Book Victoria Whale Watching Tours

Know before you go

Whale watching tour group on a boat in Victoria, Canada, observing the ocean.

The whale watching tours take place multiple times a day, but the frequency depends on the type of tour you select. Catamaran tours typically start at 10am, and the last boat for the sunset tour departs at 6pm.

Timings:

Day whale watching tours: Start at 10am, and go on till 3pm
Sunset whale watching tours: Depart at 6pm.
Zodiac tours: Take place multiple times a day, with the first tour starting at 10am and the final tour between 2pm and 2:30pm.

Best time to visit: May to September are peak months for whale watching in Victoria. April and October are migration periods, so there are multiple sightings then as well, with fewer crowds.

Tourists boarding a bus in Rome, Italy for a guided city tour.

By bus: BC Transit has routes from across the city that stop at the Victoria Coast. The main BC Transit buses take the following routes:
Route 81 (Brentwood / Saanichton / Sidney / Swartz Bay)
Route 70, 71, and 72 (Swartz Bay / Downtown)
Route 65 (Sooke / Downtown via Westhills)
Route 88 (Airport / Sidney).
By ferry: Traveling to Victoria by ferry is a popular mode of transportation as well, especially if you’re visiting from Vancouver.
Timings: 5am to 9pm, daily
Duration: Varies, ranging from 35 minutes to an hour and a half.
By car/taxi: The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is about 26.5 km (16.45 miles), or a 25-minute drive from the Victoria coast.
Parking: On-street metered parking is available from 8am to 8pm daily.

Guests on the Salish Sea Eclipse catamaran whale watching in Victoria, Canada.

The whale watching tours are not wheelchair-accessible.
Reach your tour’s departure point at least 30 minutes before it’s scheduled to start so that you have ample time to get your safety briefing from the guide.
Pregnant women and those with an ongoing or past history of serious medical conditions or injuries cannot participate in the Zodiac tours.
Those below 4ft/120cm in height or 50lb/23kg in weight cannot participate in the Zodiac tours.
Avoid littering at all costs to protect the marine life and ecosystem while you are on the tour.
Follow the safety guidelines and instructions that your guide informs you of before the tour begins so that you can have a seamless experience.
Your tour may be canceled or rescheduled in case of harsh weather conditions. You will be informed of any changes to your tour a day prior to the scheduled date.

Modern washroom facilities with sinks and mirrors in a tourist attraction.

Restrooms: The catamarans have bathrooms on board for use.
Certified marine naturalists: Your tour guides are experienced, certified marine naturalists who will inform and educate you about the whale species and other marine wildlife you encounter while you are on your tour. Engage with them to learn more about the animals’ environment and life.

Crew member in yellow jacket on Vancouver sunset whale watching tour.

Carry binoculars and a camera with you so that you can capture the scenic views and wildlife on your tour.
Bring along a windbreaker and sweater, and make sure you wear long pants because it can get quite chilly out on the Salish Sea.
Bring reusable water bottles with you for the experience.
Carry medication, such as non-drowsy Gravol, in case you are prone to seasickness.
Engage with your tour guides and make sure you listen to the insights they provide to further enrich your experience.
Whale watching peak months are from May to September and the tours tend to sell out fast during this period. Make sure you book your tickets 4 to 6 weeks in advance to get the tour of your choice.

Frequently asked questions about whale-watching tours in Victoria,

What happens if I don’t see any whales on my tour?

Your Victoria whale-watching tours come with a Whale Sighting Guarantee, which means if you don’t spot any whales on your tour, you get a complimentary ticket for another tour.

How far in advance should I book my whale-watching tour in Victoria?

If you’re planning to visit between May and September (the peak whale-watching season), it’s a good idea to book a few weeks in advance. The tours fill up quickly, especially on weekends and around public holidays.

What’s the difference between booking a standard ticket and a private charter for whale watching?

Standard tickets are for shared group tours with fixed routes, while private charters give you the whole boat to yourself. If you're celebrating a special occasion, traveling with a group, or just want a quiet, custom-tailored experience, private charters are the way to go.

Are kids allowed on whale-watching tours, and do they need a separate ticket?

Yes, kids are welcome on both catamaran and Zodiac tours, but Zodiac tours have age and weight restrictions. Children under 19 need to get a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the tour.

What’s included in my whale-watching tour ticket?

Your ticket typically includes a spot on the boat, a certified marine naturalist as your guide, and safety gear (like life jackets or Mustang suits, depending on the type of tour).

An intimate and exciting tour on a rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boat with an expert guide.

Everything you get: Board an inflatable Zodiac with your captain, a marine naturalist, taking you on a thrilling 3-hour journey across the open waters. Get insights into many whale species like orcas & humpback whales, and other marine animals.
Why choose this: Embark on a high-speed thrilling journey into the sea to get up close to witness the whale species and marine life the region has to offer.

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching tour on a Zodiac (open-air boat)
An expert guide on board (Transport Canada certified marine naturalist/skipper)
Weather-exposure suits (Mustang Survival Suit)
Hats
Gloves
Safety goggles
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food & beverage

Transportation to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Anyone with an ongoing or past history of serious medical conditions such as back or neck injuries, heart ailments, or recent surgery cannot participate in this experience.
Pregnant women are not allowed on this experience for health and safety concerns.
Passengers below 4ft/120cm in height or 50lb/23kg in weight cannot join this tour.
The minimum age requirement for this experience is 7 years.
Passengers are required to sign a Release of Liability when they check in. Those aged 19 or under need to have a parent or guardian sign the release on their behalf.
Carry a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a fitted hat for this experience.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided half-day whale-watching tour off the Victoria coast, a perfect sea adventure.

Everything you get: Experience a 3-hour cruise aboard a 22-ft tall viewing platform, where you'll encounter orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises. Engage with expert marine naturalists to learn about these incredible creatures. Plus, receive a complimentary photo package featuring group and wildlife photos.
Why choose this: Witness the majestic orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, and other marine life in their habitat as you learn about them through expert guides on board

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching & marine wildlife tour
Guided tour with 3 to 4 certified marine naturalists on board
Complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Free photo package (group photos and wildlife photos)
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food (light snacks are available on the catamaran for purchase)

Transport to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before your tour begins.
Carry protective clothing and layers for the cruise because it can get quite chilly.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spot majestic whales, seals, & other marine life in the wild on a half-day adventure tour.

Everything you get: Soak in the views of the Salish Sea as you watch orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and other marine animals in their environment. Your 22 ft. tall viewing platform is the ideal vantage point as you listen to the marine naturalists on board give expert insight into the animals’ lives.
Why choose this: The perfect way to learn about marine life as you witness the animals thrive in the wild, and have the evening to spend exploring the region.

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching & marine wildlife tour
Guided tour with 3 to 4 certified marine naturalists on board
Complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Complimentary photo package (group photos and wildlife photos)
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food (light snacks are available on the catamaran for purchase)

Travel to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Reach the departure point 30 minutes before the tour begins.
Carry protective clothing and layers for the cruise because it can get quite chilly.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Make every moment count with a 24 or 48-hour pass to explore Vancouver’s landmarks at your own speed – total freedom to roam and rediscover.
Hop on the Green route with frequent bus service for an easy, breezy, and stress-free Vancouver sightseeing experience.
Relax on a double-decker bus as the multilingual audio guides spill the juiciest stories from Vancouver’s rich history.
Take a pause at Stanley Park, marvel at its green splendor, experience the pulsating vibes of Chinatown, and admire the local art scene at Granville Island.

Inclusions

24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
Access to Green route
2-self guided walking tours
Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean & Mandarin
Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Exclusions

Entry to attractions

Green route Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

First bus: 8:45am from stop #1 (Canada Place Cruise Terminal/Vancouver Convention Centre/Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk)
Last bus: 5:10pm from stop #1 (Canada Place Cruise Terminal/Vancouver Convention Centre/Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk)
Frequency: Every 30-60 mins
Popular stops: Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, Stanley Park

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Motorized wheelchairs and scooters aren't allowed onboard.
Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

An intimate and exciting tour on a rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boat with an expert guide.

Everything you get: Board an inflatable Zodiac with your captain, a marine naturalist, taking you on a thrilling 3-hour journey across the open waters. Get insights into many whale species like orcas & humpback whales, and other marine animals.
Why choose this: Embark on a high-speed thrilling journey into the sea to get up close to witness the whale species and marine life the region has to offer.

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching tour on a Zodiac (open-air boat)
An expert guide on board (Transport Canada certified marine naturalist/skipper)
Weather-exposure suits (Mustang Survival Suit)
Hats
Gloves
Safety goggles
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food & beverage

Transportation to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Anyone with an ongoing or past history of serious medical conditions such as back or neck injuries, heart ailments, or recent surgery cannot participate in this experience.
Pregnant women are not allowed on this experience for health and safety concerns.
Passengers below 4ft/120cm in height or 50lb/23kg in weight cannot join this tour.
The minimum age requirement for this experience is 7 years.
Passengers are required to sign a Release of Liability when they check in. Those aged 19 or under need to have a parent or guardian sign the release on their behalf.
Carry a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a fitted hat for this experience.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Guided half-day whale-watching tour off the Victoria coast, a perfect sea adventure.

Everything you get: Experience a 3-hour cruise aboard a 22-ft tall viewing platform, where you'll encounter orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises. Engage with expert marine naturalists to learn about these incredible creatures. Plus, receive a complimentary photo package featuring group and wildlife photos.
Why choose this: Witness the majestic orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, and other marine life in their habitat as you learn about them through expert guides on board

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching & marine wildlife tour
Guided tour with 3 to 4 certified marine naturalists on board
Complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Free photo package (group photos and wildlife photos)
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food (light snacks are available on the catamaran for purchase)

Transport to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before your tour begins.
Carry protective clothing and layers for the cruise because it can get quite chilly.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spot majestic whales, seals, & other marine life in the wild on a half-day adventure tour.

Everything you get: Soak in the views of the Salish Sea as you watch orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and other marine animals in their environment. Your 22 ft. tall viewing platform is the ideal vantage point as you listen to the marine naturalists on board give expert insight into the animals’ lives.
Why choose this: The perfect way to learn about marine life as you witness the animals thrive in the wild, and have the evening to spend exploring the region.

Inclusions

Tickets to the whale-watching & marine wildlife tour
Guided tour with 3 to 4 certified marine naturalists on board
Complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Complimentary photo package (group photos and wildlife photos)
Whale Sighting Guarantee (redeemable for a free tour in case of no sighting)

Exclusions

Food (light snacks are available on the catamaran for purchase)

Travel to/from the departure point

The experience is not wheelchair-accessible.
Reach the departure point 30 minutes before the tour begins.
Carry protective clothing and layers for the cruise because it can get quite chilly.
If there’s no sighting, you can redeem it for another tour under the Whale Sighting Guarantee (additional taxes/fees apply).

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Make every moment count with a 24 or 48-hour pass to explore Vancouver’s landmarks at your own speed – total freedom to roam and rediscover.
Hop on the Green route with frequent bus service for an easy, breezy, and stress-free Vancouver sightseeing experience.
Relax on a double-decker bus as the multilingual audio guides spill the juiciest stories from Vancouver’s rich history.
Take a pause at Stanley Park, marvel at its green splendor, experience the pulsating vibes of Chinatown, and admire the local art scene at Granville Island.

Inclusions

24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
Access to Green route
2-self guided walking tours
Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean & Mandarin
Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Exclusions

Entry to attractions

Green route Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

First bus: 8:45am from stop #1 (Canada Place Cruise Terminal/Vancouver Convention Centre/Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk)
Last bus: 5:10pm from stop #1 (Canada Place Cruise Terminal/Vancouver Convention Centre/Westcoast Sightseeing Welcome Kiosk)
Frequency: Every 30-60 mins
Popular stops: Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, Stanley Park

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Motorized wheelchairs and scooters aren't allowed onboard.
Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses.
Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Victoria Whale Watching Tours

Highlights of your Victoria whale watching tour experience

Expert marine naturalists as guides

Scenic views of the Victoria coastline

Immersive Zodiac tours

Catamaran comforts

Things to know before booking your Victoria whale watching tour tickets

Your Victoria whale watching tour options explained

Catamaran boat tours

Open-air Zodiac boat tours

Species you'll spot on your Victoria whale watching tour

Know before you go

Your checklist for a smooth Victoria whale watching experience

Sights on your Victoria whale watching tour

Juan de Fuca Strait

Southern Gulf Islands:

Salish Sea

Things to do nearby

Niagara Falls

Victoria Hop-on hop-off bus tour

Vancouver whale watching tours

Frequently asked questions about whale-watching tours in Victoria,

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