Watch orcas in the Salish Sea, one of the world's premier killer whale destinations straddling the USA and Canada. Two kinds of orca appear here: the endangered fish-eating Southern Residents and the seal-hunting Bigg's (transient) orcas now seen almost daily, watched from boats out of Friday Harbor, Victoria and Vancouver or from shore at Lime Kiln Point. They are around much of the year, best from May to September.
Watch orcas in the Salish Sea, one of the world's premier killer whale destinations straddling the USA and Canada. Two kinds of orca appear here: the endangered fish-eating Southern Residents and the seal-hunting Bigg's (transient) orcas now seen almost daily, watched from boats out of Friday Harbor, Victoria and Vancouver or from shore at Lime Kiln Point. They are around much of the year, best from May to September.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Salish Sea, San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island (USA / Canada). Best months: June, July, August.
May to September is peak, when salmon runs and calm seas bring orcas close; Bigg's orcas are now seen year-round, often almost daily in summer.
Since January 2025, Washington law requires vessels to stay 1,000 yards from endangered Southern Resident orcas and 200 yards from Bigg's orcas, so viewing is from a respectful distance.
Southern Residents eat salmon and are critically endangered and scarce, while Bigg's (transient) orcas hunt seals and sea lions and are increasingly common, so most sightings today are Bigg's.
A half-day boat tour from the San Juan Islands runs about 3 hours and costs around US$125 to US$135 per adult (2026 prices).
