Book Your Boat Cruise Adventure Today! Whales, Puffins, Lighthouses, Acadia, Lobster Fishing & More!
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
Whale watching, puffins, lighthouses, acadia national park & more, set sail for adventure.
- Most Popular
- Users All Ages
- Clock 3 - 5.5 hours
Whale Watch
An adventure to remember! Head offshore in search of whales while your guide educates you about the whales and other species of the Gulf of Maine.
- Clock 2 hours
Bar Harbor Nature Cruise
Join us for a spectacular nature cruise among the islands and shorelines of beautiful Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Take in breathtaking scenery, rugged maritime landscapes, and ocean teeming with wildlife.
- Clock 2.5 - 3 hours
Puffin & Lighthouse Cruise
Ride aboard state-of-the art catamarans with professional and knowledgeable naturalists and crew to see 3 island lighthouses! Spot puffins, razorbills, guillemonts, and common and Arctic terns!
- Clock 1.75 hours
Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching
Join us aboard the Miss Samantha, Maine’s largest lobster passenger boat! Watch our experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps, then head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks.
Sunset Nature Cruise
This evening trip is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park as the sun sets. Learn information about the environment, history, and culture of the area.
Lighthouse, Wildlife & Acadia National Park Cruise
Coming to Bar Harbor in late summer and fall? If yes, this is a boat cruise not to be missed! Join us as we explore the waters of Mount Desert Island and beyond to enjoy spectacular views of historic lighthouse, coastal islands, and Acadia National Park. This cruise can feature a variety of wildlife including harbor and grey seals, bald eagles, and seabirds.
- Clock 5 hours
Baker Island Tour
Travel aboard the M/V Miss Samantha 9 miles out from Bar Harbor, to visit one of the crown jewels of Acadia National Park. Explore the 130-acre island, Gilley family farmstead, and Baker Island Lighthouse.
Downeast Offshore Seabird & Lighthouse Cruise
An offshore boat cruise into the Gulf of Maine to see offshore species of seabirds and lighthouse stations!
Mid-Coast 16 Lighthouse Cruise
Cruise aboard a stable and comfortable jet-powered catamaran to view 16 lighthouses including two offshore stations- Mount Desert Rock & Matinicus Rock!
View amazing wildlife and the best natural and historical sites that Maine has to offer with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company!
WHALE CONSERVATION
We believe strongly in protecting the whales we love and the many we know as individuals and by name. Our captains, crews and naturalists are expertly trained and promote responsible whale watching and conservation efforts on our Bar Harbor tours.
WHALE GUARANTEE
If no whales are spotted on your whale watching cruise, your trip ticket(s) will serve as a “Rebook Voucher” to go out on another whale watch or any of our other available cruises within three (3) years.
GULF OF MAINE SPECIES
Learn more about the wildlife seen on our boat cruises!
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Get the details – Maps, Parking, Weather, What to Wear, Eat and Drink, and more.
RECENT SIGHTINGS
View and learn about the marvelous creatures we are seeing on our recent tours.
OUR VESSELS
Any sea voyage is only as good as its boat and crew. Learn about our fleet.
WHALE WATCHING CRUISES
Offshore adventures to see whales and other marine life in the Gulf of Maine!
LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES
Historic lighthouses, stunning coastal mansions, wildlife and Acadia National Park!
BAY CRUISES
View Acadia up close. A great fun-filled adventure for all!
LOBSTER FISHING & SEAL WATCHING
See and touch creatures from the ocean floor. A great trip for the whole family.
OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS!
The crew was fantastic and went out of their way to find whales. I highly recommend this excursion.
We enjoyed getting to see what came up with the traps and getting to hold a live lobster. It was a good length of a tour and I'd definitely recommend it for the kids or adults like me who are still kids at heart. The ship captain and naturalist were very friendly and great guides.
We booked a whale watching tour through this company. It was a great experience we saw several whales and porpoise and dolphins while on the tour. The crew and staff were great and they really took time to make our tour extra special. We highly recommend this company to all who want to experience an once in a lifetime experience.
During our adventure we saw seals, the infamous puffins, bald eagles along with many other critters as well. The crew were accommodating, professional, a little humorous, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend if you're up for a boat ride in the Bar Harbor area.
So fun! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, the boat had plenty of room to walk around and the captain did a great job making sure we could all see the landmarks they were pointing out. I’d go again!
Interesting history of Bar Harbor area coupled with eagles, hawks, cormorants, gannets and other sea birds. Good narration by our naturalist, Ruth, who was informative and interesting. Enjoyed the lighthouses and seeing the diverse harbors and island shores.
We loved both Captain Edwin and narrator Andy. Both were so gracious, clearly caring about everyone's comfort and involvement. The knowledge that both shared regarding the local seas, lobsters, crabs, seals, and landmarks was very interesting and informative. We caught a variety of sea life in the traps - lobster, crabs, and a sea cucumber. We spotted dozens of seals. The boat itself was stable, clean, and well maintained. It had flaps to protect from high winds and sea spray, but you are allowed to open the flaps as you want. I am someone who can get seasick easily, but I did not feel even the bit queasy. They do post a sign at the dock on the day of your tour that states the sea sickness level, so if it indicates a high level of sea sickness, you can take Dramamine or other in advance. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this tour and it was very interactive.
The boat is roomy, both inside ans out on the decks; staff friendly and knowledgeable. The sound system is nice and clear so all guests can hear what the naturalist is saying about the wildlife. And...oh...the whales!!! It was amazing, and I hope to do it again. Well worth the price.
On this once in a lifetime experience, we chose to go with this whale 🐋 watching 👀 tour There are many companies that offer varying tours, and this is the only one I've ever experienced, so can only speak about this one; nor do I have anything to compare it to. This experience was 100% as expected (and advertised) with zero surprises. The Captain, crew, ancillary staff,safety/security personnel and tour guide were all highly trained, knowledgeable, courteous, professional, & welcoming. It was just a fantastic overall 'refreshing' vibe. The scenery was nothing short of amazing, awe-inspiring, and magical. We saw EIGHT humpback whales!!! I am a seasoned world traveler, have visited numerous bucket list places, and have done literally hundreds of excursions through Trip Advisor and similar platforms. I 100%, would do this again if the opportunity presented itself. For others? I highly, highly recommend this experience. 👌
We went on the lighthouse tour and it was wonderful! The guide did a fabulous job informing us about lighthouses, history of the area and alerting us to wildlife. Highly recommend this tour!
The captain and crew went off their route to find interesting sights and sea life for our cruise. The Naturalist on board was knowledgeable and interesting. Highly recommend it!
We had a great experience with the Nature Cruise, we learned a lot about the area and saw some great scenic views! I highly recommend binoculars, you can rent some on the boat, but they’re limited. We got to see seals, porpoises, and a few bald eagles, which was really cool because I had never seen one before and they were what I wanted to see most! I definitely plan on going back again for more cruises!
Whale watching from Washington has never been better!
Since our very first tour in 1996, Island Adventures has had some truly spectacular encounters on the water. We can easily say, without hesitation, that whale watching in Washington has never been more exciting. With orcas, humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales being seen in record numbers, there's never been a better time to plan your "Island Adventure"!
Why choose Island Adventures?
At Island Adventures, we pride ourselves on being the most experienced and dedicated whale watching company in Washington. It's not a fluke that our tour has been voted the best in the Northwest for years. Island Adventures holds the industry's highest orca sighting success rate and was one of the first and only companies to guarantee whale sightings on every tour. Our team of highly qualified crew will make your trip unforgettable! We boast more than 100 years of combined experience and have led thousands excursions for hundreds of thousands of satisfied guests over the last 27 years. Experience counts!
- No Ferry Hassles!
- Locally Owned and Operated
- #1 Whale Sighting Success Rate
- Best Value in the Industry
- Professional Marine Naturalists
- Convenient Schedule and Locations
- 5 Star TripAdvisor Rating
- Onboard Hydrophones
- Online Daily Whale Reports
- State-of-the-Art Vessels
- Onboard AED’s
Whale and Wildlife Tour Location
Deciding where to watch whales in Washington can be difficult. Anacortes is strategically placed to offer the best whale viewing opportunities. There's no company that sees more whales than Island Adventures. As members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we have access to the best whale-sightings network in the world. If whales in the area, we know it. High-speed, low profile vessels often travel past whales without seeing them. Our elevated wheelhouses and upper decks allow us to find more whales, spot them sooner, and view them better than smaller boats.
Anacortes, Washington
4-5 hour tours, february 17 - november, 2024.
Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996. Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required! The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale-watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.
Specialty Tours
From private charters to our extended-range cruise, Island Adventures offers more than just guaranteed whale watching tours. Check below to see what's available!
Extended Range Tour
Experience a full day at sea on our 10-12 hour extended-range tour! This tour's duration enables us to travel deep into the western Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of massive groups of humpback whales. With the additional time on the water, we’ll have the opportunity to venture further than any of our other tours. If you’re used to watching whales in the San Juan Islands, this tour will leave you speechless!
Private Charters
We'll craft a custom adventure for your next family, company, or crew outing.
Island Adventures is known as the area's premier whale watching company, but we also offer private charters throughout the year. The Island Explorer 5 features a full walk around lower deck, two upper viewing decks, great sound systems, heated cabins, galley service, two restrooms, and the best crew in the area. Whether it is a whale watching tour, wedding, corporate team building event, or a family reunion, give us a call and we will help you set up an event your guests will never forget.
Online Tour Calendar
See when we're running tours and how many spaces are left!
Our state-of-the-art online booking system makes it easy to make reservations anywhere, at any time. You'll receive an immediate email confirmation with a receipt, driving directions, and a satellite image of your departure location. Reservations are highly recommended, but we'll gladly take walk-ups if space is available.
Tour Calendar Features
- Up-to-the-minute records of tour availability
- Immediate email confirmations
- Automatically applies the best discount possible
- Reservation system never sleeps – book a tour anytime from anywhere!
Meet the Most Comfortable Boat in the Area
Island explorer 5 was built specifically built for whale watching..
Our goal is to show you as many whales as possible, and with the Island Explorer 5 , we do that better than any other company. To ensure comfort and quality, we don't book our vessels to full capacity. Every passenger has unobstructed front-row viewing. You won't be stuck inside looking through glass or forced to stand behind other guests.
Due to the design and stability of our vessel, we don’t force you to to sit down while we’re underway. Grab a hot cup of chili or a cold local brew while moving freely around our fully walk-around viewing decks. When you’d like to sit, however, we have plenty of options for everyone. The Island Explorer 5 has comfortable indoor heated cabins and outdoor, wind-protected areas with padded seating. No other vessel comes close to the comfort of the Island Explorer 5 .
Some of the features that set us apart from the pack are things you’ll never see. Our vessel is equipped with large, low-noise propellers and above-water exhaust to create a quieter experience for the whales. While watching whales, our vessel make less noise than the ambient sound of rain hitting the surface. We’ve modernized our boat by investing in equipment that not only meets but exceeds current emissions standards.
Island Explorer 5
Whale guarantee, we guarantee whales on every whale watching tour..
If you do not see a whale (orca, minke, gray, or humpback) with us, you can come again for 50% off your next tour. It’s that simple.
- Species Covered: Bigg's killer whales, Southern Resident killer whales, humpback, minke, and/or gray whales
- Date Range: Year-Round
- Sighting Success Rate: Over 97% since 1996. Our Whale Report shows a detailed account of every tour. We rarely miss!
Where do we see whales?
We've integrated SPOT satellite technology to upload the precise GPS coordinates of the day's sightings to an interactive map on our website. As you'll see from the map, whales don't live in one spot. In fact, whales travel more than 100 miles in a 24 hour period! The Island Explorer 5 has the largest range in the area with the highest whale sighting success rate. It's a common misconception that small boats get closer to whales. Each vessel – regardless of size – is required to adhere to state and federal whale viewing laws. Large boats offer more stability, comfort, and added amenities (real bathrooms, onboard cafés, and much more). Our spacious vessel with multiple viewing decks offer an unparalleled photography platform that small boats simply cannot offer.
Our daily Whale Report is the most comprehensive record of whale sightings by a whale watch company in the industry. Every day, our professional naturalists record an account of the day and upload images. Check it out –– the Whale Report dates back to 2003!
Online Reservations
Make a reservation online with our secure system and receive an immediate email confirmation.
Whale Report
See what we've seen on the water. There's a detailed account from every tour since 2003!
Our Guarantee
We guarantee whales on every tour!
Prepare for your tour
It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. See our tips, suggestions, and frequently asked questions.
How to Prepare
Whales and Wildlife
Our goal is to share as much local wildlife, scenery, and history as possible on each and every tour.
Experience a Tour
See recent images from our tours!
15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go
- North America / Outdoors / USA
If you’re hoping to see whales, here are the best spots to visit.
Thar she blows! If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these massive and majestic creatures, there’s nothing quite like it. Before you go on your first trip, you need to know that whale watching can be a hit or miss, since there’s no guarantee you will see them in the wild. We’ve been on a handful of whale-watching tours and sometimes it feels a bit like fishing because there’s a lot of waiting involved.
If you want to go whale watching, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure your chances are optimal. We added some tips below to help you make the best of your experience.
This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.
Last Updated: September 20, 2023
− − Content Menu
- The Best Places to Whale Watch in the US
More Whale Watching Destinations in the US
- Whale Watching Season Inforgraphic
Essential Tips for Whale Watching in the US
More resources, 15 best places to whale watch in the us, 1. glacier bay, alaska.
What You Will See: Humpback, Minke, Orca and Blue Whales When To Go: June to August Where to Stay: Search for Nearby Hotels
Visit this beautiful bay to see humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and blue whales. Did you know the blue whale’s call can be heard in Japan from here?
2. Juneau, Alaska
What You Will See: Humpbacks and Orcas When To Go: April to November Where to Stay: Hotel Deals In Juneau
Get a look at humpback whales from the capital of Alaska, or hop on a boat to see orcas in the wild.
See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Seward Alaska
3. Kodiak Island, Alaska
What You Will See: Gray Whales | Fin and Humpback Whales When To Go: April, June to November Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Kodiak Island
Every April, Kodiak has a 10-day festival celebrating the return of Eastern Pacific gray whales to the area. In June, you will start to see fin and humpback whales and even catch a glimpse of minke and sei whales.
See More: 17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denali National Park Alaska
4. Big Sur, California →
What You Will See: Blue, Gray, and Humpback Whales When To Go: Year Round Where to Stay: Search Big Sur Hotels
This is one of our favorite places to visit on the West Coast, and if you keep your eye out on the ocean, you may spot a blue, gray, or humpback whale gliding by.
See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur
5. Monterey Bay, California →
What You Will See: Humpback, Blue, and Gray Whales When To Go: Year Round Where to Stay: The Best Monterey Bay Hotels
Depending on the time of year, you’ll find different types of whales in this area. April to December brings humpback and blue whales, while December to April brings the gray whales. You may even catch some killer whales in the area too.
See More: 15 Places in Monterey California You Can’t Miss
6. San Diego, California →
What You Will See: Gray, Blue, and Fin Whales When To Go: Mid-December to Mid-March, Mid-June to September Where to Stay: Hotel Deals in San Diego
You have plenty of choices to see the whales in San Diego. You can take a whale-watching tour like we did, or just head to the western overlook of Cabrillo National Monument. The peak time to see these massive whales is mid-January. Blue whales and fin whales can be spotted on whale-watching tours from mid-June to September. See our 8-hour tour here .
See More: Your Ultimate San Diego Bucket List
7. Santa Barbara, California
What You Will See: Gray, Blue, Minke, and Humpback Whales When To Go: February to Early April, May to September Where to Stay: Santa Barbara Hotel Deals
Over 27 types of whales and dolphins come through this area at any given time. Gray whales can be seen from February to early April, and you can visit from May to September to see blue whales, minke, and humpback.
8. Jacksonville, Florida
What You Will See: North Atlantic Right Whales When To Go: November to April Where to Stay: Search Jacksonville Hotels
The North Atlantic Right Whales are still fighting back from near extinction. If you’re lucky, you can spot these majestic animals in the winter months anywhere on the northeast coast of Florida between Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral.
9. Maui, Hawaii
What You Will See: Humpback Whales When To Go: December to April Where to Stay: Maui Hotel Deals
Although over 20 species of whales have been spotted in the area, the stars are the humpback whales. Nearly 3,000 whales come to mate here, and it’s one of the few places you can hear them serenading potential mates.
See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
What You Will See: Minke, Fin, and Humpback Whales When To Go: April to October Where to Stay: Search Cape Cod Hotels
The World Wildlife Fund has named Massachusetts one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. Many local companies claim a 99% whale-spotting success with seeing minke, fin, and humpback whales. That’s incredible!
11. Bar Harbor, Maine →
What You Will See: Fin, Minke, and Right Whales When To Go: Mid-April to October Where to Stay: Check Out Hotels in Bar Harbor
You can find these whales just 20 miles off the coast, enjoying the cool water and food.
See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Acadia National Park
12. Long Island, New York
What You Will See: Fin, Humpback, Minke, Sperm, North Atlantic Right, Blue, and Sei Whales When To Go: July to Early September Where to Stay: Search Long Island Hotels
From July to early September, you get an incredibly diverse set of whales in this area. It’s a great feeding ground for the whales. They can’t resist!
13. Virginia Beach, Virginia
What You Will See: Humpback Whales When To Go: December through March Where to Stay: Virginia Beach Hotel Deals
Humpback whales and occasionally fin whales can be spotted at Virginia Beach anytime between December and March. Once it gets warmer, you’ll be able to catch bottlenose dolphins playfully swimming by as well.
14. Depoe Bay, Oregon
What You Will See: Gray Whales When To Go: Mid-December to June Where to Stay: Depoe Bay Hotel Deals
Nearly 18,000 gray whales pass by the Oregon coast on their bi-yearly migration. You can visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Whale Watching Center on Depoe Bay to get a great view or join one of the whale-watching tours in the area.
See More: 101 Things to Do in Oregon State
15. San Juan Islands, Washington
What You Will See: Orcas, Gray, Minke, Humpback When To Go: Mid-April to Early-October Where to Stay: Search for Hotels in the San Juan Islands
With their largest island named Orcas Island, you can only hope to spot an orca.
Local Tip: If you’re curious about the island’s history, it was named after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo. Orcas is a shortened form of Horcasitas. But you do find orcas here as well!
- Cape May NJ (Finbacks, Humpbacks, Right, Mar-Dec)
- Dana Point CA
- Deception Pass State Park WA at Oak Harbor
- Gloucester MA / Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (May-Nov)
- Long Beach CA (Fin, Humpback, Minke, Orcas
- Kauai HI (Dec-May)
- Kohala Coast, Big Island HI (Humpback in Nov-early May, Sperm, Pilot, Pygmy Killer, Rare Beaked are Year Round)
- Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
- Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
- Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
- Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
- Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)
Whale Watching Season Infographic
- It’s also good to take an all-day tour versus one that’s a few hours so that you can travel farther out and have more opportunities to cross paths with them.
- From what we hear, chances of sightings are much higher in the early morning.
- Rainy weather isn’t bad. Sometimes it’s nice because it calms the ocean and you can see more.
- When the waves are high, it’s so hard to see any movement. Half the time I couldn’t tell if it was a wave or a fin.
- Bring a jacket. The temperature out on the water can get considerably colder. Here are our favorite travel jackets .
- Boats are required by federal law to stay at least 100 yards away from humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska waters, 200 yards from killer whales in Washington State inland waters, and 500 yards away from North Atlantic right whales anywhere in the U.S. waters. If you stop the boat, and the whale comes to you that’s fine, but you can’t pursue the whale any closer.
- This means you will want to bring your longest lens, preferably on a cropped body ( this is the lens we use ).
- If you’re bringing a lot of camera gear. You may want to bring your own dry bag. We’ve tried out a few, and so far these are our favorite .
- Don’t forget to bring this and this if you get seasick like me.
- Blue Planet Documentary
- Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
- Whales: An Illustrated Celebration
Have you been whale watching? If so, where? Which of these places would you like to visit?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.
This Post Has 4 Comments
Orcas Island It is easy to confuse the name of the whale (orca, lower case “o”) with the name of Orcas Island, but it is a good distinction to know. The ‘orca’ whale is part of the Latin scientific classification Orcinus orca, which translates as “belonging to Orcus” – Orcus was a Roman god of the netherworld, and this genus name is likely a reference to the hunting prowess of the killer whale. In Latin, orca translates “large-bellied pot or jar”, but orc- also refers to a whale.
The name of Orcas Island, on the other hand, came when Spanish explorers entered the area in 1792 and named the San Juan Islands after various Spanish and Mexican dignitaries. Orcas was a shortened version of Horcasitas, after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, the Viceroy of Mexico who sent an exploration expedition under Francisco de Eliza to the Pacific Northwest in 1791. Eliza used the name for the whole archipelago, but in 1847, mapmaker Henry Kellett assigned the name to Orcas Island during his reorganization of the British Admiralty charts.
That is good to know! Thanks for sharing, Becky :)
I’m more excited to go whale watching now.
Mildred, it’s incredible!
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