Choosing a Whale Watch Boat

In the San Juan Islands you can find whale watch boats that carry anywhere from 6 to 285 people. Choosing a boat that suits your needs may be the most important decision that you can make before heading out on a whale watching trip. Hopefully this page will help you to make an informed choice that will enhance you experience and make you want more.

Many of the boats in the San Juan Islands whale watching fleet were designed for other purposes and then modified to carry whale watch customers. Some were old fishing boats, some were passenger ferries, and some were just plain old recreational boats put into  commercial service.

If you are looking for comfort, a good whale watching boat will have an upper viewing deck and a full walk-around lower deck. The best boats have a full walk-around upper deck as well. This allows for easy movement around the decks as the whales are swimming by the vessel. It also ensures that everyone has a place "at the rail" for the best views. If the boat doesn't have adequate rail space, then you better hope that you are taller than everyone else! Many companies will assure you that there is plenty of room, but you can do the math. A 55 foot boat that carries 55 people, without an upper viewing deck, can't possibly accomodate everyone when the whales come by, where a 65 foot boat with 2 decks provides over 200 feet of rail space for viewing. Many of the better boats offer food service and multiple bathrooms (a very nice amenity when you need it). On the larger vessels mid-ship doors facilitate easy movement of guests in case the whales suddenly appear on the other side of the boat. If the company that you are looking at has a boat longer than 50 ft, and doesn't have mid-ship doors, then you had better prepare yourself to say "excuse me" a lot.

In addition to comfort, speed is also crucial to a pleasant whale watching experience. A faster boat can travel farther to the whales, and spend more time with them. A boat that can travel in excess of 30 knots has an incredible range, and will rarely miss an opportunity to see whales. Usually these vessels are somewhat smaller than the kind mentioned in the previous paragraph. Choose an open-decked boat for the best viewing opportunities. Most importantly, if you want to travel on a fast boat, make sure that it has catamaran style twin-hulls. This will ensure a comfortable ride in all weather conditions.

Faster boats have another advantage, they are just plain fun! Traveling across the water, wind in your hair, with the San Juan Islands all around you, can be a exhilarating experience on a warm summer day.

Boats designed for the fishing industry years ago are called a "Charterboat Pilothouse Layout". Look out for these boats, the visibility is often poor from the only protected cabin area. If they carry more than 20 people then you are likely to miss out on a lot of the great scenery along the way. For whale watching, travel on a boat that was specifically designed for wildlife viewing. It makes all the difference in the world.

We recommend a boat that either has the speed and comfort to deliver you to the whales efficiently, or a boat with wide walk around decks, and an upper viewing area. Why would you want to limit your experience with anything less?

The Island Explorer II and Island Whaler, both from Anacortes, or the Island Caper from Bellingham are great choices.

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