Top Vancouver Island Whale Watching

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You might not guess from the pretty gardens and charming streets, but the city of Victoria is full of ghosts, or at least ghost stories. Walk with your guide through some of the most haunted spots in town, hearing the spooky and tragic tales from Victoria’s past. You never know, you may go home with a story of your own….

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.

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!

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.

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.

Slow, don’t rush—the best way to see whales is on a comfortable covered boat, heated and protected from the elements. On this tour, experience the unspoilt scenery of Vancouver Island as you sail, and enjoy learning about the local area and its natural wildlife from an enthusiastic, family team. Spot gray whales, orcas and humpback whales, and learn about their migrations to and from Canadian waters.

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.

Encounter the marine life of Vancouver Island on a half-day whale watching tour. Unlike many other tours, this one includes beach landings thanks to special watercraft, and two dedicated seats per passenger, so you can choose whether to sit inside a warm cabin or outside in the open air. While helping you spot whales, porpoises, dolphins, and other animals, indigenous guides also share insight into First Nations culture.

On this private whale watching trip from Victoria you and your group will get the whole Zodiac to yourselves, which means there will be no need to jostle with other passengers for the best viewing spot. You'll cruise to the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait, renowned for their marine wildlife including resident and transient orcas, humpback and mink whales, seals, sea lions and many seabird species.

Immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest on this private fishing and wildlife charter. A full-day tour takes you from the surfing town of Tofino to explore the protected waters of Clayoquot Sound or into offshore waters. With included fishing equipment, take off in search of salmon and halibut, or choose to putter through the islets for potential bear watching.

Join us for a full day adventure in the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound in one of the richest marine environments on the planet! Shortly after departing, we will travel through prime feeding grounds of migratory Humpback Whales. Encounters are likely and plentiful. These giants can weigh over 60 tons! Clans of Transient Orca are constantly on the move, often spending long periods of time foraging throughout the endless shorelines and Coast Mountain fjords. In their search of prey such as harbour seals, sea lions and porpoises, we have the chance to encounter and witness the skill and intelligence of these incredible animals thrive in their vast ocean world. The Discovery Islands interconnected waterways have world renowned tidal rapids that create an abundance of nutrients. Steller sea lions feeding by the dozen, Harbour Seals, Pacific white-sided dolphins and large congregations of Bald Eagles and gulls take part in the ebb and flow.