There are two floors to explore at The Whale Museum. On the first floor, you will encounter our gift shop as well as our newest exhibit area. This accessible exhibit area features: An exhibit honoring Sooke (L-112) a young orca who passed in 2012.
Upstairs, you can explore the Gallery of Whales.
In the Gallery of Whales you'll learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with a special focus on the orcas of J, K and L Pods living in the Salish Sea, the inland waters around the San Juan Islands.
You'll find a fascinating collection of exhibits, artwork, models, and artifacts, including real whale skeletons and a family tree of the Resident orcas.
Learn more about our hours of operation and admission rates.
Don't have time for a guided tour? Our Exploration Guide to The Whale Museum's Exhibit Hall will help you navigate the many facets of our museum. Our Gift Shop is dog-friendly, but they are not allowed in the gallery spaces.
We offer a variety of educational programs for adults and students to learn more about whales, our local orcas, and the marine ecology of the Salish Sea.
More than a museum, we promote the stewardship of whales in the Salish Sea through research and education programs.
We periodically send out announcements, action items and updates about issues affecting the Southern Resident Orcas and The Whale Museum.
The Whale Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State in Olympia, Washington. We acknowledge that The Whale Museum, and program operations affiliated with The Whale Museum, are situated on the ancestral homelands and waters of the Coast Salish Peoples who have called this place home since time immemorial. We aim to acknowledge and respect Indigenous cultures in our museum exhibits and educational programs.
Copyright © 2025 The Whale Museum. All right reserved.