Seattle: Half-Day Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise

Embarking on a remarkable journey, the Seattle: Half-Day Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Salish Sea. With a staggering 97% whale sighting rate and a free trip guarantee, this 3.5-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. Departing from Pier 69, the cruise boasts onboard naturalist guides who share fascinating insights into the marine life, including the elusive orcas and humpback whales. As the vessel glides through the serene waters, one can’t help but wonder what other wonders this captivating tour has in store.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Seattle.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour cruise from Pier 69 near Seattle landmarks, offering a 97% whale sighting rate and a free trip if no whales are spotted.
• Opportunities to see diverse marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and herons.
• Onboard naturalist guides provide educational insights and highlight the ecological importance of the Salish Sea.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Accessible tour design and staff assistance, making the experience suitable for wheelchair users and convenient for all travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The wildlife and whale watching cruise in Seattle offers a half-day experience, lasting an impressive 3.5 hours.

Priced from $137.26 per person, it’s a remarkable value for the opportunity to spot an array of marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, seals, and sea lions.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This cruise boasts a 97% whale sighting rate, and if guests don’t spot a whale, they’re offered a free trip.

With a convenient departure location near iconic Seattle landmarks, this tour is an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Sightings

What wildlife can visitors expect to see on this cruise? The 3.5-hour tour offers a 97% whale sighting rating, with the possibility of spotting orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and herons.

The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest biologically rich areas, and whale sightings are guaranteed – if not, a free trip is offered.

Here’s what visitors can look forward to:

1. Orcas (killer whales), known for their impressive size and distinct black and white coloration.

2. Humpback whales, identifiable by their long pectoral fins and acrobatic breaching behavior.

3. Harbor porpoises, small and elusive marine mammals that are a common sight in the Salish Sea.

Tour Features and Amenities

This 3.5-hour wildlife and whale watching cruise departs from Pier 69, conveniently located near the iconic Pike Place Market and Space Needle.

An onboard naturalist guide educates passengers about the local wildlife and conservation efforts. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and binoculars can be rented to enhance the viewing experience.

Seats may be upgraded to window seats at check-in if available, providing unobstructed views of the stunning Salish Sea. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and passengers should exchange their vouchers at the ticket office before the tour departs.

Accessibility and Meeting Point

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all abilities to join the adventure.

The meeting point is at the ticket office, where guests will exchange their voucher before boarding the vessel. To find the meeting point, guests should walk down the breezeway near Pier 69, close to the iconic Pike Place Market and Space Needle.

Once there, the friendly staff will guide them through the check-in process. The tour’s accessibility and convenient meeting location ensure a seamless start to the wildlife viewing experience.

• Wheelchair accessible tour
• Meeting point at Pier 69 ticket office
• Exchange voucher before boarding

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback for the wildlife and whale watching cruise in Seattle. With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 91 reviews, the tour has been praised for its exceptional value and transportation. The wildlife sightings, including orcas, porpoises, and other marine life, have been a highlight, along with the knowledgeable onboard naturalist guides. Customers can also purchase professional photos of the wildlife seen during the tour.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.2/5
Transportation	4.7/5
Value for Money	4.1/5

The Salish Sea, where the tour takes place, is one of the world’s largest biologically rich areas, and the 97% whale sighting rating ensures a memorable experience for all guests.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the wildlife and whale watching cruise in Seattle is straightforward, with no upfront payment required. Travelers can simply reserve their spot and pay later.

The cruise also offers:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. The ability to pay later, eliminating the need for an upfront payment.
3. A guarantee of whale sightings, with a free trip offered if whales aren’t spotted.

This flexible booking policy and risk-free guarantee make it easy for visitors to plan their Seattle sightseeing adventure and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Salish Sea.

Cruise Duration and Schedule

Spanning a duration of 3.5 hours, the wildlife and whale watching cruise in Seattle provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. The tour departs from Pier 69, near iconic landmarks like the Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles, and herons, with a 97% whale sighting rate.

Cruise Duration	Departure Location	Guarantee	Cost
3.5 hours	Pier 69	Whale sightings guaranteed, free trip offered if missed	From $137.26 per person

Whether it’s spotting whales or learning from the onboard naturalist guide, this cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the Salish Sea’s rich biodiversity.

Onboard Naturalist Expertise

As guests embark on the wildlife and whale watching cruise in Seattle, they’re accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard naturalist guide. This expert educates passengers about the local marine life and conservation efforts in the Salish Sea.

The naturalist’s role includes:

1. Providing insights into the behaviors and habitats of the diverse wildlife, such as orcas, humpback whales, and harbor porpoises.

2. Explaining the ecological importance of the region and the efforts to protect this biologically rich area.

3. Answering questions and engaging guests to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the local ecosystem.

With the naturalist’s expertise, the cruise offers a truly informative and immersive wildlife viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Binoculars?

No, you don’t need to bring your own binoculars. The tour provides binoculars that can be rented onboard, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own equipment for the wildlife watching experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks onboard the wildlife watching cruise. However, food and drink options are also available for purchase on the vessel.

Is There an Outdoor Viewing Deck on the Cruise?

Yes, the cruise has an outdoor viewing deck where passengers can enjoy panoramic views and better spot wildlife. The deck provides an optimal vantage point to observe orcas, whales, and other marine life during the tour.

Can I Take Photos of the Wildlife During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos of the wildlife during the tour. The cruise offers an onboard naturalist guide who can provide tips on capturing the best shots, and there’s an outdoor viewing deck for unobstructed wildlife photography.

How Close Will the Boat Get to the Whales and Other Animals?

The boat will get reasonably close to the whales and other animals, though it won’t approach them too closely to avoid disturbing them. Guests can expect to see the wildlife from a safe and respectful distance during the cruise.

Recap

The Seattle: Half-Day Wildlife and Whale Watching Cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the Salish Sea’s captivating marine life. With a remarkable 97% whale sighting rate and informative naturalist guides, this 3.5-hour tour promises an enriching experience for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. Departing from Pier 69, this cruise is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

You can check if your dates are available here: