Gray Whales near Everett in Seattle 2025

The waters surrounding the city of Seattle teem with marine life throughout the year. Each season has its special offers, and Gray Whales of Puget Sound are one of the main attractions of spring. During the season 20,000 gentle giants migrate along the west coast. On their way home to Alaska, they make a lasting stop to feed in the area. For this occasion, specially designed tours run from the cities near Everett from late February to late May. The city is just minutes away from their rich feeding grounds, which allows more time to enjoy the encounter of a lifetime. The probability of sighting gray whales is 99.5%, which makes it one of the best whale watching opportunities in the state.

Whale Watching Tours

While no tours currently depart directly from Everett, several tour operators offer whale-watching expeditions from ports surrounding Puget Sound. Port Edmonds is the closest, just 17 miles (27 km) from Everett, while Anacortes takes a bit longer to reach, approximately 54 miles (87 km). Usually, the tours run in the morning and afternoon. The morning visitors benefit from being the first on the water and having the afternoon for themselves, while later visitors don't have to wake up early and can end their day in the nice company of whales.

Port Edmonds

Departing from Admiral Way in Edmonds, the Puget Sound Express Tours take you on a long journey, lasting up to five hours. The tour season begins in late April and lasts until late December, with additional tours scheduled from June until September. The boats depart at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm, but be sure to check with the tour operator beforehand. Tickets cost $145 for adults and $115 for children. Infants can be present on the boat for free with adult supervision.

Anacortes

Island Adventures is another popular whale-watching operator in the Seattle area. The cruises operate from February through November, welcoming excited visitors on board daily. The ships depart from Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes. Tours generally last up to five hours, so be sure to plan ahead for your trip. Expeditions take off at 11 am, with an additional tour at 3:30 pm from early May until early September.

Spring and fall tickets cost $109 for adults, $69 for children between two and twelve years old, and $1 for infants. During the summer, tickets cost $119 for adults, $79 for children from two to twelve years old, and $1 for infants.

Species Encountered on Tours

With Gray whales being the highlight of the trip, watch out for orcas, minke, and humpback whales, which are observed all year round. Orcas are especially frequent in Puget Sound waters. Along with whales, you'll be able to view other inhabitants of the area, such as harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise, osprey, eagles, and seabirds.