Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

    5.0 (179 reviews)

    Maya's Legacy Whale Watching Photos

    More like Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

    Recommended Reviews - Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Amy D.

    Absolutely extraordinary experience. Captains Jeff and April went out of their way to ensure we had plenty of time and the best spot to see whales. They took the wildlife photographs and shared the gallery at the end so we didn't need to worry about snapping photos but could absorb the experience. We had our 4 and 6 year old kids with us and both loved the experience. I'd recommend this company to anyone visiting San Juan Island!

    Alana H.

    One of the BEST whale watching excursions we've been on and we've done plenty! We had the pleasure of having captain Daven and Sara. They did an amazing job teaching us and showing everything around the islands. We were lucky to go out on a clear sunny day. Ended up coming across a family of 4 killer whales and were able to follow them for hours. Such a great experience watching them in the wild and we even got to see them hunt. We also came across a ton of other wild life as well. The boat had indoor and outdoor seating which was great!

    Fernando A.

    My wife and I have tried to see orcas on two previous occasions (in Alaska and out of Victoria) with no luck. So, hats off to Jeff and Zoey at Maya's Legacy for going above and beyond to find some whales during our tour. We covered around 80 miles during the trip, including a fast b-line south for 45 minutes when one of the other operators radio's in a sighting. The various tour operators work collectively to search the area and help each other out. I highly recommend the half day trip. The smaller, faster boat makes a difference. It was plenty comfortable, and the glass cabin provides good shelter from the wind. There are no bad seats, and with so few passengers, there is no jockeying for spots. Two tips: dress warm. We went in mid July on a day forecasted to be around 70 degrees. It's definitely colder out on the water, plus the constant breeze and headwind from the moving boat. Wear something windproof on top. Secondly, consider the afternoon/evening tour. In the mornings, the tour operators are looking for the whales. By the afternoon, they should know where they are and should be able to find them more quickly.

    Claire H.

    I just returned from an incredible trip to San Juan Island and I can't recommend Maya's Legacy Whale Watching enough. We had Captain Alan and Sarah on our boat, who are both naturalists and clearly passionate about the animals and ecosystems we travelled through. Even though they must do this every day, they were still super excited to adventure out with us to see what wildlife we could find. We were amazingly lucky that we encountered several pods of killer whales that joined together so that ~18 whales were in one place. They were playing and even breaching, which was an unbelievable site. On our way back, we also encountered a smaller pod of ~4 whales who swam up ~20 feet away from our boat when we stopped. We also saw many other species of animals including a Red Fox, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and even a Puffin, which is apparently a super rare find. Aside from the animals we got to encounter, other pros about this company include: - Small Boat, which feels more intimate - Both Inside & Outside Seating - Crew is constantly communicating with other boats and island friends to see if Orcas have been spotted anywhere, which increases your odds of being able to see them in the wild - They take photos using a nice, long lens camera and provide them to you at the end of the trip so that you can focus on being present and enjoying the wildlife yourself (vs. trying to snap pics on your phone) All in all, I'd highly recommend this specific whale watching company -- trip of a lifetime!

    The boat

    We took 3 whale watching cruises from Friday Harbor and this one was BY FAR the best!! Capt Sarah took us to whales, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, murres, moon jellyfish, rhinoceros auklets, harbor porpoise, tufted puffins and even HORNED PUFFIN and sea otters. Sarah, Jim, Alex and Lee were so knowledgeable and worked to provide everyone with a dream trip! A++++ I highly recommend this company as a must try when in Friday Harbor!

    Humpback whale - wow!
    Jerry W.

    First things first--bring binoculars if possible! They do have some on the boat, but it is much easier to carry your own. Captain Jeff and guide April did an amazing job leading the tour. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and extremely friendly. We didn't get to see any orca but did see humpback whales, wild goats, bald eagles, and lots of coastal wildlife around the islands. They have a smaller boat so the view was great for everyone. What makes all these even better is that April somehow managed to pull off some INCOMPARABLE shots and shared them with us after the tour. Would highly recommend this to anyone who visits San Juan Island.

    T Pod
    Taisiya S.

    AMAZING!!!! I just came back from a weekend in Friday Harbor and went out whale watching with Maya's Legacy on Friday and Saturday. WOW!! What wonderful people and service. My friend lives on the Island and this is who she goes to for all of her trips! April was a very knowledgeable and fun naturalist and Daven was a great Captain on Friday in our smaller more intimate trip. We saw about 18-19 Orcas belonging to 3-4 pods. AMAZING. They were socializing and playful. On Saturday we went on the J2 which was a larger vessel but faster, with Sarah and (forgot the Captain's name) and off we went into the deep sea all the way by Vancouver to find whales. We found about 5 of them foraging/hunting for food so their behavior was very different than the 1st trip, but still exciting and fun. The crew were knowledgeable and fun. We will have to come back!

    Nani P.

    Going the distance indeed! After 2 years of telling the tales of my first excursion with Maya's Legacy, I have finally returned to do it again! After a long drive from Los Angeles, I feel like I've just arrived home. The crew welcomed us with open arms & were ready to deliver the customer service, sights & sounds we came for. SJI is such a special place, but this company really puts the icing on the nature cake! Thank you to Rachel, Jeff & Sarah for the warmest welcome back! Alan captained beautifully & found us a cheeky Minke, & Orcas in the San Juan Channel; while Zoey & Sarah familiarized us with our surroundings & species information. Sarah is such a valuable resource for wildlife information & history -she will blow your mind. Jeff's energy is so contagious. His love for the wildlife & passion for our viewing pleasure is unlike any other whale watching experience. Maddie has a way of connecting with us & simplifying information for the patrons. Davon, Taylor & Tiffany are a wonderful trio of talented & intelligent people. I loved hearing stories of their experiences. Their unique confidence to make us feel comfortable & get us to exciting sights was so perfectly appreciated. Seeing Minkes, Humpbacks, Orcas, Harbor Porpoises, Seals, Eagles & more; all while traveling on a coast guard certified boat with butterflying windows so everyone gets the perfect view is beyond incredible. They have literally thought of it all! Maya's Legacy absolutely knocked it out of the park AGAIN & AGAIN!...& AGAIN! As an avid whale watcher, I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to have had these experiences with them; because its an effort to make it up here. THANK YOU to this incredible team who really does go the distance in every way. I will continue to share their information with everyone I know & love. They truly have the ability, not only to deliver the beauty of the islands and educate us about the value of these sights; but to build patron confidence & nurture the relationships that come from time spent on the water together. I'm so thankful that they have such a high level of respect for the animals & can articulate the importance of the human impact on the seas; while showing us these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. What an opportunity & though it's fortune that has brought me to them initially, it's their PASSION that keeps me coming back.

    Goats!
    Andrew G.

    What an amazing day! We felt very lucky to have chosen Mayas Legacy. Captain Jeff and April truly care about the wildlife and they knew so much specific information about all the whales, wildlife, and environments we encountered. It was obvious that this is truly a passion of theirs and that manifested in the tour we were given. It is. For anyone looking for a intimate day of whale watching, wildlife, and a tour that ends up being not scripted but based on that days specific journey and encounters, this is for you.

    Judy S.

    We had an amazing afternoon on the water with three different sea captains. The captain piloting the boat, Jeff, guided us to group of whales that are not often seen. Second sea captain, April was the naturalist who took photos and airdropped them to everyone free! The third sea captain was the founder, Jim Maya. He was full of information, and the whole trip was amazing

    We had an incredible experience whale watching with Maya's legacy back in August. The whole team is really knowledgeable and kind. We saw tons of orcas (I think 16ish in the end?) in addition to bald eagles, a variety of deer, and lots of other wildlife. The team was even kind enough to share the photos they took with us -- very considerate and appreciated, especially since my iPhone photos turned out...less than great

    Gray Whale

    See all

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brooke H.
    9
    157
    87

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alan J.
    24
    22
    0

    10 months ago

    Everything was great. Staff was welcoming and informative, and we got some great time with a few orcas. I recommend Maya's.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy D.
    16
    60
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wes S.
    0
    18
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess C.
    1
    56
    17

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan J.
    112
    20
    4

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ruth J.
    265
    22
    39

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

    Review Highlights - Maya's Legacy Whale Watching

    Over the few days we were there, we saw Orcas, Humobacks, Minky's, bald eagles, seals, and several bird species.

    Mentioned in 70 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Whale Watching Tours 166 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Sail the San Juans - Morning Coffee Spot

    Sail the San Juans

    5.0(18 reviews)
    33.3 mi

    How do we keep adding stars! From the time we met Jette and Jon, we felt right at home and spoiled…read more Sailing the San Juans was a dream come true, but little did we know how wonderful every single day would be. Attention to every detail from warm coffee mugs to fill our fresh coffee at 7am to gourmet lunches and dinners, and of course desserts. We had a wonderful time. Jon and Jette are the most gracious hosts, who now we consider friends. Jon keeping us safe and informed of the wildlife and sealife, but also taking us on hikes on islands only accessible by boat. Jette with her great sense of humor surprising us at every turn with a new talent from gourmet cooking, writing songs, playing her guitar and sharing her doodles are a few of the many talents she revealed to us. And then there is Geni, sweet Geni, their portugese water "boat" dog. We instantly fell in love and could not get enough of her. I don't now the last time I felt so relaxed and pampered. Thank you Jette and Jon for the wonderul memories! We are looking forward to returning next year! To anyone considering Sailing the San Juans - this is your charter! You will have the time of your life!

    From the moment you step onto the Northwind, take in every single second you can!! Every…read moresecond--every peaceful moment, every sweet and savory bite Captain Jette serves, every bit of island trivia Captain Jon offers--as you sail calmly past thick green forests dotted with specks of white the resident bald eagles offer in the form of head and tail. This is truly an adventure awaiting! If you have ever wanted to sail but don't know how, just leave the sailing, cooking, and swabbing of the decks to Jette and Jon. They love to help make wonderful memories for all of us, and do so graciously and kindly. So stop wondering and take the leap (sail). You will have a blast

    Photos
    Sail the San Juans - Our first dinner!

    Our first dinner!

    Sail the San Juans
    Sail the San Juans - Sweet Geni

    See all

    Sweet Geni

    Crystal Seas Kayaking - Sunset kayak tour with CSK on the west side of SJI

    Crystal Seas Kayaking

    4.7(116 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    We had such a great experience with Crystal Seas! We booked their three-hour kayaking trip and, the…read moremorning of, realized we'd be getting back later than we wanted (my husband didn't read all the details ). We called to see if it was possible to move our trip up an hour, and they couldn't have been more accommodating--super friendly and flexible. Our guide, Madi was fun, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely safe and comfortable on the water. The scenery was beautiful, the pace was relaxed, and we really enjoyed learning little bits along the way. Even better, we ended up having the trip to ourselves, which felt like a private tour. We'd absolutely book again with Crystal Seas--big fans!

    By far the best kayak tour company I have EVER been on. What can I say a out Tim, our magical…read moremystery tour kayak guide? Well words can't be good enough to tell you how awesome he made all of us feel. He was a walking or in this case kayaking encyclopedia. We learned some much about marine biology, the history of the San Juan's, just life in general. He is a true Renaissance man! Playing in a bluegrass band tonight and laying into by day. A true gem on the Island. Made me think, huh? What a great place to live. On top of all the fun knowledge he imparted he also lost his keys to the sea gods! But that was a temporary glich because one of the younger guys on our tour dove in the ice cold Puget sound waters and retrieved the Kay's and saved the day. Well at least Time's day. Tja is go out to Brandon for his heroics. Such a fun group and funny group. A true gem of an experience here. We left Snug Harbor and paddled the West side with views of Victoria, Sydney and the Olympic mountains. I highly recommend Tim's magical mystery tour! A five star adventure.

    Photos
    Crystal Seas Kayaking - Two people in a kayak

    Two people in a kayak

    Crystal Seas Kayaking - A few of the orcas we saw!

    A few of the orcas we saw!

    Crystal Seas Kayaking - New friends from Virginia

    See all

    New friends from Virginia

    Maya's Legacy Whale Watching - whalewatchingtours - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...