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The Best Whale Watching Tours on Orcas Island.

Since 1988, Deer Harbor Charters has been the locals' choice and trusted guide for unforgettable whale watching experiences from Orcas Island. Wild by nature. Guaranteed by us.

3-4 Hour Whale Watch

Join us for a narrated whale watching cruise and experience the thrill of spotting Orca (killer whales), humpback whales, and minke whales in the wild. These majestic marine mammals are a sight you’ll never forget!

Free Tour Photos, Bathroom, Blankets & Binoculars onboard. See Whales during our Peak Season or return again for free!

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Guaranteed Orca Whale Watch

This extended tour is designed to maximize your chances of encountering orca whales in the wild. More time on the water means higher likelihood on viewing Orca.

Free Tour Photos, Bathroom, Blankets & Binoculars Onboard. See Orca or Return for Free!

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Sunset Whale Watch

Experience the San Juan Islands during the most beautiful time of day. Our Sunset Whale Watch combines golden-hour light, calm evening waters, and the chance to see whales and other marine wildlife as the day winds down.

A relaxed, scenic, and unforgettable way to end your time on the water.

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The Deer Harbor Charters Difference.

We pride ourselves on honest, transparent service and thoughtful details that elevate every trip. From complimentary photos, blankets, and binoculars to our experienced local captains and naturalists, everything we do is designed with guest comfort and care in mind.

And with our Wild by nature. Guaranteed by us. promise, you can book with confidence—if whales aren’t seen on your tour, your next whale watching trip is on us.
See Whales, on Whale Watch Tours or come again

FOR FREE!
Free Tour Photos to Remember your adventure!

TOUR PHOTO PACKAGE
Free Use Binoculars and Blankets

ON EVERY TOUR
Where Local Passion Meets Professional Service

Professional Crew

Testimonials

"Fantastic experience!!!! 10/10! We followed a pod of orcas up into Canada and it was the most beautiful experiance. The Boat Was super clean and comfortable also they give you professional photos at the end, highly recommended!"

Nicolle Merrilyne

"We had a great outing with deer harbor charters! We saw a group of 8 orcas, eagles nests, and lots of harbor seals! The boat was comfortable and we were given blankets and binoculars to enhance the experience!"

Julia Larson

"Absolutely breathtaking! Super informative with whales in the area. We were lucky to see a few different pods. Very highly recommend and I plan on coming back!"

Nicole Barthel

FROM THE BLOG

Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Get On the Water
Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Get On the Water

Fresh Wildlife, Fewer Crowds, and Incredible Early-Season Encounters Spring is one of the most exciting — and often overlooked —...

Our Whale Watching Story
Our Whale Watching Story

Most people arrive on Orcas Island and feel an immediate sense of belonging. The island has an inexplicable way of...

Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Get On the Water
Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Get On the Water

Fresh Wildlife, Fewer Crowds, and Incredible Early-Season Encounters Spring is one of the most exciting — and often overlooked —...

Our Whale Watching Story
Our Whale Watching Story

Most people arrive on Orcas Island and feel an immediate sense of belonging. The island has an inexplicable way of...

Going The Extra Mile

Traveling with someone who has a disability or requires special assistance?

While our boats are not ADA accessible, we strive to accommodate everyone. If you're traveling with someone who has mental or physical needs, please give us a call. Many of our staff have experience working with individuals with special needs, and we'll do our best to ensure a comfortable experience. Our team is compassionate, patient, and dedicated to making it work.

While our boats are not ADA accessible, we strive to accommodate everyone. If you're traveling with someone who has mental or physical needs, please give us a call. Many of our staff have experience working with individuals with special needs, and we'll do our best to ensure a comfortable experience. Our team is compassionate, patient, and dedicated to making it work.

Weather & Wildlife
  • While we strive to provide the best experience, we cannot control the weather or wildlife sightings.
  • Trips may be postponed, canceled, delayed, or modified last minute. If the weather or other unforeseen circumstances causes a schedule change we will work with you as best we can to get you on our next availability.
  • While we strive to provide the best experience, we cannot control the weather or wildlife sightings.
  • Trips may be postponed, canceled, delayed, or modified last minute. If the weather or other unforeseen circumstances causes a schedule change we will work with you as best we can to get you on our next availability.
Whale Sightings Policy
  • We watch wild whales in their natural environment—that’s what makes every trip authentic and unforgettable. Whale movements are always up to nature, but our commitment to our guests is guaranteed.
  • We share the latest whale sightings before departure. If there are no active whale reports, guests may cancel or reschedule at no penalty.
  • During peak season (May 1 – September 30), if whales are not seen on your tour, you’ll receive a 1-year voucher to return on another whale watching trip at no charge.
  • During the shoulder season, guests are welcome to return if space allows, though a return voucher is not offered.
  • With a 95% whale sighting success rate during peak season, most trips deliver unforgettable encounters. On the rare days whales choose to stay elusive, we stand behind the experience—because what’s wild is up to nature, and what’s guaranteed is up to us.
  • We watch wild whales in their natural environment—that’s what makes every trip authentic and unforgettable. Whale movements are always up to nature, but our commitment to our guests is guaranteed.
  • We share the latest whale sightings before departure. If there are no active whale reports, guests may cancel or reschedule at no penalty.
  • During peak season (May 1 – September 30), if whales are not seen on your tour, you’ll receive a 1-year voucher to return on another whale watching trip at no charge.
  • During the shoulder season, guests are welcome to return if space allows, though a return voucher is not offered.
  • With a 95% whale sighting success rate during peak season, most trips deliver unforgettable encounters. On the rare days whales choose to stay elusive, we stand behind the experience—because what’s wild is up to nature, and what’s guaranteed is up to us.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We respectfully acknowledge that Orcas Island and the surrounding waters of the Salish Sea are the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Lummi, Samish, and other Indigenous Nations. These peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years, cultivating a deep connection to the land, sea, and the natural world. Their cultures, traditions, and knowledge continue to enrich this place today. We recognize the enduring relationship that the Indigenous peoples have with these lands and waters, and we honor their past, present, and future. As we live, work, and recreate in this beautiful area, we strive to show respect, gratitude, and responsibility for the environment and the communities that have stewarded it long before us.

LOOKING FOR A PRIVATE CHARTER?

Planning a group adventure to Orcas Island? Looking for something unforgettable? Give us a call—we’ve got the boat, you bring the fun!

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