcas?

Best Places to See Orcas in the Wild Summary

• Resurrection Bay, Alaska, USA.
• British Colombia, Canada.
• Strait of Georgia, Vancouver, Canada.
• San Juan Island, Washington, USA.
• Monterey Bay, California, USA.
• Valdes Peninsula, Argentina.
• Antarctica.
• Olafsvik, Snaefellsnes, Iceland.