Water Transfers
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$231
per adult
FRS Clipper
FRS Clipper
4
Multi-day ToursBoat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingDay Trips
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
We operate the Clipper V fast ferry between downtown Seattle and downtown Victoria. In addition we offer the only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour departing from Seattle. We can assist you in booking your entire Seattle or Victoria getaway including ferry tickets, hotels, and activities.
Seattle, Washington
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by FRS Clipper
On the Water
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$154
per adult
Water Transfers
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$185
per adult
Water Transfers
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$185
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,233 reviews
Excellent
1,115
Very good
625
Average
206
Poor
121
Terrible
166
Ray M
Bellows Falls, VT77 contributions
Feb 2020
The high speed ferry from Seattle to Victoria is an adventure in itself. Splurge for the Comfort Class seating for the best experience. The $30 upgrade is more than worth it for the service, early boarding, expedited Customs clearance and more.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time in Comfort Class, Ray! Please come back and join us anytime.
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie
Grand Junction, CO23 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
There’s a lot I could write but overall this was a great experience! But let me tell you some things you won’t think about or know when booking. 1.BRING A JACKET, this might seem like a duh moment but we did not bring ours because the weather had been so nice and inside the boat you don’t need one, but sitting on the top deck the boat goes pretty fast so there is a never ending wind and it gets really cold. 2 I suggest booking the 2nd floor the bottom is crowded and hot also has the most motion so if you are prone to getting motion sickness that is a bad option for ya. 3 there is a top deck outside you are allowed to sit on the whole trip that’s why you can’t book those seats they are first come first serve but my husband and I pretty much sat there the whole time because we made the mistake of choosing bottom level seats thinking we’d be closer to the animals we might see when in reality if you are actually sitting in the seats you can’t see that well like the top deck or the 2nd deck. 3 you most likely will see 1 pod of whales and they will be very far away I hope you are luckier then we were and see some closer and more on your trip. Don’t take this as a negative review we did love it and would book again. But those little things to know would have been nice for sure! Also if you don’t bring your own snacks be ready to spend at least 50-100 dollars on the boat. The hot chili was great unfortunately didn’t get to try the clam chowder they ran out quickly. The views and experience was worth the trip and Friday harbor was very nice and a great stop!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah F
Washington DC, DC34 contributions
Jul 2021
We did the Seattle <--> San Juan experience. Unbelievable customer service, amazing overall trip, great wildlife sightings, and the boat has super clean bathrooms (this is a weird thing to call out, but something I notice when travelling with family. For the number of people on this ship, it is amazing how the crew cleans these bathrooms. These bathrooms were cleaned for my little kids and for my parents and I absolutely love it).
This boat trip was truly the highlight of our visit to Seattle. The boat ride to San Juan was so smooth and beautiful. We saw Orcas on our way back to Seattle and it was truly magical. I know Orca sightings aren't guaranteed, but the staff are committed to finding interesting wildlife to point out along the way (Seals, Eagles, etc.,) and educating us on the best way to see whales on San Juan and anywhere inbetween. The boat ride was so unbelievably smooth and we loved the wildlife expert providing input throughout the tour.
Highly recommend this awesome tour for all individuals, couples, or families. I so appreciate the amazing customer service individuals who enabled us getting the additional ticket I needed for our family group. It was truly an amazing experience for all of us to do this tour together and I cannot thank you enough for the unbelievable experience we had booking and onboard the Clipper Tour to San Juan Island.
This boat trip was truly the highlight of our visit to Seattle. The boat ride to San Juan was so smooth and beautiful. We saw Orcas on our way back to Seattle and it was truly magical. I know Orca sightings aren't guaranteed, but the staff are committed to finding interesting wildlife to point out along the way (Seals, Eagles, etc.,) and educating us on the best way to see whales on San Juan and anywhere inbetween. The boat ride was so unbelievably smooth and we loved the wildlife expert providing input throughout the tour.
Highly recommend this awesome tour for all individuals, couples, or families. I so appreciate the amazing customer service individuals who enabled us getting the additional ticket I needed for our family group. It was truly an amazing experience for all of us to do this tour together and I cannot thank you enough for the unbelievable experience we had booking and onboard the Clipper Tour to San Juan Island.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alantripper247
8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Warning! Do not read this review if you can’t handle the truth. If still reading, the Whale watch trip on the San Juan out of Seattle is not only a play on words, but a disingenuous promotion. Although a comfortable, well equipped vessel for the purpose, that ends the pros.
Cons, no pun intended, but a con job it is. Before signing up, we were never told that the Orca Whales we hoped to see were not within any conceivable range of the trip to see. They hadn’t been for some time. Didn’t know that until asking the “naturalist” on board while underway whereupon she responded “ only if you can make them materialize”. Then, upon further inquiry admitting the past families have not been any frequent visitors for years, moving elsewhere out of Puget Sound leaving only happenstance of random, occassion and infrequent sightings. I was unhappy to say the least. Did i mention that thereafter, this same naturalist was overjoyed ti point out “Sea Life” which totaled a single harbor seal laying in a buoy( which the Captain slowed spending abundant time to acquaint us all with the rare sighting if sea life. Then we actually were favored with the sight of a school of traveling porpoise in the distance. Even they averted leaping out of the water, presumably content to travel mostly below the uninterrupted top water but come up momentarily to breath. I admit that was also sea life. Finally, after about an hour and a half or two, a lone Humpback calf was spotted cruising. You could tell it was so because we actually got to see it spouting followed immediately by a small tail. We stayed following it for about forty five minutes or more . Sufficient time to allow anyone on board the chance to see a blow of vapor and v of a tail. Whereafter we turned to motor back.
Along the way we saw boats sailing and motoring, more sea life i guess.
Final analysis if I haven’t waxed on too much to lose you, Sea life in the ocean or Fiords or Sounds, is generally subject to averages to be sighted depending on season, weather, feeding, mating, traveling and can be random. However,there are patterns of behavior whereby honest tour operators will give educational guesses based on experience and realtime data and sightings from lots of present sources. We’ve seen lots of whale activity over many years in different places as well as varieties of sea life. Never have we been misled as to the current chances or known deficiencies whereby they basically say fat chance. Conjure one up. Or are “thrilled” to have seen a single calf traveling as an experience warranting a steep price . That sighting did,however, keep their promise of seeing a whale or get a return trip. They in fact don’t promise anything else and don’t deliver anything else either.
Save your money and time unless you are just along for the ride.
Cons, no pun intended, but a con job it is. Before signing up, we were never told that the Orca Whales we hoped to see were not within any conceivable range of the trip to see. They hadn’t been for some time. Didn’t know that until asking the “naturalist” on board while underway whereupon she responded “ only if you can make them materialize”. Then, upon further inquiry admitting the past families have not been any frequent visitors for years, moving elsewhere out of Puget Sound leaving only happenstance of random, occassion and infrequent sightings. I was unhappy to say the least. Did i mention that thereafter, this same naturalist was overjoyed ti point out “Sea Life” which totaled a single harbor seal laying in a buoy( which the Captain slowed spending abundant time to acquaint us all with the rare sighting if sea life. Then we actually were favored with the sight of a school of traveling porpoise in the distance. Even they averted leaping out of the water, presumably content to travel mostly below the uninterrupted top water but come up momentarily to breath. I admit that was also sea life. Finally, after about an hour and a half or two, a lone Humpback calf was spotted cruising. You could tell it was so because we actually got to see it spouting followed immediately by a small tail. We stayed following it for about forty five minutes or more . Sufficient time to allow anyone on board the chance to see a blow of vapor and v of a tail. Whereafter we turned to motor back.
Along the way we saw boats sailing and motoring, more sea life i guess.
Final analysis if I haven’t waxed on too much to lose you, Sea life in the ocean or Fiords or Sounds, is generally subject to averages to be sighted depending on season, weather, feeding, mating, traveling and can be random. However,there are patterns of behavior whereby honest tour operators will give educational guesses based on experience and realtime data and sightings from lots of present sources. We’ve seen lots of whale activity over many years in different places as well as varieties of sea life. Never have we been misled as to the current chances or known deficiencies whereby they basically say fat chance. Conjure one up. Or are “thrilled” to have seen a single calf traveling as an experience warranting a steep price . That sighting did,however, keep their promise of seeing a whale or get a return trip. They in fact don’t promise anything else and don’t deliver anything else either.
Save your money and time unless you are just along for the ride.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter
Miami Beach, FL45 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
I took the day trip overnight to San Juan Island from pier 69 near pikes place in Seattle to avoid the cost of the flight and the hassle of the drive to Anacortes. It was seamless and convenient, esp since so many hotels are nearby.
The boarding is quick and easy. The boat was clean and comfortable, including spotless bathrooms. Food and drink were available. The boat left on time each way.
The naturalist who narrated the trip to SJI was superb, with a heavy emphasis on education about the ecosystem, which was much appreciated.
It was a little cold inside due to AC so bring a cardigan if you are cold blooded.
Passengers were thankfully required to wear a mask. I was however a bit disappointed that it was not strictly enforced. I sat next to a young man who did not wear it during the entire trip, which made me uncomfortable and stressed. Unfortunately no one asked him to.
I see many complaints here about not seeing many whales. I heard similar complaints by other tourists on SJI. However, the lack of whales is not the fault of the boat operators. The number of orcas is in decline because of human greed and (mis)behavior, including our insatiable appetite for seafood (the orcas need chinook salmon to survive, whose populations are in free fall thanks to us), noise pollution (which is much worse and stressful under water than above it), and chemical pollution. Orcas may be extinct soon.
As Gandhi said, “the world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.” Sadly, the orcas and so many others are paying for our greed. It is not right to blame tour companies for problems created by our behavior.
The boat ride was a good experience, and I would definitely do it again, but one should not have high expectations for seeing whales on any whale-watching trips in this part of the world anymore.
The boarding is quick and easy. The boat was clean and comfortable, including spotless bathrooms. Food and drink were available. The boat left on time each way.
The naturalist who narrated the trip to SJI was superb, with a heavy emphasis on education about the ecosystem, which was much appreciated.
It was a little cold inside due to AC so bring a cardigan if you are cold blooded.
Passengers were thankfully required to wear a mask. I was however a bit disappointed that it was not strictly enforced. I sat next to a young man who did not wear it during the entire trip, which made me uncomfortable and stressed. Unfortunately no one asked him to.
I see many complaints here about not seeing many whales. I heard similar complaints by other tourists on SJI. However, the lack of whales is not the fault of the boat operators. The number of orcas is in decline because of human greed and (mis)behavior, including our insatiable appetite for seafood (the orcas need chinook salmon to survive, whose populations are in free fall thanks to us), noise pollution (which is much worse and stressful under water than above it), and chemical pollution. Orcas may be extinct soon.
As Gandhi said, “the world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.” Sadly, the orcas and so many others are paying for our greed. It is not right to blame tour companies for problems created by our behavior.
The boat ride was a good experience, and I would definitely do it again, but one should not have high expectations for seeing whales on any whale-watching trips in this part of the world anymore.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mendi B
Charleston, SC14 contributions
Jun 2021
We did the 1/2 day whale watching tour. The boat was comfortable, the crew was very good and friendly and the scenery was beautiful but as a whale watching tour it was awful. It's the only tour that leaves from downtown Seattle which is why we chose it but the boat doesn't go into the major whale watching areas like the other tours do. I understand you can't control nature but $150 per ticket is a lot of money to see on gray whale from a far distance. I checked with other whale watching tours leaving ports more north and they saw many whales, including Orcas. I can't fault the company but I would recommend paying for the transportation north and going on one of the other whale tours.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clark R
Woodinville, WA6 contributions
Jun 2023
First, figure out your disembarking process; it was a joke on both ends of the trip. You pay extra for comfort level and are last to get off the boat, and the whole "if you have checked luggage" do not disembark until your group is called" is not controlled nor followed. People just get up and go.
Second, if you have people who need extra assistance getting off the ship, then don't make the other 200+ passengers sit there for 20 minutes while those 2-3 pp leave. The airlines have this figured out, why can't you? On both ends of the trip to Victoria, we had to sit there for 15+ minutes after fully docking, then it takes almost 45 minutes total to get off the ship, stand in line at customs, and finally, you are free.
Third, teach your team some basic hospitality lessons. They seemed unhappy, stressed, and really not interested in helping you with anything. We'll never use the Clipper again as there are other alternatives to travel that include better service and hospitality.
Second, if you have people who need extra assistance getting off the ship, then don't make the other 200+ passengers sit there for 20 minutes while those 2-3 pp leave. The airlines have this figured out, why can't you? On both ends of the trip to Victoria, we had to sit there for 15+ minutes after fully docking, then it takes almost 45 minutes total to get off the ship, stand in line at customs, and finally, you are free.
Third, teach your team some basic hospitality lessons. They seemed unhappy, stressed, and really not interested in helping you with anything. We'll never use the Clipper again as there are other alternatives to travel that include better service and hospitality.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taz
1 contribution
Jun 2022
I booked roundtrip passage leaving on Monday, June 20 and returning Wednesday, June 22. I was not told that the Clipper was not running on Tuesday and Wednesday and was not told this by Clipper staff until Tuesday night about 5:30 pm. They said they sent a couple emails, but I never received them, but I did receive confirmation of my booking and was able to print out a boarding pass for Wednesday June 22 (a day they said they were not running).
Interestingly, even though Clipper staff said they are not running on Tuesday and Wednesday because of staffing shortages, I just was able to book a round trip to leave Victoria on Wednesday next week. Communication is not good and at the least, they should update their website so you can't book trips on days they are not currently running.
Interestingly, even though Clipper staff said they are not running on Tuesday and Wednesday because of staffing shortages, I just was able to book a round trip to leave Victoria on Wednesday next week. Communication is not good and at the least, they should update their website so you can't book trips on days they are not currently running.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, apologies you were able to book on a sailing day we did not have available. While we unfortunately were not able to run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during June (indeed, this was due to staffing shortages and the impact of the pandemic on our business, as you can imagine), we did resume daily sailings on June 23. Thanks.
Written June 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
operalover939
Toronto, Canada2,965 contributions
Feb 2020
To get from Victoria to Seattle, or the other way around, the Victoria Clipper is perfect. It costs less than flying, and it drops you off near downtown in both cities. Our trip from Victoria to Seattle today started well, with a good view of Mt Baker, and ended well. It was smooth going all the way. Recommended!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming aboard! Happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the Clipper. Hope you're able to join us again sometime soon!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Been_There_Done_This
Fremont, CA204 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our original booking got cancelled due to mechanical defect and we were rebooked on the next day ( with 50% discount) . The vessel was comfortable and the crew were friendly. However as far as whale watching goes there wasn’t much for the the half day tour. I thought the plan would be to go out near San Juan islands waters that is generally the popular location for whale watching. We stayed in puget sound the whole time - saw a single grey whale that has been camping near the shores of Everett and came back by 3 pm ( the trip was supposed to be from 10:30 - 4:30) . Apparently a pod of transient orcas were seen in the puget sound recently and they were trying to catch hold of them. They have a network but there aren’t as many whale watching boats operating in the puget sound itself - more near the San Juan waters. So if you want to really see whales go with something based out of San Juan islands ( or even the full day trip as they go look for whales near San Juan island).
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i dont have a US passport but i have my greencard and my philippines passport is that ok ??
Written January 9, 2025
What is the best seat if you have a 3 and 4 year old?
Written January 19, 2024
Where are you least likely to get seasick?
Written January 19, 2024
I am travelling from the UK to Seattle and have an ESTA but have plans to travel on the clipper to Victoria Vancouver Island: do I need a Canadian visa to do that? We are travelling in three weeks and not sure if we need to or not? Please help! 🙈
Written August 8, 2022
You will need your passport and you will need to download ArriveCAN to prove your vaccination status.
Written August 10, 2022
Where is the address for this Ferry???????????? Has the company heard of directions?????????? Am I suppose to hunt down an address? This company is so wack they cannot even lost an address!!!!!!!
Written July 15, 2022
Rosalva
Stockton, California
I’m visiting Victoria from California and would like to use the car ferry, Is my real California ID and naturalization certificate good enough or do I need a passport?
Written June 22, 2022
Debbie S
Everett, Washington
Can I go to Victoria, Canada with an enhanced drivers license?
Written May 19, 2022
Hi, we are looking at booking the Clipper Seattle to Victoria December 3. How often are they cancelled? If they are cancelled, what alternative option is provided? How rough are the waters in December?
Thanks!
Written May 3, 2022
No idea what the water will be like but it is December soi maybe choppy? They did not provide me with an alternative-just sent me a refund - the only reason I realised my trip was cancelled was that I saw the transaction on my visa statement!
Written May 7, 2022
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.