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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.
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.
Guaranteed Whales. Guaranteed Wild.
Guaranteed Whales. Guaranteed Wild.
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.
Planning a group adventure to Orcas Island? Looking for something unforgettable? Give us a call—we’ve got the boat, you bring the fun!
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.
At Deer Harbor Charters, we believe great wildlife experiences start with honesty, respect, and local knowledge. Since 1988, we’ve focused on small-group tours led by experienced captains and naturalists who know these waters inside and out.
We’re transparent about sightings before you ever step onboard, responsible in how we view wildlife, and committed to giving guests the best possible experience on the water—whether that’s a breathtaking whale encounter or a beautiful day exploring the San Juan Islands.
No hype. No pressure. Just real wildlife, real expertise, and unforgettable time on the water.
Wild by nature. Guaranteed by us.