The 5 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.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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