puget sound express

My husband and I did the Port Townsend – San Juan Island Whale Watching Tour in mid-September of 2014. It’s a full day on the water that includes two hours mid-day in San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor. We really enjoyed the tour and are so glad we went. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the captain went out of his way to find Orcas. In the end, we got to see one Orca pod, a Minke whale, some small porpoises and seals, as well as many sea lions and birds.A few things to keep in mind for the best experience: > Take binoculars. The resident orcas that migrate to the San Juan Islands are classified as an endangered species, so there are a lot of rules that all commercial whale watching companies in the area must follow. This includes keeping the boat at least 200 yards from the whales and not staying too long. It’s a great idea for each person to take binoculars to get the best view. My husband and I shared one pair of binoculars but wished we each had our own.> Wear warm layers. The water is only about 50 degrees and the air is cold even during the warmest months. On the tour, we had the option to stay inside the large and warm cabin, or to stand outside in the chilly air. We could see so much more while standing outside and were glad we had worn several layers, gloves, and hats. It was 80 degrees and sunny in Friday Harbor, however, so we peeled off most of the layers and shoved them in a backpack for our 2 hour break.> Pack refreshments. Food and drinks are available for purchase on the boat and of course in Friday Harbor. We found it more convenient and cheaper to bring a couple of water bottles and a few snacks like granola bars.The boat itself was in great condition and easy to move around in. It was full, though, with about 40 of us onboard. Puget Sound Express had maps and wildlife facts on each table, which was really quite handy. Despite not getting to spend as much time seeing whales as I hoped, this tour was well worth the money and time and I’d go again. It was fun to be out on the boat, we got to see a lot of wildlife, and got a quick look at Friday Harbor.

If you are looking for an activity over the holidays you do not want to miss the Puget Sound Express Christmas Cruise to Seattle. The ride to Seattle is exciting and fun and when you get the harbor the Christmas lights are spectacular. It is quite a sight and experience, one you will not forget.

Puget Sound Express and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center collaborated to host a three day, two night cruise through the San Juan Islands. Our overnight accommodations at Roche Harbor were excellent, very high end for the price. It was the end of summer season, so several dining choices were already closed, but the McMillan Restaurant had an excellent menu, reasonably priced, with great service. But, the stars of this trip were the orcas, both resident and transient pods, the humpback whales, porpoise, harbor seals, and incredible flocks of migrating sea birds. Food aboard the "Glacier Spirit" was fresh and tasty, served up by Sherry while her husband Pete drove the boat. This family business is truly one of a kind. We left feeling like we'd had a luxury outing with good friends, not a commercial venture.

We had high hopes for this excursion, but we were terribly disappointed. This trip should be called "Lunch in Friday Harbor with little time spent whale watching". In the 8 hours, we saw one whale (from quite a distance) for a grand total of 3-5 minutes. The captain didn't try very hard to search other areas. And keep in mind one thing....you are going to be around the same people ALL DAY. So if there are screaming, crying children on board (such as we endured) , this trip will feel like a lifetime. When we were walking back to our car, we spoke to a woman who lived in that area and had taken this trip 3 times and had never seen any orcas. What a waste of our time and money.

My name is Adie and I would like to thank the amazing crew that attended to us yesterday on our trip to Friday Harbor. My daughter and I had an amazing time that we will never forget. My daughter is 11 years old and will have this amazing experience to share with her friends and family for years to come. We were so honored to be able to view a transit pod of whales near the San Juan Islands and many other sea mammals on our amazing cruise yesterday. Thanks for making my daughters birthday and amazing and memorable one. This business is and amazing family run organization that really loves what they do and their clients.

Pete and Sherri operate a quality, family-owned operation. They are professional and courteous. This time we saw a couple of humpbacked whales. Looking forward to a return visit.

Every staff person we met was happy and helpful. We saw Orcas on both legs of our trip. We used the boat to get up to Friday Harbor instead of fighting ferry traffic on a holiday weekend. Worked great for us.

I live in port Townsend and was hosting two of my oldest friends (longest known) for a week. We had a blast on the Glacier Spirit with Rob as our very informative Captain. We saw whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and other water fowl. I was completely awestruck by the whales. It was an emotional experience for me and my friends. From start to finish, Trevor took care of all of our needs from coffee to the amazing blueberry buckle. I highly recommend this experience.

We went out with PS Express on 8/29/14 and they showed us a lovely time. My 97-yr young grandmother was with us and they were wonderful at making sure she boarded and unboarded safely and with plenty of support. We saw lots of orcas and appreciated all the knowledge and experience of the crew.

I've traveled on Puget Sound Express a number of times over the years, and have never failed to sight an orca, and have always been impressed with both the on-board comforts and the professionalism of staff. Today I took two friends with me on the "guaranteed" 4-hour tour. It was a beautiful day. About 45 minutes out we spotted a minke whale. That same minke, or another, surfaced about 3 times more, probably half the passengers sighted it once or more. We saw lots of birds and seals but no more whales. I think that all aboard had such a good trip, and no one would have denied we'd seen a whale. But when we got back to port the captain announced he was still looking for whales and we'd each get a voucher for a free return whale-watching trip. I can't recall the last time I got my money back on a guarantee. And I get to go on that trip again. yippee!!

I have been on several whale watching cruises but the Puget Sound Express is by far the absolute best. The crew is professional, personable, and knowledgeable. Not only do you get to see whales but you get to visit Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. This is one day trip you do not want to miss.

Like being a member of the crew of the Pequod, we launched from Port Townsend with Captain Ahab's great-granddaughter at the helm and Haley as first mate. We were not looking for Moby-Dick but Orca Whales instead. We found Puffins, Sea Lions and no Orcas, but we did find Humpback Whales and trailed a pod for a couple hours. Stop at San Juan Islands Friday Harbor was timely and right amount of time for lunch and walking the town. Our relatives from Seattle were amazed that in 26 years of living in Seattle they had never done the trip! They liked it as much as we did. Highly recommend.

Went out on Thursday, August 14, for the afternoon trip aboard the Red Head. Nice boat with plenty of room and good observation areas. The trip north was a mixture of low fog with sun breaking through. Coming from Houston, TX the temperature was a definitely cool. I had a rain poncho over my shirt, my wife has a light jacket and sweat shirt. Sighted a Steller sea lion off Whidbey Island. The orcas, killer whales, appeared of the SE end of Blakely island. Lots of action even with some attempts by the orcas to get some seals basking on a small island. One of the smaller ones breached out of the water! Saw the same sea lion on the way back enjoying its dinner. Beautiful scenery the entire trip. Helpful crew. Highly recommend.

We have taken multiple trips with this company and have always had an amazing experience. The guides are professional, knowledgeable and wonderful! The boat was clean and very nice. We always see whales in addition to other wildlife and the guides are always attentive and informative. We'll go with this company every time!

The crew are knowledgeable and provide a good narrative about whales and the area during the trip. We did the all-day tour and saw orcas on the way to Friday Harbor, which are just beautiful to see out in the wild. Friday Harbor is an enjoyable break for lunch - not too short but not too long. On the way back we took another route and saw seals and bald eagles, along with some other wildlife. Couple of things to keep in mind:- It is chilly on the outside of the boat, so you'll want a jacket. And you're outside a lot, so you'll want sunscreen.- You can't get very close to the orcas or whales, so bring binoculars. While it would be nice to be able to get closer, understand that the boat has to maintain a respectful distance.- Be patient. There are portions of the trip where the boat is just traveling, without viewing sea life. There are plenty of windows, so enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the water and relax.