The 15 Best Orca Watching Tours in the USA

1.Orcas Island Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 442 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119Our pick

From Orcas Island, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours aboard a small, fast vessel searching the San Juan and Canadian Gulf islands for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and minkes. Guides such as Phil, Ginny, Elliot, and Sheila identify wildlife and explain the islands as you go. Dress warmly and plan carefully around the ferry.

“Captain Phil and Sheila were great! We didn’t see any whales for the first maybe hour and a half, but once Captain Phil got news about whale sightings more north, he got us over there as fast as possible. We got incredible views of about twelve orcas. Sheila shared so much information about the islands and identified some of the orcas we saw. It was such a great experience, we would highly recommend.”

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2.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Top rated

Leave downtown Ketchikan by fast boat, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves from a 57-foot catamaran. Guides such as Lucas, David, Matt, and AJ offer instruction and wildlife insight. Expect tandem kayaks, full rain gear, a small group, and smoked salmon with hummus afterward.

“This was my first time ever kayaking. Dave was very patient and educational. There was a pod of Orca whales going through and he made sure we were able to stop and see them. Highly recommend this excursion!!”

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3.Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165

Cruise from Seward into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park in search of orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, puffins, seals, and more. Your captain follows recent sightings rather than a fixed route. Onboard narration, loaner binoculars, warm drinks, restrooms, and a hydrophone add comfort and context to this 4-hour trip.

“The staff was wonderful and the captain was very knowledgeable! We saw multiple orca as well as sea lions, sea otters, and a humpback whale.”

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4.Seward: Resurrection Bay Orca Quest Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 66 reviews · 4 hours · from $165

Sail from Seward into Resurrection Bay with Major Marine Tours during the mid-May to mid-June orca season. Captain Tanner, Captain Tammy, and the crew share live wildlife updates, explain orca behavior, and may use a hydrophone to pick up underwater calls. Expect dramatic coastal views and possible sightings of orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, puffins, and eagles.

“We got lucky and saw just about everything you could. Orca whales, Hump back whales, D’all Porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. The commentary was great with just the right amount of pertinent information. Can’t wait to try the six hours tour next year!”

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5.Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 3h 30m · from $119

From Orcas Island, you’ll spend 210 minutes searching for orcas, humpback, minke, and gray whales aboard a fast boat with indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a restroom, and an English-speaking naturalist. Guides such as Brock, Ginny, Hannah, and Trevor have led recent trips, with frequent sightings of seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and otters.

“Great trip, saw harbor seals, sea lions, orcas and Ollie the sea otter! Liberty and Elliot did amazing captaining us around the islands!”

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6.Anacortes: Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near Seattle

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 4 hours · from $199

Meet Outer Island Excursions in Anacortes for a four-hour, high-speed boat trip through the San Juan Islands. A marine naturalist guides you toward the Salish Sea’s Bigg’s orcas, which can travel more than 100 miles in a day. Bring warm clothes, expect open-water spray and motion, and remember that responsible viewing keeps boats at a respectful distance.

“The trip was heavily overpriced for the tour. I wouldn't have paid more than $85-90 for it. Although we fully understand and support the regulation of staying a certain distance away from the whales, it now has become a binocular trip in the hope to see the whales.”

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7.Half Day Sail Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Spend three hours sailing near Obstruction Pass with Captain Nate, learning basic sailing terms and taking the helm under instruction. This private lesson fits up to six people for one flat $680 fee, with 9:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. departures. Dress warmly and expect the lesson to return to Olga.

“Do it! Nat is the absolute best! So knowledgeable and makes sure everyone is comfy. You will need to dress warmly any time you're out to Seattle but other than that, you don't really need anything.”

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8.Orca whale tour from Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $199

From Orcas Island’s north shore, you spend about three hours searching for year-round Bigg’s killer whales in the Salish Sea. A marine naturalist joins you, and the high-speed boat carries up to 49 people with a restroom onboard. Hunter, Eli, and Tom are named as key crew members in the available feedback.

“Hunter guided us like the pro he is on the water. We were blessed and saw multiple orcas up close!!”

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9.The Orcas Project Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $28Best value

At Doe Bay Wine Company in Eastsound, you’ll taste four limited-edition wines from The Orcas Project, a partnership between Pacific Northwest winemakers, vineyards, and Orcas Island artists. A host such as Cole explains the wines and the project’s story, with a cheese board available for pairing. The tasting takes about 30 minutes.

“Everyone was incredible and kind! Wine was excellent and the whole town is so welcoming. This is a must see to get the feeling of the entire community.”

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10.Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $198

Take a 20-minute fast boat ride from Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle rainforest islands and quiet coves for 1.5 to 1.75 hours. A guide such as Matt leads the six-person group, with warm gear, smoked salmon, hummus, hot drinks, vegan snacks, and Alaskan beer provided.

“Beautiful day on the water. Orca Cove is breathtaking. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun to explore with .”

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11.Orcas Island Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $109

Launch from Rosario Resort Marina with a certified kayak guide and paddle past the historic Rosario Mansion toward dark water alive with glowing plankton. This two-hour outing runs near new moons for darker skies, includes kayaks and safety gear, and may be led by Tyler, a guide singled out for making the night memorable.

“This was such a cool experience and Tyler was a great guide! We saw so many amazing things and it really was an unforgettable experience.”

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12.Eastsound: Orcas Island Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $109

Join Orcas Wild at Rosario Resort for a two-hour evening kayak tour through bioluminescent waters. Local guides such as Toby, Tyler, Dom, and Jinny lead you through the dark, explaining marine life and the stars. Departures shift between 9 and 10 PM and are timed near the new moon for darker skies.

“Toby and Tyler were amazing tour guides! highly recommend the activity!”

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13.Orcas Island: Orca Whales guaranteed boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 3 reviews · 4 hours · from $199

Join Outer Island Excursions for a four-hour search for Biggs orcas around the San Juan Islands. A naturalist guide explains the whales as you travel by high-speed boat, with crews including Shiela and Capt Phil. The trip lasts three to five hours, aims for 45 minutes with orcas, and includes a free return trip if none are found.

“The driver was great and had some great information on the whales.”

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14.Cafes and Kayaks: Full Day Kayaking Adventure on Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $149

Set out from Rosario Marina at 9:15 am with a guide from Orcas Wild Kayak and Bike Adventures. Paddle along Cascade Bay, watch for seals, river otters, and bald eagles, then stop in Olga for lunch and local art before kayaking back. Some outings have included Sucia Island, so confirm the exact route when booking.

“Big thanks to Jake for a beautiful kayak excursion to Sucia Island. We circumnavigated the entire island, had a lovely lunch+hiking break. Beautiful scenery and soaring bald eagles everywhere!”

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15.Orca Whale Inflatable Rides

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 10 minutes (approx.) · from $33

Meet Barefoot Parasailing & Excursions at Driftwood Landing for a side-by-side ride on South Padre Island’s only inflatable orca. You’ll be pulled across the water on a giant whale with a small group of no more than six. Staff can adjust the speed, and the activity runs in English with a mobile ticket.

“We had an absolute blast on the Orca Whale Inflatable Ride with Barefoot Parasailing & Excursions! The staff was friendly, safety-focused, and full of energy, making the whole experience both thrilling and fun. Skimming across the water on a giant inflatable whale was a unique adventure our family won’t forget. Perfect for all ages highly recommend if you’re looking for excitement and laughs on the water!”

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