Humpback, Orca & Minke Whale Tours from Anacortes
5–6 hour tours October 6 – November, 2008
As the summer starts to fade into fall, many whale watching companies call it quits and prepare to hibernate for the winter. Not us! By October our momentum is strong as our crew gets pumped up for the next big round of whale watching.
It would be crazy to call it a season just as the “big guys” were showing up.
By “big guys” we mean Humpback whales, the massive baleen whales that have helped make Maui so famous. The great herd of North Pacific Humpbacks is recovering wonderfully from the horror of the old whaling days. As their numbers grow they are returning to the old haunts here in the Puget Sound Basin. They often reach over 50’ in length and weigh over 30 tons. In other words....big guys. Their pectoral fins are as long as many recreational boats!
This is also the time of year when chances are highest to see all four types of whales on one tour (orca, minke, humpback, and gray)! The resident and/or transient orcas are in the area on most days, minke whales are still feeding on the banks in the strait, and even a few gray whales makes their way back in to the sound on their southerly migration to Baja. Also in the fall, we’re seeing the huge Steller sea lions on a regular basis again (they fall, winter, and spring here from September to May), harbor seals, porpoises, and many types of seabirds now in winter plumage – all make for great photo opportunities!
Don’t worry about the weather this time of year; the Island Explorer 3 is the perfect boat for a northwest fall day on the water with her spacious heated salon, large picture windows throughout the cabin, and many amenities for your comfort.
Our Humpback, Orca & Minke Whale Tours depart from Anacortes. View a map and get directions to this location.
Free with each tour…
With each tour you’ll receive:
- a FREE Wildlife Viewing Guide
- FREE use of our binoculars onboard
- a FREE color calendar poster (after your tour)
- a FREE orca antennae topper (with each parking pass)
Take a look to see what food, drinks and amenities we have available on board.
October 6 – November
Saturday, Sunday and limited weekday departures at 11:00 am. Please call for departure locations in November.
Prices
| $69 | Adults |
| $64 | Discounts—seniors over 65, military, groups of 10+, AAA, students |
| $49 | Children ages 3–12 |
| FREE | Children under 3 |
Tour Disclaimers
- Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ups are welcome when space is available.
- Island Adventures runs the longest and most convenient schedule in the whale watching business. Due to seasonal variations of our trip departures, we recommend that you call to confirm the schedule and to make a reservation. Our spring/fall season schedule will sometimes vary according to demand, inclement weather, or private charter bookings. During peak season, scheduled departures often fill early.
- Prices do not include Washington State sales tax, a fuel surcharge of $2-$5, and parking fee of $5 per vehicle.
- We reserve the right to substitute vessels/equipment and add or cancel cruises. 24 hour notice is required on all cancellations or rescheduling. 48 hours notice is required for groups of 10 or more. 10 days notice is required for canceling private group charters.
- Island Adventures is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal property onboard any of our tours.