outer island excursions prices

• WHALE WATCHING
• CHARTER FISHING
• PRIVATE CHARTERS

OUTER ISLAND EXCURSIONS WHALE WATCHING

Outer Island Excursions offers its guests the chance to see whales or ride again free! We have one of the highest whale sighting rates due to our high-speed boats and experienced captains. We have highly-trained naturalists on board all of our trips. Buy One Get One Half Off a standard whale-watching tour. Use Promo Code BOGO when booking online (click here  to redeem) or call our office and mention the deal! 

Custom trips are also available. Call (360) 376-3711 to speak with our team of specialists who can help you plan the perfect trip for your group or family.

Scheduled Tours leave from the Islander Resort on Lopez Island on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day!

Outer Island Excursions - Anacortes

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OUTER ISLAND EXCURSIONS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Outer Island Excursions

Outer Island Excursions 2201 Skyline Way Anacortes, Washington 98221

Have you ever dreamed of seeing wild Orcas? Set out on a high-speed powerboat cruising through the dynamic scenery of the San Juan Islands to search for orcas, humpbacks, grays, and minke whales. In addition to whales, we also frequently encounter seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, eagles, and many sea birds. Outer Island Excursions is the premiere aquatic adventure tour company in the region, finding whales on over 95% of our tours for over a decade. We are so confident in our skills we even offer guaranteed sightings! Our closest location to Seattle is 90 minutes north in Anacortes at Skyline Marina (2201 Skyline Way Anacortes WA 98221). We are in the red roofed building on the first floor, parking is available in the gravel lot behind our office. We have two group/shared whale watching tours:

Whale & Orca Tour : look for Orcas, Humpbacks, Grays, & Minke Whales. Guaranteed Sightings: See a whale or an orca or come again for free! (any of the four whale species will satisfy this guarantee). We prioritize finding Orcas, which are our most frequent sighting. We have a 99% success rate on all whales, about 75% chance of seeing Orcas specifically. Daily departures from March to November.

Orca Only Tour : Focus on finding Orcas (Killer Whales). Guaranteed Orcas: See orcas or come again for free! (Only orcas will satisfy this guarantee) 98% success finding Orcas! Departures from May through September. If you ever do an article about birdwatching, we also have Birdwatching tours every other Friday in summer. Look for Tufted Puffins, Horned Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Ancient and Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Brown Pelicans, and a wide variety of other sea birds, gulls and shorebirds. We also offer custom private charters for any ocean activity or event: Island hopping, fishing & crabbing, birdwatching, lighthouse tours, weddings, memorials, corporate retreats, private whale and wildlife viewing... The possibilities are endless!

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Outer Island Excursions

Whale watching tours and private charters near Seattle. Guaranteed whales!!!! No ferry required!

Join Outer Island Excursions for a whale watching adventure. Climb aboard one of our high-speed vessels to explore the scenic San Juan Islands while searching for Humpbacks, Minke, Gray, and Orca Whales! Along the way we’ll encounter stunning scenery, seals, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and more! With experienced crew on board, these tours are great for friends and families alike.

With experienced Captains and Marine Naturalists, we find whales on over 95% of our trips. That’s how we can offer our whale guarantee with confidence. Our boats are some of the fastest whale watching boats in the region, equipped with indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, bathrooms, and plenty of room for everyone to get a great view.

Or try fishing with a private charter and catch Halibut, Ling Cod, Salmon, Dungeness Crab or Spot Shrimp. Lighthouse Tours are also available.

• Address 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA 98221
• Phone (360) 376-3711

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Exploring Nature’s Marvels: Outer Island Excursions

Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of the ocean, drawing you towards its mysteries? If so, then Outer Island Excursions might just be the perfect adventure for you. Nestled in the heart of breathtaking natural landscapes, Outer Island Excursions offers an unparalleled journey into the wild, where every moment is a new discovery waiting to unfold.  Home of guaranteed Whale Tours with over 98% success rate over the last ten years makes this a must-do tour when visiting La Conner!

Imagine setting sail on crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and untouched beaches. Outer Island Excursions takes you on a voyage through some of the most pristine marine environments, where dolphins playfully dance in the waves and seabirds soar overhead. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, there’s something for everyone to marvel at.

One of the highlights of Outer Island Excursions is the opportunity to encounter marine wildlife in their natural habitat. From majestic whales breaching the surface to curious seals basking in the sun, every encounter is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. The experienced guides at Outer Island Excursions are passionate about conservation and strive to educate visitors about the importance of preserving these precious habitats for future generations.

But the adventure doesn’t stop at sea. Outer Island Excursions also offers land-based excursions, where you can hike through ancient forests, explore hidden caves, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of remote islands. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adrenaline rush or a peaceful retreat into nature, there’s no shortage of wonders to behold.

For those craving a more intimate experience, Outer Island Excursions offers customizable tours tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with loved ones or embarking on a solo journey of self-discovery, the team at Outer Island Excursions will work with you to create memories that last a lifetime.

So why wait? Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Outer Island Excursions and discover the magic of the natural world like never before. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, Outer Island Excursions promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've collected the most frequently asked questions into a single repository for your convenience!

What whales will we see?

Chances of seeing each kind of whale.

Orcas (Killer Whales) can be seen in the San Juan's all year, and are the most frequently seen whales on all of our tours.

Humpback and Gray Whales migrate through the Salish Sea on their journey between colder feeding areas in the north in summer and warmer breeding areas in the south in winter.

Minke Whales can be seen here year round.

Whale Watching Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes! All of our vessels are equipped with a restroom.

How long are your tours?

Classic tours take between 3 and 5 hours. Most of these tours are 3 hours, but can occasionally run up to 5.

Orca Only specialty tour is 3 to 5 hours. Our goal is to spend 45-60 minutes with Orcas. Which means if the whales are close we are able to run a 3 hour tour, but if we have to go far we may take a full two hours to cruise one way to where the whales are.

It is best to plan for 5 hours just in case we need to run a longer tour.  ​Please don't schedule important reservations (ferry, plane, dinner, etc)  without an abundance of time.

When should we arrive?

Check in begins 30 minutes prior to departure for all of our regularly scheduled whale watching excursions.  We ask you to take a moment to review your departure location and predicted travel time the day prior to your trip. The only thing that is consistent about the traffic in this area is that it is inconsistent!  We cannot hold the boat for excessively late arrivals.

The  location of our ORCA ONLY tour has a gate that will only be open 60 minutes before the start time of your tour.

What should we wear?​

Layers!  The weather is temperate year round in the San Juan Islands, but our boats go very fast which will feel at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler on the water.  Having a sweatshirt or jacket is a great option.  Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important with the reflection of light off the water even on cloudy days.​

Where does the boat go? What route do we take?​

There is no set agenda or specific route that we follow.  Working with the Pacific Whale Watching Association means that we have access to the most up to date information on where whales have been spotted throughout the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands.  Paired with our extensive experience on the water of the Salish Sea and our knowledge of Orca pod movements we see whales on more than 95% of our trips.​  The whales in this area are not tagged and can swim more than 100 miles in a single day so we like having the flexibility to go anywhere!​

Do we need a passport if we go into Canadian waters?​

Nope! Our whales are "dual-citizens" and frequently swim between Canada and the US without paying any attention to our arbitrary lines. As commercial whale watching vessels we have the special privilege to come and go out of Canadian water as much as the whales do.  ​

What should we bring?​

Less is more!  The less you have to keep track of the easier it is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip.​ Binoculars and a camera are the only luxuries you might want to bring!​

Is there food served on board?​

We don't serve food onboard though we have light snacks available on some vessels during the summer months.  We don't recommend eating any large meals directly before or during a tour.  While our boats are very stable and seasickness is unlikely, the best way to avoid it is by focusing on the fun.  We recommend small snacks and water bottles instead.​

Is this tour appropriate for families with small children?​ ​

For our classic tours and all Anacortes tours, absolutely!  We take passengers of all ages.  While some small children are too young to understand exactly what they are viewing they very much enjoy the experience of being on the boat.  All passengers, regardless of age, need their own ticket.  ​

Our Orca Only tour from Orcas Island is suitable for guests 12 years and older, as the ride can sometimes be long and cold!

Why do I need "an abundance of time" for the Orcas or Lopez Island locations?​

Our Orcas Island and Anacortes locations for our Classic Tours are only about 20 minutes apart for our high speed vessels, so it really doesn't matter which port you go from with our company.

HOWEVER, the Washington State ferry takes over an hour between locations ( not including the 30-45 minutes you must arrive prior to your ferry sailing in order for them to honor your reservation, if you can get a reservation at all!)

The ferry to Orcas Island costs ~$50 per car and ~$16 per person , so if you are ONLY going to the island to go whale watching, the ferry is a significant additional cost that is completely unnecessary unless you want to spend more than a day on this beautiful island.

The ferries are also subject to frequent cancellations and delays due to not having enough staff to operate their vessels and other factors. If your ferry is delayed or cancelled your whale watching tickets are still subject to our cancellation policy.

Which departure time/location/date do we recommend?​ ​

Whales don't wear watches so we don't think that there's a "best" time, date, or place to see them.  We have the fastest boats in the fleet to get to the whales wherever they are on any given day. It's always beautiful out on the water so choose the time and location that works best for you and leave the whales to us!

Whales swim everywhere and anywhere in our waters, and are totally unpredictable. Orcas can (and do) swim over 100 miles in a day, so wherever they were seen one day is of no consequence to where they will be the next day.

How close can we get to the whales?​

​ We follow all local, state, and federal regulations while viewing wildlife. For most whales, guidelines stipulate that we view from approximately 100 yards away (200 yards for orcas, 400 yards for J, K, and L Pods during whale watching season). While there’s no rule about how close the whales can come to us, please plan for viewing from a respectful distance.

​Are whales bothered by the boats?

​We work closely with researchers and enforcement to develop guidelines that do not impact local wildlife. We travel at slow speeds around whales and view from respectful distances. Washington has the most conservative whale watching regulations in the world and we're happy to comply to set a good example for all vessels.  By being a member of the PWWA, we are contributing our knowledge and observations to the shared research base and developing better regulations all the time.  We frequently observe whales feeding, mating, and even sleeping; which is an indicator that our presence does not change their natural behavior.

What's your cancellation policy?​

You can change your tour date, time, or location up to  72 hours in advance of your departure date.  If a cancellation is made more than 72 hours in advance there is a 25% cancellation fee but we can refund 75% of your purchase price.  We do not make any changes, updates, or cancellations​ within the 72 hours before departure. Once we are within 72 hours, if you cancel you will not be refunded unless we are able to resell your tickets. Call us ASAP if you want to try this option, but there is no guarantee we will be able to find an interested party to take your spots.

What happens if it is rainy or cloudy?​

We operate our tours in almost all weather conditions. The whales don't mind if the weather isn’t perfect, and neither do we.  As residents of the Pacific Northwest we expect to encounter some rain and our vessels offer great protection from the elements. The only conditions that would cause us to cancel a tour would be severe weather.​

Will seasickness be an issue? ​

Guests typically do not experience seasickness on our tours. Our vessels are very stable and the shelter of the many islands creates a calm environment on most days. If a person is very prone to motion sickness we suggest taking a non-drowsy Dramamine or Bonine the night before and the morning of the tour. ​

Are pets allowed on board? ​

No.  Pets of any kind, size, or weight are not allowed on our shared tours. While we can accommodate service animals we do not recommend our classic tours for those guests needing service animal support. ​If you would like to bring your pet you can always book a private charter.

Kayaking Frequently Asked Questions

Our  Point Doughty tours are 3 Hours Long

Our Sucia Island tours begin at 9 and return on our 3:30 Ferry. Actual paddling time is between 5 and 6 hours

Our Sunset Tours are 2 hours long  ​

Check in begins 30 minutes prior to departure for all of our regularly scheduled excursions.  We ask you to take a moment to review your departure location and predicted travel time  the day prior to your trip. We cannot hold the tour for late arrivals.  

All Kayak tours begin on Orcas Island.  If you are not staying on Orcas Island you must have a ferry reservation to get here.

Layers!  The weather is temperate year round in the San Juan Islands, but you will be paddling so you may get warmer as the tour continues.  Having a sweatshirt or jacket is a great option.  Sunglasses are also a great idea.​

Remember to have shoes that can get wet.  We launch from the shore and guests will be in ankle deep water

Less is more!  The less you have to keep track the easier it is to paddle and enjoy the trip. 

Point Doughty tours should bring water and a light snack (like a granola bar)

Sucia Island tours need to bring water and lunch - enough to sustain them for the full day  ​​

Is this tour appropriate for families with small children?​

The Point Doughty and Sunset tour have a minimum age of 8 years

The Sucia Island tour has a minimum age of 13 years

Which departure time/location/date do we recommend?​

Whatever works best for your group.  There is no "Best" time to go paddling

We offer changes, updates, and cancellations on our tours as long as they are more than 72 hours in advance of your departure date.  If a cancellation is made more than 72 hours in advance we are happy to refund 75% of your purchase price.  We do not make any changes, updates, or cancellations​ within the 72 before departure. 

Will we see whales?​

It's incredibly unlikely, and typically happens only a few times each year. If you do you are exceptionally lucky!

What will we see on our tours?​

We typically encounter harbor seals, river otters, minks, sea stars, peregrine falcons, harbor porpoises, bald eagles, and tons of sea birds - not to mention the stunning scenery.​

Can we bring a dog?

No.  Our kayak tours are not suited for dogs of any size or age.​

Sucia Island FAQs

Sucia Island Kayak Tours and water taxis depart from our location at Brandt's Landing Marina, Eastsound WA 98245

Sucia Island Day Trips and water taxis depart from Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225

The ride to/from Sucia Island typically takes 20 minutes from Orcas Island 

The ride to/from Sucia Island typically takes 1 hour from Bellingham

​The Outer Island Office has NO information about availability on the island of campsites or water.  Please contact the Washington State Parks for more details.

No provisions are available on Sucia Island.  You must bring what you need with you.  ​​

Each passenger is allotted a single large bag. Contact us if you are bringing large coolers, camping equipment, or any other recreational equipment.

Kayaks:  Be extremely cautious when kayaking at Sucia Island. It is critical to know how to read the nautical charts and the tide current charts as well as have accurate and up to date weather reports. Tide rips and sudden gusty winds can come up quickly and surprise you.  There are no rescue services on the island.  Any guests concerned about kayaking should instead join our Full Day Sucia Kayak Tour 

Kayak Rentals are available through Outer Island.  Kayakers cannot paddle alone. Reservations are required.

E-bike rentals are available through Outer Island.  Reservations are required. No charging stations are available on Sucia Island.

Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. The park has 60 standard campsites, four reservable group camps, four picnic shelters, potable drinking water at Fossil Bay early April through September, Echo Bay and Shallow Bay May through September and composting toilets.

Dogs are welcome on Sucia on private water taxis. They must be leashed and well behaved during transport.

Cell phone coverage is spotty on the island.  Please plan accordingly. 

Washington State Parks maintains 10 miles of hiking trails on the island which makes Sucia Island very friendly and appropriate for those seeking a land focused exploration.

General Frequently Asked Questions

What's your cancellation policy? ​​​ ​

We have a 25% non-refundable deposit/cancellation fee. Your trip is transferable until 72hrs before your departure. No-shows will be charged in full.

Outer Island Excursions may cancel trips due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, you will be refunded in full.

If you do have to cancel within 72 hrs of departure, you will be charged 100%, unless we are able to resell your tickets.

Please remember that if you need to cancel or reschedule the activity for any reason, you can call (360)376-3711 or email at [email protected] . ​

What boat will we be on? ​

We won't assign the boat until your departure.  With 11 different vessels we adjust each departure to work with the the number of passengers who have signed up.  We do not assign boats ahead of departure.​​

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Shore Excursion Details

Spectacular outer islands, alesund, norway.

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• 3 hrs Estimate Duration

The community of Giske consists of several islands of which you’ll visit two - Giske and Godoy Islands. Today, the inhabitants have ferry-free connection with the town of Alesund and the mainland. Giske is known as the Saga Island because the Viking Chieftain Rollo was born here. You’ll travel via bridges and undersea-tunnels to reach this fairly flat and fertile island. Then, visit the Giske Church dating back to 1150, it was originally a chapel that belonged to the powerful Giske family.

Continue to Godoy Island and the small fishing village of Alnes facing the open sea. Here, you’ll have the option to visit the lighthouse, if you feel able to climb the stairs to the top. On clear days, the view of the ocean and the many islands is fantastic, a great memory to take back home.

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Scenic & City Tours

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• 3 Challenging