VANCOUVER ISLAND · WHALE WATCHING
The trips worth booking.
The 15 vancouver island whale watching tours travellers rate most highly, gathered in one place. What you are likely to see, when the season runs, who skippers the boat, and what a place on deck costs.
3.5-hour Victoria whale and wildlife cruise with naturalist guides. Orcas, humpbacks, seals, eagles, and free return if none.
Most Popular“This tour was top notch with a fabulous crew! The boat was perfect and the crew was awesome! We learned so much!”
Small private half-day whale watching from Cowichan Bay with an expert captain-naturalist, tight wildlife sightings, and helpful photography.
“Super fun, educational, and friendly trip! Our guide was great to speak to and learn from. Would definitely do this again if I’m ever lucky enough to come to CA again in the future.”
Half-day whale watching from Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island with live commentary, included wildlife photo package, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“great crew , had a fantastic time! would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone. Make sure to dress warmly as it can get cold on the water ,even in summer.”
Zodiac whale watching from Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, small-group 12-guest trips with live commentary and a whale guarantee.
“Scottie prima reisleider, heel veel walvissen, dolfijnen en bruinvissen gezien. Ook de prachtige omgeving is alleen al de moeite waard”
Victoria sunset whale-watching cruise with warm gear, onboard restrooms, live naturalist commentary, and a free return if no whales.
“Pete and Joe were excellent. Very informative, fun and relaxed. They didn’t hesitate to extend our time on the water so we could all enjoy viewing a group of Orcas.”
Small-group open-boat whale watching in Nanaimo with warm anti-exposure suits, expert marine naturalists, and an hour of real sightings.
“Incredible afternoon on the water. Spent 4 hours with an excellent captain/naturalist and saw 5 or 6 whales. We lucked out when two of the whales swam right up to our boat—their choice—our engine was off! Terrifying and thrilling all at once! Beautiful creatures that delighted us with their antics. It was a windy wavy…”
A small-group 4-hour Zodiac whale and wildlife cruise from Campbell River, with a floater suit, light snacks, and chances to see whales.
“Das Erleben der Wale in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung war sehr beeindruckend! Ebenso die Fahrt durch die Insellandschaft!”
Campbell River Salish Sea whale watching on a custom boat with indoor seating, deck views, and First Nations culture—4 hours.
“The crew was good. Safety was on the top of the list. The tour guide was great she was knowledgeable and a pleasant person. She made our fun. We saw three killer whales and learned about tribal culture. Worth the drive from Victoria to take this tour.”
Covered 4-hour whale watching from Campbell River with a covered boat, snacks, and a scenic pass by Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island.
“The trip was cancelled and we did not know till we showed up . They said they phoned and emailed me. My cellular provider does not work well in BC and the only email I received was one on the 11th of June stating my credit card would be charged the full amount on the…”
Nanaimo whale watching on a 12-passenger semi-covered boat with guaranteed sightings, onboard wildlife science, and a BC orca conservation talk.
“Staff were amazing saw the elusive grey whale gave us a good tail flip. The ride started a bit bumpy but the captain knew what he was doing. Very knowledgeable and tried their best on a stormy type day. Travelled a long way but it was a weird day for sure as we were one…”
6-hour small-group whale watching from Campbell River with floater suits, lunch, and a naturalist guide; may pass Cape Mudge Lighthouse.
“Absolutely amazing in all areas!!!! Recommend it to all our family and friends! The eagles were breathtaking I. Their numbers and magnificence❤️”
A 5.5-hour sea otter and whale watching cruise from Port Hardy, with flotation gear, binoculars, and lunch on Northern Vancouver Island.
“The team is great, competent and friendly and the equipment/facilities are high quality.”
6-hour zodiac whale and wildlife tour from Campbell River, Vancouver Island, with open views, lunch and hot drinks, and a floater suit.
“Our tour guide/boat captain, Becca. was very knowledgeable & interested that her passengers had a great experience We saw whales, porpoises, tide pools & had a magical experience with hundreds (?) of eagles fishing.”
Small-group whale watching from Campbell River with lunch onboard, zodiac rides, and a safety-first crew.
“Absolutely outstanding! This is by far the best wildlife trip we have ever been on. We are a family of four (two kids included) who went on the 6 hour whale watching trip from Campbell River in July 2025 on a warm and sunny day. Everything was so professional from the minute we arrived.”
Campbell River whale watching by Zodiac with a small group, weather suits, and a real chance at orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and even bears.
“I had an amazing time! Our guide was knowledgeable and I was lucky enough to see a Black Bear, some sea lions, deer and humpback whales! I definitely recommend!”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
