Savor golden-hour views and wildlife on a relaxed 2-hour evening cruise
Discover what we've curated for you
2 Hours
Snacks, Refreshments, Binoculars
Unwind on a relaxing sunset cruise around Orcas Island as golden light bathes the San Juan Islands. Enjoy calm evening waters, scenic shorelines, and light narration from the crew.
Available June–September.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of departure are non-refundable. A $15 per person cancellation fee applies. Private charters: cancellations within 10 days of departure are non-refundable. A 5% processing fee is non-refundable.
Brandts Landing Marina 340 Brandt-Landing Rd, Eastsound WA 98245
Travelers consistently rave about the knowledgeable and entertaining naturalist guides like Trey, Natalie, and Trae, who bring genuine passion to every tour. The crews excel at tracking down orcas through their network of other boaters, and many guests spot whales within minutes of departure. What really sets these tours apart is the small boat size, which means everyone gets a front-row view without fighting for position, plus the naturalists capture professional photos with zoom lenses that guests can download for free afterward. The captains, including Nate and Robbie, work seamlessly with their naturalists to create experiences that feel well-choreographed yet authentic. Beyond whales, you're likely to encounter sea otters, bald eagles, harbor seals, and other wildlife while learning fascinating details about the ecosystem. The crew shows genuine care for accommodating all guests, including those with limited mobility, and they're flexible about rescheduling if weather threatens to impact the experience. People call this one of the best activities on Orcas Island, and the 5-star ratings reflect tours that consistently deliver memorable wildlife encounters combined with engaging, often humorous commentary.
It's easy to have an amazing trip when you see whales, but Trey and Nate made a trip sans whales great still! While we unfortunately didn't see any whales (the roll of the dice when you go off season), we saw plenty of wildlife that Trey knew plenty about and captured stunning pictures of. The complimentary binoculars were particularly helpful for getting good looks at the animals. Trey also shared a lot of knowledge about the islands that we passed which really added to the tour. He knew about every island we passed, who owned it, and what made it cool - which made each island interesting. Deer Harbor Charters is a wonderful experience - even without whales!
Anne Metzer
March 10, 2026
It's easy to have an amazing trip when you see whales, but Trey and Nate made a trip sans whales great still! While we unfortunately didn't see any whales (the roll of the dice when you go off season), we saw plenty of wildlife that Trey knew plenty about and captured stunning pictures of. The complimentary binoculars were particularly helpful for getting good looks at the animals. Trey also shared a lot of knowledge about the islands that we passed which really added to the tour. He knew about every island we passed, who owned it, and what made it cool - which made each island interesting. Deer Harbor Charters is a wonderful experience - even without whales!
Anne Metzer
March 10, 2026