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.

Head out from Nanaimo for a half day of marine wildlife sightings
Guaranteed whale sightings, or your next trip is free
Stay dry and warm in the provided anti-exposure suits
Learn more about the area and its wildlife from a marine life expert

What's Included

Professional guide with academic background in marine biology
Captain is certified by Transport Canada
Toilets onboard
Anti-exposure suit provided
Sunscreen available
Binoculars onboard (shared between guests)

The listed price does not include parking, which costs around 7-8 dollars CAD for the day.
Lunch is not included.
Gratuities
Transportation to/from office

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

90 Front St #5
90 Front St #5, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7, Canada
Our office is located on Front Street, the seawall along downtown Nanaimo's waterfront.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Not suitable for pregnant women.

Minimum numbers apply. If there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation, in which case an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Jane_W

this was a great trip and lots of fun. we were luck and sore the Orcas and the hump back whale, weather was great which helps and Rebecca was really interesting with all her knowledge. It was even nicer that only 2 boats were out exploring, would definitely recommend

Reviews

5.0

92 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 92 reviews

WOW! Awesome views even better Whale Experts

Ashlea_M, Oct 2022

WOW ! We saw orcas and humpbacks - but you can do that at any whale your, what made this one so fun was our instructor ! She was very helpful and kind, also VERY versed in whale and sea life and answered so many questions and added lots of fun facts. I got a little seasick and she offered ginger chews- the captain was also very competent !

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you for your review, Ashlea! We are glad you enjoyed your tour - even with a bit of seasickness!

A whales tail

susan_w, Oct 2022

An absolutely awesome tour. We saw so many whales and other marine life. Awesome guide and captain. We'll do it again.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you for your review, Susan! We are glad you enjoyed your time with us! We would love to have you out with us again!

whale fun

Jane_W, Jul 2022

Great trip, saw 7 whales,...

Sheri_M, Jun 2022

Great trip, saw 7 whales, sea lions and seals. The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions.

Up close!

L_M, May 2022

We saw Chainsaw, a 43 year old killer whale, 40 feet off our bow. We were with him and his mother for an hour.

Great experience and I would recommend it

Tamino_B, Oct 2021

My most memorable parts of this trip where definitely the time where we watched the whales and the boat drive (we had the seat in the front) which was pretty wet and cooled but still pretty cool 😁

Awesome 🤩

Barbara_T, Aug 2021

Had the best time ever. The naturalist answered all questions and had a close up encounter with the whale. Would recommend anyone to go ahead and book a tour Thank you Cheyenne for a wonderful trip that I’ll never forget Barb Traynor

Great day!

Connor_C, Aug 2021

We had a wonderful experience with the tour. Saw lots of whales and had a very knowledgable guide. Would 100% use this company again!

Saw many whales

Andersonfamily, Aug 2021

My son loved the experience and got to see 5 orcas and some humpbacks. He loved it the boat ride out was a bit rough for him he needed to change seats to back of the boat.

Very special and exciting!

Stardust, Jul 2021

An outstanding experience! How often does one see Orca pods and two Humpback whales at one time accompanied by helpful and inspirational comments by very knowledgeable naturalists!

Orcas and Humpbacks

Kelvin_H, Jul 2021

The naturalist was very knowledgeable and excited about her job and the whales. We got to see two species of whale and even had some time left to see sea lions. It was a great experience. Highly recommend

disappointed

Graysen_C, Sep 2020

i am SO heartbroken to say that my husband paid for this whale watching trip as a graduating gift to celebrate my nursing school completion. i have been an AVID Orca lover my entire life and went on the hope that i would catch a glimpse of these beauties. we didn’t see anything for the first nearly 2 hours of the 3 hour trip. when we did, it was little glimpses of humpbacks from a major distance (beyond the required distance). the website and advertising screams at guaranteed orca sighting but this was not the case. the captain and tour guide were fabulous, i am just overwhelmingly sad and disappointed

Amazing trip!

Nakissa_C, Aug 2020

Natalie was really knowledgeable and gave us a fun and informative experience. We stopped and watched a pod of orcas for quite a while, where she shared interesting facts with everyone. The orcas were pretty close to us...it was amazing seeing them hunt together (as we were told they were). We also saw a bald eagle scanning for food, and some harbour seals relaxing on a little island. We would definitely do this again!

A truly worthwhile experience, and good value for money

Nick H, Aug 2019

My wife and I went out with company to watch whales, which we did indeed do. We were suited up with all the appropriate safety gear, well briefed on safety matters, and about how and what we should see that day. On the boat the tour guide, a professional naturalist, gave fantastic and erudite explanations about the behaviour that were witnessing from the whales, and the other animals and birds that we were very close during the trip. We both loved it, and so glad that we booked with this company.

Veux être remboursé Sinon je vais faire démarche contre vous

Guillaume_B, Aug 2022

Aucune baleine Nada Veut être remboursé au complet ! On vient une fois dans notre vie Et on se fait arnaqué Votre carte de trip gratuit pour une prochaine foi non transférable en plus Une vrai arnaque Je veux être remboursé

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