WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Our 3 to 5 hour whale watching tour focuses on traveling through the spectacular Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia to find magnificent Orcas (Killer Whales), majestic Humpback Whales, and other marine wildlife such as Sea Lions, Porpoises, Bald Eagles and more.

TOUR OPTIONS

Explorathor II & Express

Open Air / Semi-Covered Convertables

Availability
Departure Times
Information
Prices

Strider & Lightship

Open Air Zodiacs

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Departure Times
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WHERE WE TRAVEL

Welcome to the Salish Sea! This is the name of the area of water and islands that includes the Georgia Strait, Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, Haro Strait and Juan de Fuca Strait, which are all areas where we may travel in a day to watch whales.

The area of the Salish Sea is sometimes referred to as the ‘Emerald Sea’ because of the beautiful green colour of the water. The green colour is because of phytoplankton and algae that grow in the water, which are the foundation of this rich ecosystem and the base of the food chain. This is why the area can support such a diverse range of animals, both large and small. Look for brown bull kelp in the water, and purple or orange common sea stars on the rocks at the water’s edge.

Where-we-Travel Map

WHAT SETS US APART

Vancouver Whale Watch™ provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessels, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an on-the-water education of the west coast eco-system. We emphasize science and conservation while maintaining a fun and professional atmosphere.

  • Trips are 3 to 5 hours long – sometimes whales are far and sometimes they are close

  • Vancouver’s largest and most experienced whale watching company

  • Over 95% success rate sighting whales

  • Zodiac style vessels

  • Professional wildlife guide on board to provide information and answer questions

  • Hydrophones

  • Our Guarantee – Should you not see a whale (Orca or Humpback), come again for free until you do, for life, no expiry

  • Spectacular wildlife and views around the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Georgia

  • Complimentary water and snack

Tourism Richmond
A Pacific Authentic Experience

WILDLIFE SPECTACULAR

Voyage out into the water with Vancouver Whale Watch to experience an oceanic wildlife spectacular.

Along with magnificent Orcas and majestic Humpback whales, the Pacific Coast is home to several species of captivating aquatic animals and extraordinary birds.

Join us on a whale watching tour during the Spring and Fall and see animated Sea Lions, amazing Bald Eagles and more fascinating birds. Travel through the stunning Gulf and San Juan Islands to explore our backyard and experience this seasonal wonder!

BEFORE THE TOUR

Now that you have made your booking, here are some things that will be useful:

Please ensure your booking is complete and you have received a confirmation number.

Please note that you can be out on the water anywhere from 3 up to 5 hours.  So we recommend you bring a lunch for the tour, or you can pre-order a lunch with us.  We also suggest to bring a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle (we have a water cooler in our office and complimentary bottled water on the boat). 

Please note that it is up to 10 degrees cooler and windy on the water. We recommend dressing warmly and bringing some layers with a wind breaker/jacket, hat, gloves, and closed-toed shoes. It is best to be prepared with sunglasses and sunscreen, and please feel free to bring a camera.

If you are driving to us, there is paid and free parking available (please arrive early to ensure a better parking spot).

If you have booked our shuttle, please ensure you know your pick-up location and time. Please arrive at the shuttle location 5 minutes early as the bus will depart promptly on time.

We belong to an extensive spotting network including ferries, fishermen, land based spotters and most important other whale watching boats. Members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association work co-operatively on the water to search the areas inhabited by the whales ensuring the highest sighting success rate. Our company is dedicated to going where the whales are.
Should you not see a whale (Orca or Humpback), come again for free until you do, for life, no expiry.
This guarantee is non-transferable and can be exchanged for 40% off gift store merchandise.

  • If possible, do not book your tour on your last day in Vancouver.  Should you not see whales on your tour, this will allow you to try again before you leave.  However, please note that our return passes are valid for life!
  • Bring extra layers and a wind layer, even in the summer.  It is much cooler on the water.
  • Have a lunch/snacks prepared or have a lunch pre-ordered.
  • If driving, come early to allow time to find parking, and give yourself extra time to explore the charming fishing village either before or after your tour.

HOUSEKEEPING

Wild Life
  • Prices do not include GST (5%)
  • Tours not recommended for those suffering from neck/back problems, persons in frail health or pregnant women
  • Children 3 and under free of charge (must be accompanied by an adult)
  • 48 hour cancellation policy: If you cancel a tour after this time, no refund is processed
  • Rates and departures subject to change without notice
  • We reserve the right to cancel any trip due to weather conditions, mechanical problems or unforseen circumstances
  • We reserve the right to substitute vessels

OUR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION

In an effort to support our oceans  and marine wildlife research, Vancouver Whale Watch has implemented a conservation fee of $4.00 per person, which will be collected at the time of check-in. Proceeds from the conservation fee go towards the Centre for Whale Research and select salmon enhancement projects as well as other Marine Research projects.

Together we can make a difference in protecting the Salish Sea.

Thank you for your support.

UBC Marine Mammal Research
Pacific Salmon Foundation
Center for Whale Research

OUR PROMISE

No request is too big or small for our team. If it matters to you, it matters to us. Let us make your excursion a memory of a lifetime.