Broadly speaking, the most reliable window runs from late spring through early fall, with some important nuances:

• Late May–June:
  A strong shoulder-season sweet spot. Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and increasingly active marine life. This is often one of the most pleasant times to be on the water.
• July–August:
  Peak season. This is when most people visit, and when you’ll see the highest number of tours operating. Wildlife activity can still be good, but crowds, ferry congestion, and pricing are at their worst.
• September:
  One of my favorite months for patient travelers. Humpbacks are often still present, the islands quiet down, and logistics become noticeably easier. Weather can be variable, but the tradeoff is a calmer experience.

What I want to be very clear about: there is no single “best week” for orcas. 

This is very similar to planning wildlife-focused expedition travel elsewhere — whether it’s Alaska or Antarctica, the best experiences come from understanding seasonal patterns, not chasing guarantees.

Orcas

Transient (also known as "Bigg’s") orcas move through the region more regularly, but sightings are still never something to count on.

Southern Resident orcas are the most famous and the least predictable. In recent years, their appearances are less and less frequent, as they fight to find reliable sources of salmon. The Southern Residents are a protected species, so encounters are often brief and respectful by design.

Humpback Whales

Humpbacks have made a strong comeback and are now the most reliable whale species in the area during certain seasons. These sightings often last longer and can be more engaging than people expect.

steller sea lions

Massive, loud, and impossible to ignore, Steller sea lions are the giants of the sea lion world. They’re often seen hauled out on rocky shorelines or moving through the channels in surprisingly agile groups. While they don’t get the same attention as whales, they’re a powerful reminder that the San Juans are part of a much bigger, very active marine ecosystem.

the Ecosystem

Harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and seabirds are part of the daily landscape here — and often overlooked in the singular pursuit of orcas.

If you measure the experience only by one species, you miss a lot of what makes this place special.

Boat Tours

Boat tours offer range and context. You’re with naturalists, covering more water, and learning as you go. The tradeoff is distance — strict regulations mean whales may feel far away, and weather always has a say.

Land-Based Viewing

Land-based whale watching is quieter, slower, and surprisingly powerful when timed right. It doesn’t disturb wildlife, and it rewards patience. It’s not dramatic, but it’s deeply satisfying for the right traveler... and the most dedicated, enthusiastic locals.

Don't underestimate the complexity of transportation to/from and in between the San Juan Islands. It's a common mistake.

Ferries are limited and often canceled or rescheduled due to mechanical issues. Missing one can unravel an entire day, resulting in missed tours. Staying on the “wrong” island can also ruin your trip.

Always allow for:

• buffer time
• early starts
• flexibility 

Photo by Bryan Hanson on Unsplash 

The San Juan Islands are one of the most tightly regulated whale watching regions in the world, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Responsible operators:

• maintain strict distance guidelines
• adhere to speed and safety guidelines
• focus on education of travelers

I approach whale watching here the same way I do in Alaska or polar regions: if it could compromise animal welfare, it’s not worth doing.

Some of my personal favorite operators include: Island Adventures and Maya's Legacy