Reviews for FRS Clipper (Clipper Vacations)
185 reviews
Very nice staff, could not see the whales.
The whales are seen from a far. It was almost impossible to see over the crowd of people on deck. I am 5’1 and the boat did not rotate so all passengers could see the whales from their side, I had to walk to the the side of the boat closest to the whales but could not see anything over the people who were seated there already.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
The comfort class is good 🛳️
The FRS Clipper from Victoria to Seattle is very efficient. Comfortable service and smooth. Nice views of the islands. Recommended.
Product: One-Way High-Speed Passenger Ferry: Victoria, BC to Seattle, WA
Priority seating was so...
Priority seating was so much better than I expected. We were seated in a warm cabin with nice seats and fold down tables in front of large windows, which made it easy to see wildlife from the inside. I had small children with me so it was nice to not have to be outside to see the wildlife. We saw one humpback whale along with a bunch of other wildlife. Overall a great experience!
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Pleasant and Relaxing
It was a smooth sailing. Cafeteria had good options of food and drinks. One thing we learnt was that they need reservations to secure a spot on the ferry. Beautiful views. We were lucky to catch the great weather.
Product: Passenger Ferry between Seattle & San Juan Island ONE-WAY
Comfortable travel
Nice easy way to travel to Victoria, we chose comfort vip class, seats at the front, snacks and coffee/soft drinks included. Check in was simple, plenty of space on board to store carry on luggage. Journey was smooth and uneventful (good thing) not an inexpensive way to travel, but certainly easy.
Product: Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC High-Speed Passenger Ferry: ONE-WAY
Fabulous experience!
The ship was very comfortable, staff was helpful and courteous. Our trip was a long one. We left around 10:30 am and returned around 5. We had to travel quite a distance to see whales, but, we saw whales; lots of them. I'd say 20-25, it was incredible! The naturalist on board said it isn't an every day occurrence to see so many, so, we were very lucky.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
nice and relaxing ride...
nice and relaxing ride around Elliot Bay and beyond. Was nice that they opened the bow of the boat for better viewing. The galley had a great variety of snacks l,sandwiches and beverages.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
We Saw Whales!
This trip was easy to plan and fun to experience. We found whales and got a lot of time to watch them. Do you get seasick and forgot to take your meds? No worries, they have meds on board! Our mom needed a wheelchair and they have one! They efficiently transported her and were kind and helpful. The seat chart is helpful - we chose a table group so our family could visit and eat lunch together in between whale watching and hanging out top deck. Bring binocs and a windbreaker jacket.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Inconsistent policy enforcement
My husband and I booked an anniversary weekend getaway on the Victoria Clipper. The line to get checked in and onto the boat was rather long departing Seattle, but the boat departed pretty much on schedule. The trip over was uneventful. We booked the Vista Panorama seating class, so we had window seats on the upper level. It's always a bit frustrating to see people fairly obviously coming upstairs mid-ride to take advantage of the higher fare seats without paying for them and then going back downstairs to beat the disembarking rush, but I digress. We had a nice time in Victoria (2 nights) and then it was time to come home. The line to get checked in was long and hot. When we finally got to the check in area where they give you your boarding pass, the lady glanced at our suitcase and "you'll need to check that". We didn't have any issues carrying it on on the way over, and when I mentioned this, she said rudely, "well it looks full." Okay, maybe politely suggest that we put it in the sizer to make sure it still fits the requirements? Offer to weigh it? My husband and I shared one small rolling suitcase and were forced to pay to check it while the couple in front of us had two rolling suitcases and two massive backpacks and they were able to carry them all on for free. It was just a frustrating way to end a nice trip and left a bad taste in our mouths. Having a checked bag also automatically put us in the last group to disembark, which made everything take longer. Next time we want to spend any time in Victoria, we won't choose the Clipper.
Product: From Seattle: Round Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC
The ride was nice, clean and the crew was accommodating. Beautiful views, long day, only saw a few things. Def recommend
Wish we would have had a chance to see more, but overall nice. Hard to hear on speakers when outside. Crew was knowledgeable. We had a nice time.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
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Beautiful boat ride. Captain went out of his way to get a whale sighting in and succeeded. Naturalist was very informative about the wildlife we saw
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Worst Tour/Agency Group
Worst tour group i have ever dealt with. Booked whale watching tour, they confirmed immediately only for them to send cancellation the next morning an hour before the tour time when i drove all the way there for them to cancel and not even provide a reason why. Called them several times no response. Terrible terrible! Wouldn’t recommend!
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Nice staff
We barely saw a humpback tail, and some sea otters. But not worth the pay , the boat is nice and so is the staff.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Great experience, highly recommend
The crew was very personable, took the time to visit with guests. Extended the trip to ensure we saw whakes, we ended up experiencing one of the best sighting for the 2025 season.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Be Aware of Time
This group is very professional. Just be aware that they want to find whales for you. It may take more than 3 hours. As we boarded they said that it would probably take at least six hours to find whales. We appreciated that information. We could not spend that much time so we hopped off. I’m sure everyone on the boat had a wonderful time and saw lots of whales but we could not invest that much time. I’m sure I failed to notice that in the sign up information. I’m sure it was not them but it was me. I’m mentioning all of this in the review so others take this into account. Next time we are in Seattle we will schedule more time and go see whales with them.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
Victoria Clipper
A great way to travel from Victoria, BC to Seattle. Seats are comfortable and a great view of Puget Sound. This was comfortable and quick.
Product: One-Way High-Speed Passenger Ferry: Victoria, BC to Seattle, WA
Incorrect sailing time by Viator
Ferry schedule was changed and notification was sent to Viator. However, Viator did not send us updates on the time change AND continued on the day of sailing to send verifications using the incorrect sailing time. This cost my family a day of preplanned activities to be wasted.
Product: One-Way High-Speed Passenger Ferry: Victoria, BC to Seattle, WA
Dishonest customer service
Early in 2025 we bought 2 round trip tickets from Seattle to Victoria on the Clipper sailing on June 8 and returning on June 11. After we left for Victoria they called our travel agent and said they changed their schedule and weren't returning to Seattle on the 11th and offered the 12th. Actually they knew this way in advance but didn't contact us. We had to be back in Seattle on the 11th so we couldn't accept another day. We ended up buying very expensive plane tickets since we had no notice. Clipper promised to refund our tickets but didn't. They promised by phone and by email but still haven't refunded them. I don't find them honest or trustworthy.
Product: Seattle, WA to Victoria, BC High-Speed Passenger Ferry: ONE-WAY
Whale watching tour
Fun event with friends Boat was relaxing, food sold on board was really good and we got to see killer whales, sea lions, and a few porpoises. Premium seating was worth it.
Product: Only Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour Leaving from Seattle
A pleasant treat
I enjoy the Clipper, and the time passes quickly for this crossing. The staff are always pleasant, the vessel is clean, and it can be a nice change from the Coho when I am headed to visit friends or family in Washington. Anyone going between Victoria and Washington should be sure to try this crossing at least once, unless Seattle throws you off course for your destination!
Product: FRS Clipper