Have a Whale of a Time in Seattle

One of the most exciting things to do in Seattle is to go whale watching. Seattle is well-known for it's whale-watching tours and excursions, and it can be a great addition to your tourist schedule next time you visit.
Watching whales isn't something that you're able to do just anywhere. First of all, you've got to live close to the water and that water has to be conducive to what whales need to survive. Well, not to places like that exist in the United States, but Seattle is well-known for being able to whale watch.

What's so great about watching whales?

Basically, it's an experience like no other. First off, if you love the ocean like I do, you won't regret any money you spend on the chance to get up close and personal with these fabulous creatures.

It's great to be on the water and actually in the whales' environment. A lot of times we have the chance to see animals in nature and see how they interact with other animals and nature around them, but seeing that with animals as big as whales is something incredible.

Best whale-watching methods

There are a few different ways to see the whales when you go to Seattle but each way is fun and unique in it's own right. First off, the most common method to view whales is to join a whale-watching tour. Usually this entails getting on a a pretty big tour boat with a bunch of other people and heading out to the Puget Sound to look for whales. Theses companies are usually pretty good at finding whales out in the water and some companies even guarantee that you'll be able to see a whale sometime on your tour.

Another way to do some whale watching is to head out in smaller boats that allow you to get a bit closer to the whales and try to view the creatures up close. You're still not allowed to get too close but these types of trips can be very exhilarating. You're on a small-motor raft getting soaked from the water splashing up on your face (there are special wet-suits you can wear so you're clothes are safe). Nothing quite like that!

Seattle is whale watching central

There are a lot of opportunities to experience everything the Puget Sound has to offer, but whale watching in Seattle ranks right up near the top. Most of the tour companies that offer whale watching do so out of the San Juan Islands. It's only about an hour and half drive from Seattle to the boat launch area, so it's not too much of a journey. And I mean, hey, what's a couple of hours in the car for a chance to get up close and personal with some of the coolest creatures on the planet?

By Ella S
Published: 10/29/2008
 
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