FRS Clipper (Clipper Vacations) image

FRS Clipper (Clipper Vacations)

Tourist attraction Travel agency Transportation service Ferry service Whale watching tour agency

Day trips & themed cruises on the Salish Sea, including seasonal activities like whale watching. People often mention trip, Victoria, time, Seattle, whale, great, seats, boat, whales, experience,


Address

2701 Alaskan Wy Pier 69, Seattle, WA 98121

Website

www.clippervacations.com

Contact

(800) 888-2535

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1K reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trip (38) Victoria (28) time (21) Seattle (21) whale (18) great (17) seats (15) boat (15) whales (13) experience (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 G C. 3 years ago on Google
    The day trip to Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) was simply relaxing. Super friendly staff and the brand new seating was extemely comfortable. They have a large seating area for party of 10 with a large table so we will definitely going to plan a summer trip to get a couple close memeber to head back to the island.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raghav M. 1 year ago on Google
    Riding the FRS Clippes the first time was beautiful but without a whale sighting. The complimentary token given to make up for the vacationing whales made the 2nd time even more beautiful because of sights of the calm grey and excited humpack whales. What an experience. Special mentions to Alki Bakery Chipotle Chicken sandwich and coffee, the amazing crew and the naturalist(Lauren) who did a fine job of painstakingly repeating what baleen 'teeth' are(with a 13 plate grey whale specimen) to each party present! Recommend! 💫
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark 1 year ago on Google
    It's far more convenient that flying between the two places, and the ferries dock directly in the heart of both cities. My only irritation (hence the 4 star) is that the ferry does not run as often as I would have liked it to. The ferry staff are quite down to earth too and friendly.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D W. 2 years ago on Google
    Phenomenal experience having to Victoria for the first time last weekend. Service was on time, very smooth and the staff were all awesome. I booked the comfort vip and enjoyed the free snacks and definitely the views. Will be a friend customer this summer!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 nelson g. 4 years ago on Google
    First time ever riding on the clipper V! It was awesome, very similar feeling to being on an airplane. It wasn’t really packed likely because we were in off-season and we went from Seattle to Victoria. The first trip there we rode economy which was still very nicely appointed they were seats that face forward and some that allowed you to have tables in between similar to what you would find in the train car. They had a little bar where you could get coffee, sodas, snacks and baked goods. Since most of the trip is in the Puget Sound it is fairly calm protected waters. We did manage to see some sea otters on the way there. On the way back we upgraded to luxury comfort class were all the seats were Kush leather face forward and included private restrooms and snacks. This was a hit after a long walking trip! All in all it was a 2 1/2 hour trip each way. There’s also a nice deck on the back where you could literally go out and get some fresh air.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chibi v. 1 year ago on Google
    The whale watching trip was great. We saw a gray whale and a harbor seal during our trip. The ferry experience was good too, The staff were courteous and helpful. Their seats were comfortable and their upper deck had enough space to go stand or sit. Their whale sighting guarantee makes it an added value to purchase tickets, which can be a bit pricey.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy T. 2 years ago on Google
    Honestly was a little nervous about this trip as I had never been on a boat this long before. They do offer complimentary anti nausea meds (which I took just in case) and all went well. I definitely recommend the upper cabin though as was much less motion compared to being below on the main floor. This was an all day trip, with a 2 hour time slot to explore Friday Harbor in the afternoon. Obviously we are at the mercy of Mother Nature as far as actually getting to see whales and we were lucky enough to get to watch them for quite awhile and very close as a pod of orcas were circling a seal who was stuck on a kelp bed. Breathtaking to watch them swimming around and a once in a lifetime experience in my opinion. There were plenty of snack and food options, drinks, for the duration (for purchase) and the naturalist did a great job with her descriptions and narrative. Enjoyed the time at FH (would have loved to explore more there and would consider returning for a full day trip or even an overnight) and the views as we passed famous sights such as Deception Pass bridge and Whidbey Island. It was a LONG day though and if I had it to do over I might do the trip in 2 stages instead of one long day (if you are taking kids along this might be the better option too). Overall very happy with the trip and was worth it to me!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AJ 9 months ago on Google
    An incredible experience! The whale watching tour is highly recommend. We were lucky enough to have spotted, very extensively I might add, the famed orca Chainsaw, and his presumed mother, and even a third orca. In addition we saw harbor seals and porpoises and a VERY large Sea Lion chilling out on a buoy. The Clipper crew was phenomenal, and the naturist was very knowledgeable. We disembarked knowing tons more about the native wildlife of the puget sound than we did prior to boarding!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Traci H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing!! I loved everything about this from the discounted parking to the extra time they allowed to watch the whales. We saw seals, a gray whale, and a pod of orcas. They didn't rush off from the whale sightings even when we were late to return. The pictures don't do it justice. Outside seats are first come first serve so select an assigned seat by a window then board early and get a seat outside. You can easily move around the boat during the ride. Pack a jacket even on a warm day because it gets chilly. You can pack snacks and they have food to purchase including a vegetarian option, noodle bowl, that is tasty as well as bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, wine, and Bailey's and coffee. If you don't see a whale, you get another ride, they really try to find a whale and give you plenty of time to watch the whale once you find one. It's a great experience!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley H. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful day out in the Sound! We found the T123 pod in the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Got lots of pictures of Stanley 🐳🐳 would definitely travel on the Clipper again. Very clean and the crew was awesome!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abdul K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an awesome experience. The crews are friendly and hospitable. They have bottomless coffee. They will do their best to make sure you have the chance to see whales. We were not lucky initially but they spend more time to find whales. Mission accomplished!! Very clean boat. Recommend it. Location is great as well to enjoy piers and pike place after the tour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh N. 2 years ago on Google
    I would suggest to anyone, that they partake in this adventure at least once. It was an amazing trip up to Friday Harbor, then out to the spot. The Orcas were very active the day we went out. Then we had just enough time to enjoy dinner at Friday Harbor before we returned to Seattle. The crew aboard the San Juan Clipper were excellent and the Naturalist had a lot of great information to provide along the way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John A. 2 years ago on Google
    WOW what an experience! Absolutely amazing. We got extremely lucky with the whales coming so close to the ship thanks to the seal hanging on the kelp(pictured). The entire staff and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. I can't recommend them enough to anyone wanting to go whale watching.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 2 years ago on Google
    This ferry is so incredible. The service is incredible, and you can go outside and look around on the deck.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andreas K. 4 years ago on Google
    Recommendable
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Telling It As It i. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband and I just went for our anniversary. It was great! Finally got to orcas in the wild! Definitely recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nsa N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A quick crossing from Victoria to Seattle (Original) Une traversée rapide de Victoria à Seattle
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lacie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this tour! Worth every penny. Beautiful sights! The boat was comfortable and roomy. The employees were super nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Luke T. 1 year ago on Google
    Several frustrations with our experience doing the half-day whale watching tour. First, their website is very unclear about the trip. Some pages say that it is a one-way trip, and other pages say that it is a round-trip. My wife is Gluten-free, so I tried to call to ask questions about the food available and whether the boat would be coming back to the same dock. I waited on the phone for 10 minutes, but no one answered. Bought tickets online anyway. Again, a confusing website. It seemed as though it wanted me to choose seats for the outbound and the return trip, but it would not allow me to do so. It took nearly an hour for my purchased tickets to come through to my email. Thankfully, I read read the emails carefully, because that is where I found out that all passengers must be on-board 15 minutes prior to departure. Since our hotel was nearby, we may not have been that early if I hadn’t read the emails. Yes, they sent me two emails - one of them had two attachments. But none of the emails had anything to help us at check-in. The boat was relatively comfortable, and they had signs saying that GF food was available (but my wife packed a sandwich to be safe). Please note that lunch is NOT included as part of your ticket on this boat. They claimed on the loudspeaker that a QR code was posted throughout the boat that we could scan for information about the tour - I could only find one after some thorough searching. The crew had problems with the sound system - I had to let the naturalist know that we couldn’t hear her making announcements. She switched mikes to fix the problem. The naturalist was fine, but I wish she had spoken far more about what we were seeing. Saw a pod (or two) of about 5-7 whales. Watched them for about an hour before starting home.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel D. 9 months ago on Google
    Took a ferry to Victoria from Seattle and it was such an easy process to get through this terminal and the staff are helpful along the way! I highly recommend taking the day trip to Victoria or a weekend trip as the trip is incredible and worth the time for it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ferry ride to Victoria, B. C.

  • 5/5 DeAnna C. 4 years ago on Google
    Got to see whales!!!!

  • 5/5 Cecil C. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome job. Beautiful sites.

  • 5/5 Marie T. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a blast on Clipper vacation to Victoria. It was a great weekend getaway.

  • 4/5 Rachel M. 4 years ago on Google
    The organization of our trip was good, they booked our hotels and ferries. Hotels were great, ferries we're good, but the clipper whale watch was only OK. Recommend going for a smaller whale watch boat.

  • 5/5 Young Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice option to go to Victoria! I'd recommend it. People are professional pleasant and the ride was smooth. Questions I thought about that are now answered: 1) what time to show up? depending on boarding group, show up early and you get to choose your spot if that matters for you! 2) carryon size limit is basically similar to airline carryon luggage. When you walk into the ship, you leave it on the luggage rack on the first floor 3) upper deck or lower deck? I chose upper for the view. It's also less crowded during initial boarding. 4) left or right side of ship? In the morning on the way to Victoria, I sat on the left. I liked it because less sun in your face, and less splashing on the window (for some reason the right side had tons of splashing) 5) is there WiFi? No Seasickness: free CHEWABLE seasickness med (meclizine hcl) on board by the galley. We were warned seas may be choppy for our last hour. Glad I took the med (I'm usually prone to sea sickness)! Some didn't and I saw them throwing up. Better safe than sorry!

  • 5/5 Debbie K. 4 years ago on Google
    Fast ferry, beautiful ride out and back. Lines getting on the boat are long, unavoidable when getting a large amount of people on a vessel. No WiFi but Tmobile gets service almost the whole way, duty free purchases available it you like that kind of thing and upstairs vista seating (extra legroom and better views) worth it if you can swing it.

  • 4/5 Kouroch G. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery awaits you when going between the islands of the Puget Sound. I thought the Vista class was the best seats you could get and they have access to the outside deck. It gets pretty cold on the water, even in summer.

  • 4/5 Anthony G. 4 years ago on Google
    Saw lots of marine life. Crew was great. Food a little pricy. Just got a little long at the end of a 12 hour ride.

  • 5/5 Connie H. 4 years ago on Google
    So fun!

  • 4/5 Rooz I. 3 years ago on Google
    A had a comfortable, fast and scenic ride with Clipper. I highly recommend this company.

  • 5/5 Plamen K. 2 years ago on Google
    The whale watching trip to San Juan island was just perfect. Scenic views on the way there, especially Camano Island, Deception pass and bridge. And of course, we sow orcas.

  • 5/5 Katy C. 8 months ago on Google
    Love taking the clipper. My second trip to Victoria this way. I got on their email list after the first trip, and am taking this trip because of a screaming deal for practically free hotel rooms if traveling by September 21… so here we are. If you buy comfort class tickets you have a shorter boarding queue on the Seattle side, forward view from you cushioned seat, and there’s free coffee, tea, chips, other assorted snacks, and did I mention super comfy seats?

  • 5/5 Ajay P. 9 months ago on Google
    We saw a lot of orca whales, sea lions. The whales were pretty close to the boat, we even saw a whale jumping and flipping mid air. Great trip.

  • 2/5 Cindy S. 7 months ago on Google
    VIP Comfort Class is a Rip-Off! Also, beware their package deals. We traveled from Victoria to Seattle in their top-of-the-line seats. The staff was great. BUT, the seats and "snacks" were awful. The seats had tables fixed in place that made it awkward to get in and out of the seat. We could not stand in front of the seat because of the table. Unless you had a window or front row seat, you didn't get a view. (Window and front row seats had great views!) The next class down was less crowded and the window seats got pretty much the same view as window seats in the front. Plus it was not as crowded and there were tray tables in the seat backs, so it was much more spacious. The seating area really could have been cleaner, too. The "snacks" were packaged junk food and bad coffee, etc. Yuck! As for the package deals, we spent a great deal of time during transit listening to the staff discussing a ticket snafu with the folks across the aisle from us. It seems they'd purchased a package of tickets to top sights in Victoria but one of the venues had no record of this. When they arrived, they had to splash out for a 2nd set of tickets. Also, some of the time they could -- should! -- have spend seeing the sights was spent hassling with the ticket snafu. What's more, instead of relaxing on the ferry that evening they had to hassle with the staff to attempt to get a refund for the 2nd set of tickets they bought. While the staff was apologetic and helpful, just overhearing it was frustrating. Thank goodness it wasn't me.

  • 5/5 Apinita S. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the best sightseeing experiences ever! The staff are all knowledgeable and friendly, special thanks to Alison who guided and provided knowledges on Orca and other sea lives. The ferry; lobby and checkin counter are all nice and clean, strongly recommended - worth every penny!

  • 5/5 Rich S. 6 years ago on Google
    A couple of pics from our hotel room in Victoria. One of The Victoria Clipper that would return us to Seattle. Awesome trip! Loved the Clipper and Victoria!

  • 5/5 Raphael P. 4 years ago on Google
    So fast and great service!

  • 5/5 Wilhelm T. 4 years ago on Google
    Best way to travel from Victoria to Seattle

  • 5/5 Rosa D. 4 years ago on Google
    Girl friends and i had a fantastic trip to Victoria

  • 3/5 Daniel J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Comfort class is totally okay. An easy way to get between Seattle and Victoria. The only reason they do not get better grades is because the price is a bit well set. Above all, they charge $ 15 for each bag they check in. Feels a little petty when you have already paid $ 440 for two round-trip tickets bought in the cheapest way possible with no chance of repayment. (Original) Comfort class är helt okej. Ett smidigt sätt att ta sig mellan Seattle och Victoria. Enda anledningen att de inte får bättre betyg är för att priset är lite väl högt satt. Framförallt tar de betalt $15 för varje väska de checkar in. Känns lite småaktigt när man redan betalat $440 för två tur och retur biljetter köpta på billigast möjliga sätt utan chans till återbetalning.

  • 4/5 Richard G. 4 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed the ferry very much, but make sure you sit on the lower deck and take motion sick medicine if you get sea sick

  • 1/5 Just M. 4 years ago on Google
    Not offering refunds during a national crisis is bad business practice.

  • 5/5 Zombie K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great view from the boat

  • 1/5 McKinzi M. 3 years ago on Google
    The company is pretty nice and accommodating for the most part. However, it is our last summer in Seattle before moving, and we went to use our tickets to San Juan. Upon calling to schedule, they told us that route was no longer in. When asking if we could use our tickets for another route, the answer was no. So now we get no trip.

  • 5/5 Mandy B. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing trip on ferry not to be missed do it

  • 4/5 Nathan F. 5 years ago on Google
    Super fast, smooth, and fun. The staff are professional, friendly. The ride was extremely smooth. Most of the time I wouldn't have known I was on a boat. I do wish the comfort class snacks were expanded. There were sodas, a coffee/espresso machine, oranges, nuts, and chips. I would have liked to see a sandwich or something like that for the additional $50/person it costs. The ship is gorgeous, and the scenery even moreso. Highly recommended.

  • 4/5 Andreia R. 6 years ago on Google
    I enjoyed the trip to Friday Harbour very much, it has great views. I am someone that gets seasick, airsick, carsick, pretty much sick on any kind of transportation and I have to say that for me the Clipper was better than flying. I took some tablets, just to be on the safe side, and I just felt sick for a few moments, which for me it is actually amazing. The route is beautiful you can spot some wildlife on your way and the service was also very friendly. My only complain is that the boat is a little old, the chairs are not very comfortable, and there is not a lot of space. I would also like to have the possibility of reserving a seat in advance, but that is not a dealbreaker for me.

  • 4/5 wendy f. 5 years ago on Google
    We took the clipper to Victoria BC twice in the last two weeks. The first trip was on a Saturday (I don't recommend a weekend). The check in process is a bit of organized chaos. It's like going through the airport for an international flight but with passengers not having the proper documentation. The crew of the ship were really helpful. We sat in the economy section of the boat. The seats were about as uncomfortable as you can get. We also sat on the lower level(again I don't recommend). Food choices are terrible. Bring something with you. The ride is a little over 3 hours. Our second trip was on a Wednesday, much easier! We also decided to sit in comfort class, a lot more comfortable! The view from that section was beautiful. We didn't see any whales on either trip which was a disappointment, but we had an incredible view of Mt. Rainier on the way home. All things aside, both trips went well and we got there safely.

  • 5/5 Martin G. 6 years ago on Google
    Very fast ferry, 55 km/h, from Seattle to Victoria. Excellent.

  • 5/5 Chris O. 5 years ago on Google
    Fun, relaxing and quick. Easy way to go to Victoria for the day from Seattle, with lots of custom tour options available. Good, friendly service!

  • 4/5 Adriana M. 5 years ago on Google
    The scenery was amazing; we did see some orcas. But I'm not sure I'd recommend because the trip is awfully long just to watch orca fins (that's it). Maybe you'll be lucky and see more than that.

  • 1/5 David M. 3 years ago on Google
    We've had three whale watching tours with this company. Their boats are nice, the employees polite. Even though we didn't see whales, the trip was nice and they gave us a ticket to try again. It is my last summer in Seattle before moving out of state, and so I went to use my ticket to San Juan. Upon calling to schedule, I was told that route was no longer in this year and may be back next year. So when asking if I could use the ticket for another route, the answer was no. So now I get no trip.

  • 4/5 Steven D. 4 years ago on Google
    The best transit from Seattle to Victoria

  • 4/5 Jennifer Upham C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great day from Seattle to Friday Harbor. Staff was friendly and helpful. We spent a lot of top on the top deck taking in the amazing views. We saw 2 humpbacks, a minke, many porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and lots of other birds. The naturalist on board was very informative. We did the extended 2 hour nature tour then had a couple of hours in Friday Harbor. Great time all around.

  • 5/5 Ronnie Allen C. 4 years ago on Google
    The only way to get to Seattle in a reasonable time.

  • 5/5 Seejay M. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a fantastic time.

  • 5/5 Kimberly S. 4 years ago on Google
    #clippervacations - I would take this form of travel again just for the views and relaxation.

  • 5/5 LJ S. 4 years ago on Google
    Super great way to get around NW sound. Tip: I only wish our bags were small enough to take the seaplane back from Victoria. Next time will remember to bring smaller bags for the overnight to Victory to take ferry there and seaplane back!

  • 2/5 Raj w. 4 years ago on Google
    Food 😒🍱 🚢😊

  • 4/5 William D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great way to go to Victoria. Staff was attentive and knowledgeable, amenities were great, seats were comfortable and travel time was amazing.

  • 4/5 Luna 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The schedule from Seattle to Seattle is so bad ㅠ It is expensive ㅠ But it gives me a star rating for the amazing night view before I arrived in Seattle ㅎ (Original) 빅토리아에서 시애틀 가는 스케줄이 너무 안좋아요 ㅠ 비싸기도 하고 ㅠ 하지만 시애틀도착하기전 놀라운 야경을 준거에 별점 마니 줍니다 ㅎ

  • 5/5 Canadian E. 4 years ago on Google
    The Clipper is an awesome experience. Especially for those Expats going back into the States after visiting friends and relatives in Victoria. Smooth ride.

  • 5/5 Ariana S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent experience as part of the Leavenworth day trip. Well coordinated process, friendly and helpful guide and driver. We truly enjoyed our experience and would certainly use Clipper Services again.

  • 3/5 Luis M. 4 years ago on Google
    They will give you a good experience in the overall, the guides explain everything on the way to your destination. I feel that the ships could be in a better state, they need some maintenance and the cleaning personal is not efficient.

  • 5/5 Bluesky 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic

  • 5/5 sooji o. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It was a pleasant tour with kind and attentive consideration. (Original) 친절하고 세심한 배려에 기분좋은 투어였습니다

  • 4/5 Mike H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent views, a great little voyage.

  • 5/5 Kimberly P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very affordable!

  • 5/5 Margarita L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good service to Victoria


Call (800) 888-2535 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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