There is a marine toilet on board but I strongly encourage you to use the restroom before boarding so we are not interrupting the tour.
***Please use the RESTROOM — BEFORE — you come to the boat. There are Public Restrooms at the end of Seafarers Way in a small building with a blue roof.*** Arrival time is 15 minutes before the tour starts so that we can take care of the safety briefing before the start of the tour.
How big is the boat?
The Spirit of Orca is a 26′ Striper, that is fast and economical. I take a max of six passengers so there is plenty of room and no struggling to see the whales.
Do you have Life Preservers?
Life Preservers are onboard for all passengers in case of an emergency. Children 12 and under must wear life jackets for duration of tour which are provided. This is in compliance with state and federal law.
About Your Tour
Can I bring Marijuana?
The short answer is NO.
Cannabis is legal in Washington and Canada. However, it is not lawful to take Cannabis in any form across the border. On occasion, we are routinely stopped and spot-checked by RCMPs and Border Patrol, US Immigration Customs Enforcement-(ICE), and the USCG.
We frequently cross over to see whales. We may start viewing a pod in the USA, but then they cross into Canada as we are viewing the whales or vice-versa.
What should I bring?
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Snacks or lunch
Rain gear if the weather dictates it.
A jacket or water repellent windbreaker
(dress in layers)
Spring, Fall, and Winter dress warmer as needed
Wear Tennis Shoes or similar
Camera (300mm lens recommended)
Please NO Smoking & NO Alcoholic Beverages
Your personal ID of some form is recommended.
Why don’t you view other wildlife on your tours?
We do. Watching killer whales (when they’re around) is only a small part of each tour. Our captains and naturalists—many of whom are marine scientists and educators—show our guests as much diversity as possible to help them appreciate how interconnected life is within this ecosystem. In addition to killer whales, we can see humpback, minke and grey whales; porpoise, seals and sea lions; river and sea otters; and an astounding variety of coastal birds. We’ll even stop to talk about the ecological significance of kelp forests and food-fish bait balls. We consider our boats to be classrooms on the water!
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Will I get seasick?
We operate on the Salish Sea in and around the San Juan Islands and British Columbia Gulf Islands. These waters are protected unlike the open ocean where people are much more susceptible to sea sickness from motion of the ocean swells. That said, on rare occasion I do have someone who is ultra sensitive to motion sickness. If you get car sick I would suggest talking with your doctor about taking medication to prevent motion sickness.
Should I go on a morning or afternoon tour?
This has more to do with you and how it fits in with your schedule or plans while you are in Friday harbor. The whales are not on a set schedule and no whale watching tour is ever the same, we often see different animals each time we go out.
When should I come see the Whales?
We have tours with the whales all year long. Most people come here during the warmer months, May through October. Naturally the whales come and go when and where they choose as they are wild creatures.
Will I be close to the whales?
We know you want to see the whales up close and personal. We want you to see and enjoy the whales too. However, keep in mind that we are viewing wild animals in their environment and we need to respect them, protect them and not interfere with their behavior.
We follow strict guidelines and legal requirements when we are near the whales. We will not approach the Killer Whales within 200 yards in compliance with Federal and State Laws. I am confident this will be a great experience for you to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Regulations and Laws
Are boats allowed to park in the path of whales?
Absolutely not. All vessels, even kayaks, are forbidden to knowingly park in the path of whales. If you see a commercial boat deliberately doing that, we’d like to hear about it.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Are there any rules about speed around the whales?
Moving slowly keeps noise to a minimum, which is why the guidelines also govern the speed of vessels approaching and near the whales. Recent studies have shown that vessel speed is the biggest contributor to noise disturbance. Based on this new information and advised by acoustic experts, the PWWA adjusted its guidelines in winter 2018 to expand the go-slow (7 knots) zone to a one-kilometer (0.62-mile) radius around the whales.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Why do boats often seem closer than that?
Accurately estimating distance over water is challenging for an untrained eye, whether you’re watching from another boat or from shore. It’s a well-known phenomenon—known as foreshortening—where objects appear to be much closer to each other than they actually are. Our captains are experienced at estimating distances on water and routinely overcorrect to remove any doubt. Some of our captains also use radar and laser range-finders to ensure they’re at the required distance from the whales.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
What do the guidelines say about distance from the whales?
In Canada, current guidelines say that all vessels—including commercial whale watchers, recreational boaters and kayakers—must stay at least 200 metres away from killer whales (200 yards in the US) and 100 metres (100 yards in the US) away from other marine mammals.
How are the Guidelines Enforced?
Maintaining the highest standards for responsible wildlife viewing is critically important to the PWWA. By joining the PWWA, operators agree to abide by the viewing guidelines and act as positive representatives for the industry. Every member has a strong vested interest in ensuring that compliance is industry-wide. Any violations are immediately addressed, and compliance is reviewed at regular captain meetings that include representatives from two official enforcement agencies—Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What are the Guidelines?
The guidelines describe best practices for minimizing underwater noise; establishing distance, speed limit and sonar restrictions; creating clear corridors for the whales to travel; and limiting boat numbers and time spent on scene. All members of the PWWA must adhere to these guidelines, which also apply to any small recreational vessel. Learn more at-https://www.pacificwhalewatchassociation.com/guidelines/
Is the Whale Watching Industry Regulated?
In the mid-1990s, the industry was instrumental in creating a set of strict viewing guidelines that are now used as a model for sustainable practices worldwide. These guidelines were created in cooperation with government agencies and NGOs in Canada and the United States and are regularly modified to reflect the newest and best available science recommendations.
About Whales
How can I help the whales?
We love to get this question! Please go to the website of the Center for Whale Research, which has loads of information on the whales and what you can do. The whales need our help now, more than ever!
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
How does whale watching help the whales?
All members of the PWWA share a passion for the Salish Sea and its wildlife and are deeply committed to protecting it for future generations. PWWA operators regularly support salmon restoration projects and participate in community outreach activities related to whale and marine conservation.
We routinely contribute to whale research, both financially and by sharing valuable sighting information collected on the water with government agencies and research organizations. We’re often the first to spot problems on the water, such as whale entanglements, and serve as a caution sign around the whales, signaling private boaters to slow down.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
What is the whale watching industry doing to reduce sound disturbance?
Science shows that speed is the biggest indicator of noise disturbance, so PWWA has recently strengthened the guidelines to slow down our vessels at a greater distance from the whales. While near the whales, operators shut off their engines as much as possible. They also limit their time with the whales, especially when they’re foraging. Recently, a number of operators have had their boats acoustically tested to see what modifications can be made to further reduce underwater sound. Our operators are always looking for new ways to minimize their impact on whales and other wildlife in the Salish Sea.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Isn’t whale watching one reason the southern resident killer whales are endangered?
There’s no evidence that whale watching is a significant factor in their decline. If that were the case, transient killer whales wouldn’t be doing so well in the same environment. Scientific studies on stress hormones in the southern residents show that when there’s sufficient food, boat noise and disturbance have a low effect. But when chinook salmon are scarce, as they are now year after year, and the whales have to work longer and harder to find what little food there is, any noise disturbance undoubtedly has a greater effect.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Why are the Southern Resident Killer Whales endangered?
Although there are many reasons, scientific evidence links increased whale mortality to periods of low chinook (king) salmon abundance. Chinook salmon makes up at least 80 percent of their diet. In the last 35 years, chinook numbers in the Salish Sea have declined by 90 percent, mainly due to human activity.
NOAA is responsible for bringing back the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the endangered Chinook Salmon, and it is my opinion they have been failing to do their job.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Some reports say killer whale populations are booming, others say they’re endangered. Which is it?
There are two very separate populations of killer whales, or orca, that we see in the Salish Sea. In recent years, we’ve had record sightings of transient or Bigg’s killer whales, which eat marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and porpoises. This population is thriving.
Based on annual census data from the Center for Whale Research, the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population has been declining since 1995 and is showing no sign of recovery. As of mid-2018, there were only 74 whales left in this iconic population.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Wouldn’t it be best to leave the killer whales alone?
For anyone who loves whales—including us—it’s tempting to think this. But in today’s world it’s not realistic or advisable. The marine environment is under siege from many directions and as human populations continue to increase these pressures will intensify. As whale watch operators, we’re in a unique position to educate the public about multiple issues impacting this rich but fragile ecosystem. Awareness is the first step to solutions. Inspiring and empowering people to protect the ocean through responsible wildlife viewing is at the heart of PWWA’s conservation mission.
For detailed info about our sentinel role please read further at https://www.pacificwhalewatchassociation.com/2021report
Why are boats allowed to herd the whales into shore?
We can see how it might sometimes look that way, especially from land. But as any seasoned whale observer will tell you, wild whales do what they want, when they want. Viewing them as we do at the surface, we often forget that more than 95 percent of their lives take place in a multi-dimensional realm out of our sight. If the whales are close to shore it’s because they choose to be. They can (and do!) easily move offshore when they want, while boats are present.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Why do I sometimes see boats right next to whales?
Whales are wild animals and they don’t know the rules. If the whales turn toward a boat, the captain makes every reasonable effort to slowly back up out of their way. If a whale unexpectedly surfaces near a boat—as sometimes happens—the engine is turned off or put into neutral, if safe to do so, until the whale has passed.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Why are there so many boats around the whales?
As ecotourism increases in popularity in the Salish Sea, this has been an ongoing topic of discussion within the PWWA. We always strive for a balance between minimizing our impact on the whales and providing an enriching and enjoyable wildlife experience for all. But ultimately, the welfare of the whales takes precedence. That’s why in the winter of 2018, PWWA placed limits on the number of commercial boats on scene, and on the length of time, a boat spends on scene. Our captains work hard to coordinate arrivals and departures and spend a large portion of their tours looking at other wildlife.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Why do whale watching boats seem to chase the whales?
We can understand why this perception would be upsetting. But it’s not the reality. Our guidelines state that boats must slowly approach and parallel the whales at the required distance or more. This is why you may see a line of boats set off at a distance beside the whales. There are strict rules against pursuing the whales from behind or “leap-frogging” up in front of them. Departures must also be at the prescribed slow speed.
Answer provided by Pacific Whale Watch Association website.
Cancellation Policy
What if it rains?
We do not cancel for rain in itself. However, if high winds and heavy seas are preventing us from going out, then we do cancel and refund 100% back to you. If I have openings for another tour, we would happily reschedule your tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
Customers will receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances by Spirit of Orca. Cancellation refunds are available on regular reservations with 72 hours or more notice if you need to cancel. Cancellations with less than 72 hours but more than 24 hours will be refunded 50%. There is no refund for cancellations less than 24 hours before departure or for no-shows.
Being present at the vessel 15 minutes before departure time is VERY IMPORTANT. If you are late, it does affect the quality of the tour, with less time to spend with the animals. Please be early.
