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Choose your boat for Victoria whale watching: Catamaran or Zodiac

When planning a Victoria whale-watching trip, the type of boat you choose shapes your entire experience. Generally, there are two main options: large catamarans and small, open-air zodiacs, each with its unique advantages.

Catamarans are spacious and compact—ideal for families; Zodiacs, in contrast, are an intimate and high-adrenaline experience. Because tours can last several hours and conditions in the Salish Sea vary, picking the right vessel ensures comfort, safety, and the style of adventure you want, from leisurely sightseeing to thrilling encounters on the water.

Know the boats

Catamaran

  • Size: 80 feet long
  • Capacity: 95 passengers
  • Viewing: Three distinct levels with floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views.
  • Amenities: Two onboard washrooms, a beverages and snack bar with hot and cold drinks.
  • Experience: Spacious and stable ride, perfect for families, first-time whale watchers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, comfortable tour.
  • Proximity: Maintains safe distances and avoids sudden changes in speed.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for passengers using wheelchairs.

Open-air Zodiac

  • Size: 30 feet long
  • Capacity: 12 passengers
  • Viewing: One elevation right above sea level for a close-to-the-water perspective.
  • Speed: Can reach up to 55 km/h (35 mph)
  • Amenities: Floatation suits are provided; includes hats and gloves too.
  • Experience: Adventurous, fast, and ideal for thrill-seekers or photographers wanting a dynamic wildlife experience.
  • Proximity: Closer to whales and the marine environment; wind and sea spray in your face.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for passengers using wheelchairs.

Compare your boat options

FeatureCatamaranOpen-air Zodiac

Vessel

Custom-built, spacious, and comfortable

High-speed, rigid hull, inflatable zodiac

Capacity

95 passengers

12 passengers

Viewing levels

3-levels with floor-to-ceiling windows

1 level, right at sea level

Ride type

Stable, spacious, and comfortable

Fast, adventurous, and intimate

Amenities

2 washrooms and a snack bar

None; all-weather suits provided

Speed

Moderate, smooth cruising

Up to 55 km/h (35 mph)

Best for

Families, first-time whale watchers

Thrill-seekers, photographers

Experience

Relaxed sightseeing with panoramic views

Exhilarating close-to-water & whales experience

Which boat should I choose?

If you’re after comfort, space, and panoramic views, the catamaran is ideal—perfect for families, first-time whale watchers, or anyone who prefers a relaxed sightseeing experience. For thrill-seekers and those craving an up-close, adrenaline-packed adventure, the open-air zodiac delivers the excitement of speeding across the water right at whale level. Both options guarantee unforgettable encounters, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize comfort or adventure.

Frequently asked questions about boat types for Victoria whale watching

Tours typically use two types of boats: large catamarans for spacious, multi-level viewing and open-air Zodiac vessels for an intimate, adrenaline-filled experience.