Orca (Killer Whales)

Seasonality: Year-round (resident + Bigg’s pods)
Bigg’s (transient) orcas hunt seals, while residents chase salmon. Their tall dorsal fins and coordinated hunting behavior create dramatic viewing moments on tours.

Humpback whales

Seasonality: April–October (peak: July–September)
Humpbacks migrate through the Salish Sea to feed. Expect tail lobs, blows, and occasional breaches. Sightings have increased dramatically in recent years.

Gray whales

Seasonality: March–May
A few migrating gray whales pass through the area during spring. Sightings are not guaranteed but happen yearly along the BC coastline.

Harbor porpoises

Seasonality: Year-round
Small, shy porpoises that surface quietly, usually in small groups. Best spotted on calm water days near the islands.

Dall’s Porpoises

Seasonality: Year-round
Fast, torpedo-shaped porpoises known for “rooster tail” splashes. They sometimes ride the bow wake, thrilling passengers with close encounters.

Steller Sea Lions

Seasonality: August–May (haul-outs peak in fall)
Huge, noisy sea lions that gather on rocky outcrops. Their loud calls and size make them easy to spot during most tours outside mid-summer.

California sea lions

Seasonality: September–May
Common around navigation markers and docks. These sleek, playful sea lions bark loudly and often follow fishing boats.

Harbor seals

Seasonality: Year-round
Often called the “puppies of the sea,” harbor seals rest on rocks and logs around the Gulf Islands. A very reliable sighting on most tours.

Bald eagles

Seasonality: Year-round
Iconic Pacific raptors perched in shoreline trees or soaring overhead. They’re especially active during salmon runs, offering excellent photography opportunities.

Cormorants

Seasonality: Year-round
These large black seabirds are often seen drying their wings on rocky perches. Found throughout the harbor and Gulf Islands.

Pacific white-sided dolphins

Seasonality: Year-round (less frequent near Vancouver)
Acrobatic dolphins that travel in large pods. While more common farther north, they occasionally appear in the Salish Sea.

Sea otters (rare around Vancouver)

Seasonality: Occasional
Sightings near Vancouver are uncommon but increasing as populations recover. More common around Vancouver Island’s west coast.