Campbell River Whale Watching: Full Day Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound Tour
4.9
33 Ratings
Quathiaski Cove
Embark on a full day adventure in the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound, home to migratory Humpback Whales, Transient Orca, Steller sea lions, and more!
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 730 Quathiaski Cove Rd - Once aboard our large 12 passenger zodiacs, you will be in for a full day immersion in an extraordinary setting as we adventure up Coastal Mountain Fjords, through tidal rapids and island archipelagos in search of the great whales of the Pacific Northwest!

These adventures give us the opportunity to really explore the waterways and micro-habitats in search of all kinds of cetaceans:
Migratory Humpback Whales, known for their acrobat tendencies, and Orca Whales, which can be one of two ecotypes in our area. Biggs (mammal eating culture) or Residents (salmon eating culture).
In our travels we can at any time encounter Eagles, Harbour Seals, Steller sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dalls and Harbour Porpoises. With a keen eye on the shore line, there is hope to see Grizzly and Black Bears foraging in the intertidal zone.

Half way through our tour, we will stop at any one of the many islands near by for lunch. This can be a picnic spot on a private beach, or a stop at a public dock with shoreside amenities and shops.

A local farm to table lunch is provided, as well snacks and hot beverages throughout the tour. Washroom breaks are frequent, quick and convenient.

What's Included
  • Lunch included
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Assorted snacks provided
  • Tea and coffee available
Additional Information

Join us for a full day adventure in the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound in one of the richest marine environments on the planet!

Shortly after departing, we will travel through prime feeding grounds of migratory Humpback Whales. Encounters are likely and plentiful. These giants can weigh over 60 tons!

Clans of Transient Orca are constantly on the move, often spending long periods of time foraging throughout the endless shorelines and Coast Mountain fjords. In their search of prey such as harbour seals, sea lions and porpoises, we have the chance to encounter and witness the skill and intelligence of these incredible animals thrive in their vast ocean world.

The Discovery Islands interconnected waterways have world renowned tidal rapids that create an abundance of nutrients. Steller sea lions feeding by the dozen, Harbour Seals, Pacific white-sided dolphins and large congregations of Bald Eagles and gulls take part in the ebb and flow.

  • Traveller name, height & weights needed and for children name, age, height & weight
  • We have a minimum of 4 guests required to run a tour, if a tour does not reach our minimum we will contact the guests to rebook or refund.
Location
730 Quathiaski Cove Rd
Quathiaski Cove Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(33 Ratings)
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Lori
Aug 13, 2023
Amazing wildlife adventure in Campbell River - This was the highlight of an amazing week on Vancouver Island! It was a great day! Rueben was patient and so informative about the area, the wildlife, and the waterways. We saw dolphins, eagles, seals, sea lions, orcas (two separate types/pods), and a humpback whale who really put on a show for us! It was a breathtaking day on the water with a stop for lunch on Stuart Island where we learned about the unique tide and current activity in the Discovery Islands. I cannot recommend this tour enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabrinazp
Aug 4, 2023
Fantastic experience - We had a fantastic experience on our full day tour! We saw breaching orcas and a humpback, loads of eagles and sea lions. The scenery was incredible. Lunch was good and the tour guide very informative. We had the best time! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Earle
Aug 2, 2023
The highlight of our week on Vancouver Island! - Thrilling adventure! Exhilarating zodiac ride; we felt entirely safe under our captain/guide’s skilled navigation & ability to guide us to whole pods of breaching orcas & tail-slapping humpbacks. He shared his extensive knowledge of all the marine & bird sightings, including an eagle feeding frenzy. Lovely picnic lunch on quaint island outpost. The highlight of our week on Vancouver Island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hayleyaltmang
Aug 2, 2023
Stunning scenery and marine wildlife. - Rueben was a very knowledgeable and energetic guide with a passion for the area. The marine wildlife experience was spectacular as was the scenery. Loved the trip entirely!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J3204xhmichelel
Jul 17, 2023
A Fabulous Experience - We celebrated my 70th birthday with the family including adult children by going whale watching. It was the best thing we ever did. The tour was spectacular, we saw several humpbacks and our captain/guide went out of his way to go up the river so we could observe an Orca. But I think the eagle feeding frenzy in the surge was the most impressive part of the trip. We had the most considerate and knowledgeable guide, Reuben, and I would highly recommend him. He was very respectful of every one on the tour and a fabulous Zodiac captain. I would repeat this trip any day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Canndew02
Jul 15, 2023
Best Whale Watching Experience - ALWAYS amazing customer service with a personal touch. Friendly and professional with those extra touches like homemade cookies and staying late because the animals are active. Customer experience feels like it is front and centre — rather than business deadlines. Highly recommend WWA.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annelg4681au
Jul 15, 2023
Superb wildlife experience - As always Wild Waterways delivered a spectacular experience. I highly recommend them. And, of course, the cookies are delicious!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saanenland
Jul 7, 2023
Unique lifetime experience - What a great day! Rueben took us on a outstanding trip into the wild. We saw plenty of humpback whales feeding, hundreds (!) of bald eagles chasing for fish at the same spot, black bears searching for mussels, dolphins with baby, and a lot more. Besides wildlife we had perfect guiding by Rueben and Blair, who has joined the trip as professional photographer, we had a splendid stop on Stuard Island for lunch and even survived The Rapids 😅. WHAT A EXEPTIONAL DAY FOR ALL OF US! One of the best experiences ever. If you are looking for a unique lifetime-memory with excellent/experienced guiding in a stunning surrounding don't miss that! Also important: very professional handling of formalities as reservation, confirmations, payment, etc.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey538165
Jun 30, 2023
Majestic Whales Adventure tour - My wife and I had an excellent experience with Wild Waterways Adventures. We were originally scheduled on the Great Bear Adventure tour, but for some obscure phone connection reason we missed the start. Jen got back to us the very same day and offered to rebook us on the Majestic Whales Adventure tour the very next day - what a professional service! Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and the eagle feast, what an amazing day. Jen was an extraordinary captain, and her knowledge, enthusiasm and love for this region made this tour a unique and unforgettable experience. Not to mention the delicious meal. We're already looking forward to next year's Great Bear Adventure. Thanks again Wild Waterways Adventures for these magical moments. I recommend them 100%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ldecosse
May 24, 2023
Awesome tour - HIGHLY recommend! - Spectacular tour, we saw orcas and dolphins! Our mother / daughter wknd getaway was amazing, and my daughter was thrilled! The zodiac ride alone was so much fun - with or without whales, we had a blast!
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up to 11 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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