Puget Sound Whale Watching: Orcas & Scenic Views
We hit pause on wine tasting for a different kind of adventure, Puget Sound whale watching! As part of our Woodinville Wine Weekend, we decided to mix things up with a half-day tour on the water, and it ended up being one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.
We headed to Edmonds to board a Puget Sound Express boat and set off into the Salish Sea in search of orcas. Not only did we spot two pods near Tacoma, but the experience itself, from the fast boat and fun crew to the famous blueberry buckle, was absolutely worth the detour from wine country.
Why Whale Watching in the Salish Sea Is So Special
The Salish Sea (which includes Puget Sound) is one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Thanks to its deep, nutrient-rich waters, it’s home to orcas, humpback whales, seals, porpoises, and so much more.
We were lucky enough to catch not just one, but two orca pods near Tacoma, and watching them swim and interact in the wild was absolutely breathtaking. Our guides explained the difference between resident and transient orcas, which made the whole experience even more fascinating.
Why Puget Sound Whale Watching with Puget Sound Express Is So Smooth
If you’re looking for an easy and memorable Puget Sound whale watching experience, this tour from Edmonds is one of the best around. This family-owned company has been running whale watching tours for four generations, and you can feel that passion the minute you step aboard. They offer departures from multiple locations, but we chose the half-day tour from Edmonds, which is just about 25 minutes north of Seattle.
We sailed on the Swiftsure, a sleek, low-emissions vessel designed specifically for whale watching. It’s smooth, quiet, and fast, cruising at up to 40+ mph, so you can spend less time getting there and more time with the whales.
Before we even left the dock, the captain welcomed us with a laugh:
“I have no idea where we’re going today!”
It got a good laugh from everyone, but it’s actually how the tour works. The crew follows up-to-date reports, previous sightings, and communications with other boats to decide where to go. On our trip, we headed south toward Tacoma, and it turned out to be exactly the right call.
Don’t Skip the Blueberry Buckle
One of the sweetest parts of the tour (literally)? The blueberry buckle. This cozy family recipe has become a signature on Puget Sound Express tours, and it’s delicious. Warm, crumbly, and packed with blueberries, it was the perfect mid-cruise treat.
Orca Sightings on Our Puget Sound Whale Watching Tour
As we cruised south, everyone’s eyes were on the horizon. Then, there they were. First, a single dorsal fin, then a group of them moving gracefully through the water.
We spotted not just one, but two transient orca pods: T137 and T65A. The crew identified them by the notches and shapes on their dorsal fins, which act like fingerprints. It was amazing to hear the naturalist casually say, “That’s T137A,” and explain how she travels with her family group. It gave the whole experience an unexpectedly personal touch.
We watched the orcas surface, glide, and dive together as the crew shared insight into their behavior, feeding patterns, and social structures. It was a moment of pure awe, and definitely the kind of memory that sticks with you.
What You’ll Learn During a Puget Sound Whale Watching Trip
The tour isn’t just scenic, it’s immersive and educational in the best way. The guides are trained naturalists who clearly love what they do. They shared fascinating facts about the Salish Sea, orca communication, and conservation efforts, all while keeping things approachable and fun.
What to Know Before You Go
✔️ Tour Length: About 4-5 hours
✔️ Departure Location: Edmonds Marina (25 minutes north of Seattle)
✔️ Vessel: The Swiftsure – fast, comfy, and built for wildlife viewing
✔️ Whale Sighting Guarantee: Yes! You’ll get a free return trip if you don’t see whales
✔️ What to Wear: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket—it gets breezy on the water
✔️ What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure
✔️ When to Go: Orcas are commonly spotted from June to September, but tours run year-round
For more details or to book your tour, visit: Puget Sound Express Half-Day Whale Watching Tour
Tips for Capturing the Moment
Bring a zoom lens if you have one, but don’t stress, your smartphone can still capture some great shots if you’re quick. (All the photos I’m sharing here are from my phone.) Use burst mode for action shots and try to keep your camera steady while the boat is in motion.
Forgot binoculars? No problem. The crew had a few pairs available to share, so everyone had a chance to get a closer look at the orcas.
And don’t forget to look up from your lens once in a while, the real magic is in the moment.
Final Thoughts: A Worthwhile Break from the Wine Trail
Our half-day tour with Puget Sound Express was an unexpected highlight of our Woodinville getaway. It brought a whole new kind of magic to the weekend, one filled with orca sightings, salty air, and stories we’ll be telling for years.
Between the speedy ride, the blueberry buckle, and the thrill of seeing orcas in the wild, this tour was more than just a break from wine tasting; it was the kind of experience that leaves you speechless.
Need more ideas for things to do in the area, especially if wine is on the agenda?
Check out my Woodinville Wine Weekend blog post for tasting room picks, where to stay, and itinerary tips for exploring Washington’s wine country.
