San Juan · Puerto Rico
From May through early October you'll see orcas hunting salmon in the channels around the San Juan Islands. Expect a 3- to 4-hour boat trip where you might watch a pod of 6–20 orcas surfacing, occasionally breaching or tail-slapping. You will also likely spot harbor seals, bald eagles, and possibly minke whales or humpbacks. The boat ride can be cold and choppy even in summer; the experience is more about quiet watching than constant action. Most trips average 60–75 % success rate for seeing orcas in peak season, though nothing is guaranteed.
Expect to pay around $85–$150 per adult depending on boat size and whether it includes food or a naturalist. Late June through August is the sweet spot for resident orcas; May and September are cheaper and less crowded but slightly less predictable. Pick a smaller vessel (under 30 passengers) if you want better viewing angles and fewer people elbowing for rail space. Skip the jet-boat thrill rides; they go too fast, scare wildlife, and cut the trip short on biology.