Top Vancouver Island Cruises & Sailing

Hit the waves with expert naturalists in search of Canadian sea-life on this whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Hop aboard your whale-watching boat and head out into the rolling seas with your guide. Gaze out over Victoria’s attractive coastline and watch the waves for sightings of graceful orcas. Listen as the two expert naturalists onboard explain the life cycles of the majestic creatures, and learn of their pivotal role near the top of the marine food chain. Enjoy fine views from the seating areas both inside and on-deck. 

Go whale watching in Victoria on a 12-passenger boat that’s designed for seeking out whales and marine wildlife on Vancouver Island’s spectacular coast. With a heated cabin, onboard bathrooms, and outdoor viewing decks, this whale watching tour is a comfortable alternative to an open speedboat that still provides the maneuverability and personal experience of a small craft while searching for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, seals, and more.

Marvel at the majesty of Canada’s marine wildlife on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat, a semi-covered vessel built specifically for whale-watching trips, and cruise through the Haro Strait with your guide. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to fascinating commentary from marine naturalists on board, and admire the beautiful orca, humpback whales, and minke whales you find.

Admire native marine wildlife in the waters of British Columbia on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your open-top boat in Victoria Harbour and cruise out into the rolling waves with your guide. Your vessel, a zodiac speedboat, is built with stability in mind and remains buoyant even in rough seas. Cruise through the Haro Straight to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Watch the water for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales and orcas breaching the waves, and learn of their life cycle and migration habits.

Discover a new perspective on Victoria’s striking coastal scenery—and have the rare chance to spot giants of the deep, as well as other marine animals—with this sunset whale-watching tour. Make your own way to the dock in Downtown Victoria, and hop aboard your catamaran, equipped with three separate viewing decks. You can look out for whales, sea lions, and more—and see the sunset from the water’s edge.

FOOD, WINE and SPECTACULAR SCENERY. We LOVE this revised tour to REFLECT COVID-19.Join Island Time Tours for a lovely relaxing adventure exploring the Cowichan Valley. We visit 3 (4 if time permitting) of the prettiest vineyards and do our own thing to avoid any line-ups. We offer you a wonderful experience at each vineyard.. First stop includes bubbly with orange juice (optional) w/ fresh warm bake goods. Relax, inhale and take in this beautiful countryside. LUNCH is filled with afternoon tea delights with WINE served weather permitting in the great outdoors. Dessert w/wine complete this tour at another picturesque vineyard. Great food, award winning wines and spectacular beauty. Let's go!

Take a sweet-smelling stroll through Victoria’s famous Butchart Gardens, spanning 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beautifully designed flower beds, lily ponds, footbridges, and thematic landscapes. With a convenient pickup location and a flexible return shuttle schedule, it’s an easy way to experience one of Victoria’s most popular attractions. Visit during summer or holiday season evenings to witness special luminous displays that add an extra touch of enchantment to the gardens.

Go wine tasting in the Cowichan Valley without the worry of designating a driver. This private tour is for just you and your companions and takes you to several of the region's top wineries in a comfortable passenger van. Relax on the scenic drive and enjoy mountain and ocean views between tastings at three or four different wineries.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean off of Victoria, British Columbia, in search of whales on this half-day tour. Travel through the Haro Strait and the San Juan de Fuca Strait in search of Minke whales, humpback whales, and orcas. Ride in an-open top Zodiac boat, suitable for 12 passengers or fewer, to ensure up-close wildlife encounters and an intimate atmosphere.

Head out into the Salish Sea from Nanaimo in search of the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area. Your guide is an experienced marine expert who will take the time to help you learn about the sea life around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This tour takes you to the habitats of killer whales (orcas) humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles.

Explore British Colombia’s Victoria by pedicab with a guide on this 3-hour tour of the city, including convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship terminal. Travel through one of Victoria’s oldest neighborhood, James Bay, to one of its oldest grocers. Then pass through Beacon Hill Park, and see the peacocks there. Plus, catch a glimpse of the famous Empress Hotel.

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on a 3-hour whale watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island in between animal sightings.

Hot drinks, certified marine biologists, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas set this Victoria whale watching tour apart from its competitors. Travel in luxury and style as you look out for whales in their natural environment in the one of the world's best whale-watching habitats in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. Other sightings may include marine birds, seals, and sea lions, making this the ideal way to see more of the region's animal residents!

Search for whales, bald eagles, and other wildlife along the dramatic coast of Vancouver Island on a 4-hour wildlife cruise from Cowichan Bay. You’ll be fitted with warm clothing and a floatation suit, then set out in a rigid inflatable boat that’s perfect for exploring the rugged coast and Gulf Islands. This 4-hour wildlife cruise is limited to 15 people for a more personal experience, with afternoon and sunset departures available.

Explore the city of Victoria and the famous Butchart Gardens on this half-day guided tour. On the way to the gardens, stop at several attractions including Beacon Hill Park, Craigdarroch Castle, and Mount Tolmie Park. While at the Butchart Gardens, take in the impressive floral displays and the many theme gardens. On the return trip, visit Chinatown, Parliament, and the Empress Hotel.

Maximize time in British Columbia with a full-day sightseeing tour from Vancouver. Combine a coach tour and a ferry tour in this comprehensive itinerary. Board a ferry for a scenic ride to Victoria and check out popular landmarks including the Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, and Beacon Hill Park. Learn about local neighborhoods like Chinatown and sites including the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. At sunset, ride the ferry back to Vancouver.

When you make port in Victoria, discover top city attractions in style on this 2-hour Victoria castles and neighborhoods bike tour. Follow your guide by bicycle through Victoria and gain insight into the city’s colorful past. Explore diverse districts such as the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village and Chinatown. Take in panoramic views over Dallas Road’s waterfront and marvel at the creepy Craigdarroch Castle. Spin through pretty Moss Rock Park and Beacon Hill Park, and enjoy the creative buzz of leafy Fernwood.

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day guided tour. This whale-watching experience is led by a certified naturalist, eager to share their knowledge on the area’s wildlife and natural history. If no whales are sighted—no worries! You can return for free.

Experience the capital of British Columbia as you embark on this express tour of Victoria. With a private guide, travel in a deluxe van and cover the highlights of the city including the Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Craigdorrach Castle, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Your guide explains the history of the city and provides tips on other places that you can explore.

Swap the crowds of big whale-watching tours for a more intimate experience. This small-group whale-watching adventure from Telegraph Cove takes you out onto the waters of Johnstone Strait in a Zodiac-style vessel where you'll have the chance to see whales, seals, sea lions, maybe some otters, dolphins, and eagles too.

If you've always wanted to try sailing, get your sea legs on a small-group sailing adventure on Vancouver Island. Learn sailing essentials from an experienced skipper, and then put your new skills into practice while navigating the Strait of Juan de Fuca. With wind in your sails, look for wild marine life including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins.

Trade your cruise ship for a whale-watching vessel on a 3-hour shore excursion from the port of Victoria. Travel into the open waters of the northern Pacific Ocean to spot native marine life including orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals and minke whales. Learn about British Columbia’s amazing aquatic ecosystems from onboard naturalist guides, who will help point out passing species along the way. It’s an exciting and educational voyage for the whole family!

See whales and all manner of marine life on this whale-watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out into the Salish Sea on a semi-covered vessel. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and many more species. Your marine naturalist guide is there to answer any questions you have about what you see.

Discover the best of Victoria as you explore with an expert guide on this half-day sightseeing tour. With a private guide, explore the Inner Harbor and Fisherman’s Wharf to see historic sights, floating homes, beautiful landscapes, and more. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Butchart Gardens which are filled with floral displays ranging from Italian- to Japanese-style, ponds, and fountains.