Whale Watching Packing Checklist: Everything You Should Bring
Updated: 6 days ago
Packing for a whale watching tour is less about bringing a lot of gear and more about being prepared for changing conditions on the water.
Even when the weather feels comfortable on land, wind, marine air, changing cloud cover, and occasional spray can make conditions feel very different once your boat leaves the dock. The right clothing and a few practical extras can help you stay comfortable and focused on the wildlife.
Use this whale watching packing list to prepare for your Pacific Northwest adventure.
Whale Watching Packing List: The Essentials
If you want the short version, start with these essentials:
Clothing you can layer
Wind-resistant or waterproof outer layer
Comfortable closed-toe shoes with good traction
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Secure hat
Refillable water bottle
Light snacks
Any personal medications you need
Phone or camera
Water-resistant bag for personal items
From there, adjust what you bring according to the forecast, season, tour length, and your personal comfort.
Dress in Layers
Layering is one of the most useful strategies for Pacific Northwest whale watching.
Conditions can change during a single trip, and temperatures on the water may feel considerably cooler than they do on land.
Instead of relying on one heavy piece of clothing, wear several lighter layers that you can add or remove.
Base Layer
Start with a comfortable shirt appropriate for the day's forecast.
Synthetic or merino wool fabrics are useful in cooler or wetter conditions because they manage moisture better than cotton.
On warmer days, a comfortable lightweight shirt may be all you need beneath your other layers.
Mid Layer
A fleece, sweatshirt, or lightweight insulated layer adds warmth without taking up too much space.
Even if you don't need it at the dock, it's useful to have something available once you're out on the water.
Outer Layer
A wind-resistant or waterproof jacket is one of the most useful items you can bring.
Wind can make temperatures feel cooler, and marine weather can change quickly. An outer shell also provides protection from occasional spray.
Choose something comfortable enough to move around in while viewing wildlife.
Pants
Comfortable long pants are a practical choice for most whale watching trips.
During cooler or wetter conditions, consider water-resistant pants or an additional insulating layer underneath.
Hat
Bring a hat appropriate for the weather.
A warm knit hat can be useful on cool days, while a secure sun hat or baseball cap can help during brighter weather.
Whatever you choose, make sure it won't easily blow away.
Gloves
Lightweight gloves can make a significant difference during colder conditions.
Photographers may prefer gloves that still allow easy access to camera controls.
Choose the Right Shoes
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction.
Boat decks can become wet, so grip matters more than style.
Water-resistant footwear can be especially useful when rain or spray is possible.
Avoid footwear that feels unstable or slippery when walking on a moving surface.
Sun Protection Still Matters
Cloudy weather doesn't eliminate sun exposure.
You'll be spending several hours outdoors, and light reflecting from the water can increase exposure.
Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are particularly useful because they reduce glare from the water and can make it easier to scan the surface for wildlife.
A retention strap is a smart addition on windy days.
Sunscreen
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before your trip and bring some with you if you'll need to reapply.
Follow the product instructions for application and reapplication.
Sun Hat
A secure hat can provide additional protection for your face and eyes.
Just remember that wind on the water can quickly turn a loose hat into a souvenir for the Salish Sea.
Preparing for Motion Sickness
If you know you're prone to motion sickness, plan before the boat leaves the dock.
Some travelers use an over-the-counter motion sickness medication or another preventative method that has worked for them previously. Follow medication directions carefully, and speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're unsure what is appropriate for you.
It's generally easier to prepare for motion sickness before departure than to deal with it after symptoms have already started.
Other simple strategies can include:
Staying hydrated
Eating a light meal beforehand
Avoiding excessive alcohol
Looking toward the horizon when possible
Getting fresh air
Avoiding prolonged reading or phone use if it makes you feel worse
Bring Water
Bring a refillable water bottle if permitted by your tour operator.
It's easy to forget about hydration when you're concentrating on wildlife, particularly on cooler days when you may not feel thirsty.
A reusable bottle also reduces unnecessary single-use plastic.
Pack Light Snacks
Depending on the length of your tour and the operator's policies, a few simple snacks can be useful.
Easy options include:
Crackers
Granola or energy bars
Fruit
Dried fruit
Other light, easy-to-pack snacks
If motion sickness is a concern, you may find lighter foods more comfortable than a large or greasy meal.
Check your tour operator's current policies before bringing food aboard.
Bring Your Personal Medications
Bring any medication you may need during the trip.
Keep essential medication somewhere accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your luggage.
If you carry emergency medication, make sure the people travelling with you know where it is.
What to Pack for Whale Photography
You don't need a professional camera to enjoy whale watching, but a little preparation can make photography much easier.
Camera
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto zoom can be useful for photographing wildlife at a distance.
Lenses such as a 70-200mm or 100-400mm can provide flexibility, although the best setup depends on your camera and photography preferences.
Phones are excellent for scenery, landscapes, group photographs, and wider wildlife shots.
Extra Battery
Bring a fully charged battery.
If you expect to take a lot of photographs or video, an extra battery can be useful.
Memory Card
Check that your memory card has plenty of available space before leaving.
Wildlife photographers often use burst mode, which can fill storage much faster than expected.
Lens Cloth
A microfiber lens cloth takes almost no space and can be very useful if your camera lens picks up moisture or spray.
Camera Protection
A water-resistant camera bag or protective cover gives you somewhere safe to put equipment when you're not actively shooting.
Saltwater and electronics aren't a combination you want to test.
Binoculars
Binoculars can be useful for scanning distant wildlife and observing animals that aren't close to the vessel.
If you already own a compact pair, consider bringing them.
If not, don't feel that binoculars are essential to enjoying your trip. Your eyes, the crew's guidance, and a good view of the surrounding water can go a long way.
Choose a Practical Bag
A small backpack or water-resistant bag is usually enough for personal belongings.
Keep it compact. You don't want to spend the entire trip managing a large amount of luggage.
A good bag can hold:
An extra layer
Water
Snacks
Sunscreen
Camera accessories
Personal medication
Phone
Other small essentials
A waterproof pouch or dry bag can provide additional protection for electronics and valuables.
Keep Your Phone Protected
Your phone is likely to serve several purposes during the trip: camera, navigation tool, booking information, and communication device.
Keep it in a secure pocket or protective case.
A wrist strap or other secure attachment can also be useful when taking photographs around the boat.
Packing for Families
Families may want to add a few extra items.
Depending on your children's ages, consider bringing:
Extra layers
Additional snacks
Water
A change of clothes
Child-appropriate sun protection
Any required medications
Simple wildlife identification materials
Avoid packing too many toys or activities. Once wildlife begins appearing, the Salish Sea usually provides enough entertainment.
Seasonal Whale Watching Packing Tips
The Pacific Northwest can deliver very different conditions throughout the year, so use the season as a starting point rather than an absolute rule.
Always check the current forecast and any preparation guidance provided by your operator.
Summer
For warmer-weather trips, consider:
Lightweight layers
Wind-resistant jacket
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Secure sun hat
Water bottle
Don't skip the extra layer simply because the forecast looks warm on land.
Fall
As conditions cool, consider adding:
Warmer mid layer
Waterproof outer shell
Warm hat
Gloves
Water-resistant footwear
Winter
When tours are operating in colder conditions, preparation becomes especially important.
Consider:
Warm base layers
Insulating mid layers
Weather-resistant outerwear
Warm hat
Gloves
Appropriate footwear
Follow the operator's recommendations and current marine forecast rather than relying solely on the temperature shown for land.
Spring
Spring conditions can change rapidly.
Layers, weather protection, and comfortable footwear provide flexibility if the day shifts between sun, wind, clouds, and rain.
What Not to Bring Whale Watching
Some items are more trouble than they're worth on a moving boat.
Consider leaving behind:
Open-toe or slippery footwear
Loose scarves that can blow around
Large amounts of unnecessary luggage
Heavy or valuable jewelry
Unsecured hats
Umbrellas
Equipment you aren't comfortable protecting from moisture
An umbrella may seem useful on land, but a waterproof jacket is much more practical in marine wind.
The One-Extra-Layer Rule
When in doubt, bring one additional layer.
You don't necessarily have to wear it.
Put it in your bag and add it if conditions become cooler.
It's much easier to remove a fleece you don't need than to create an extra layer once you're already on the water.
Check the Weather Before Your Tour
Marine conditions can be different from what you're experiencing at your hotel or elsewhere on land.
Check the forecast before leaving and pay attention to any updates or preparation instructions from your tour operator.
Wind, temperature, rain, and changing marine conditions can all affect what feels comfortable.
Pack the Day Before
Prepare your bag and clothing the day before your trip.
Charge your phone and camera batteries, clear space on memory cards, locate your sunglasses, and make sure any necessary medication is ready.
Doing this ahead of time means you can concentrate on enjoying your trip rather than wondering what you forgot.
Consider a Change of Clothes
If you're driving to Anacortes, leaving a few comfort items in the car can be useful.
Consider keeping:
Dry socks
Extra shoes
Change of shirt
Dry pants
Towel
Warm layer
You may never need them, but they're nice to have after a wet or windy adventure.
If Seeing an Orca Is Your Priority
Packing correctly helps you enjoy the experience, but choosing the right tour matters too.
If your main goal is specifically to see an orca, Outer Island Excursions offers a Guaranteed Orca Tour.
Outer Island Excursions was the original company to offer an Orca-Specific Guarantee, which is different from a general whale-sighting guarantee.
The tour also departs in the afternoon intentionally.
Orcas can travel more than 100 miles in a single day. By afternoon, crews have had more time to gather current information about where orcas have been sighted and how they have been moving.
The point isn't that orcas are inherently easier to see in the afternoon. The advantage is having more information available before the search begins.
For visitors with only one opportunity to see an orca, that can be an important consideration when choosing a tour.
Your Final Whale Watching Packing Checklist
Before heading to Anacortes, run through this checklist:
Layered clothing
Wind-resistant or waterproof jacket
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Secure hat
Water bottle
Light snacks, if permitted
Personal medication
Motion sickness preparation, if needed
Phone
Camera, if desired
Charged batteries
Available memory card space
Lens cloth
Water-resistant bag
Extra layer
Change of clothes in the car, if desired
You don't need to bring everything you own.
The goal is simply to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and ready when wildlife appears.
FAQs
What is the most important thing to bring about whale watching?
Layers and a wind-resistant or waterproof outer layer are among the most useful things to bring. Conditions on the water can feel cooler and windier than they do on land.
What shoes should I wear while whale watching?
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes with good traction. Water-resistant footwear can be useful when wet conditions or spray are possible.
Do I need binoculars?
Not necessarily. Binoculars can be useful for scanning distant wildlife, but you can still have an excellent whale watching experience without them.
Should I take motion sickness medication?
If you're prone to motion sickness, consider using the preventative approach that normally works for you. Follow medication directions and ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're unsure what is appropriate.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes. If photography is important to you, bring a camera you're comfortable using on a moving boat and protect it from moisture and spray.
Should I dress differently for an afternoon whale watching tour?
Dress for the weather and marine conditions rather than simply the time of day. Layers remain useful because temperatures, wind, and cloud cover can change during a tour.
Why does Outer Island's Guaranteed Orca Tour leave in the afternoon?
Orcas can travel more than 100 miles in a day. An afternoon departure allows more time for current sightings and movement information to develop before the crew heads out to search for them.
Does Outer Island offer an orca guarantee?
Yes. Outer Island Excursions offers a Guaranteed Orca Tour and was the original company to offer an Orca-Specific Guarantee. This is different from a general guarantee that may apply to seeing any whale species.
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