Victoria Whale Watch Tour: Majestic Salish Sea Wildlife
4.7
294 Ratings
Victoria
Embark on a thrilling 3-4 hour Victoria Whale Watch Tour and encounter majestic wildlife of the Salish Sea. Join expert naturalists for an educational experience and spot whales, seals, sea lions, and more!
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Juan de Fuca Marine Trail - Head to the Victoria wharf to board your 61-foot (19-meter) motor yacht, the Marauder IV, which holds up to 84 passengers and features comfortable seating and a smooth, quiet ride. Meet your naturalist guide and head out from the harbor, cruising into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the body of water separating Canada’s Vancouver Island from the United States.
  • SpringTide Whale Watching & Charters - As you cruise, your guide will help you spot the variety of whales that live in these Pacific waters, including orcas, gray whales, humpback whales and minke whales. Keep your eyes open for other marine life, too, like sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals and sea birds. You may even catch sight of a bald eagle.

During your journey, listen to your guide’s informative, expert commentary about the biological and ecological features of the whales and their ocean environment. If you have any questions, ask away! And if the conditions are right, the boat’s hydrophones can pick up and amplify the beautiful sounds of the orcas as they communicate with each other, giving you the amazing opportunity to hear the song of the whales.

If you get chilly, head inside the spacious heated cabin and warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. You can keep watching for whales through the windows.

Your tour ends with return to the wharf.

What's Included
  • Washroom
  • Professional naturalists and biologists on board each trip
Additional Information

Experience the grandeur of the Salish Sea’s wildlife with a 3-4 hour journey aboard our Ocean Cruiser, departing from downtown Victoria. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon trip, get ready for an unforgettable escapade!

The 61-foot Ocean Cruiser Marauder IV provides a speedy, serene, stable, and comfortable ride. It features a large bathroom, making the vessel apt for passengers of all age groups and abilities. Enjoy multiple vantage points for viewing – inside, outside, or from the top deck with the Captain. Extraordinary are the side decks stretching throughout the boat, providing ample space to wander, spot wildlife and capture the perfect shot.

Our knowledgeable naturalists will be present on the journey to ensure a memorable and educational experience. Sit back and listen to our engaging commentary on the wildlife and the natural history of the Vancouver Island Coast. Be alert for a sighting of whales and other marine life including porpoises, elephant seals, harbour seals, sea lions and various marine birds!

  • For any additional information regarding accessibility, please contact SpringTide Whale Watching at (250) 384-4444
  • Must meet minimum passenger requirements to confirm.
Location
1119 Wharf St
Wharf Street
Check-in 30-45 minutes prior to your tour departure time. The check in office is located at 1119 Wharf St (at street level & not at dock).
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(294 Ratings)
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Edwardrfity
Feb 23, 2024
Incredible Memories! Thanks Very Much! - Wow! Wow! Wow! As a local (Victoria) tour guide, I wanted to host my 45+ year out of town friends to a Whale Watching Tour this past October 2023. The tour could not have been better and the Whale Watching crew were fantastic. We spotted seals, sea lions, a large herring ball, cormorants, eagles, and several hump back whales! I believe the hump back whale was feeding on the herring ball while we were stopped. While we watched the herring ball being dive bombed by several species of birds, a humpback whale breached about 100 feet from our tour boat. A few guests along with the whale watching company photographer caught the whale breaching both still shots and video. After the initial frenzied/happy responses from everyone aboard, guests shared both photos and videos amongst all those aboard. What an incredible day. My three long time friends and I will never forget this tour. A huge thank you to all the staff on board. I highly recommend this tour to anyone or any group wanting to experience an incredible day on the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nluttmann
Dec 10, 2023
One of a kind experience - We were on an a nice medium sized boat with plenty of room for everyone. We were on a flat calm sound at sunset. Sunset took four hours so we were stuck with gorgeous purple pink and orange skies the entire time. There was a pod of orcas, breaching, playing. The sounds of them spouting all around us echoed across the sound They came up close to the boat as we sat, quietly anchored. It was as though they were getting paid by central casting. An enchanting evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessco5577yx
Oct 18, 2023
First time whale watching - Myself and my sister went on a rainy Tuesday morning and had a fantastic time! We were provided with extra layers, waterproofs and hot drinks on board. Once we got out into the waters the weather cleared up. We saw several humpback whales pretty close up and lots of sea lions. The staff were lovely and super informative. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaosgo
Oct 1, 2023
So Many Whales! - We saw so many whales, seals and birds. It was wonderful! Orcas and humpbacks. Our guides were very informative. They even offered warmer clothing and hot chocolate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaylarm5953jg
Sep 29, 2023
Whale watching! - Staff was very friendly and helpful. Pointed us in the right directions to find the whales. We managed to see orcas and humpback whales on top of the seals and sea lions. Was a great afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
918vjl
Sep 25, 2023
Excellent trip - Very friendly and professional. We saw lots of whales , sea otter, sea lions and seals. Really great
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andres_g
Sep 24, 2023
Great experience! Tons of whales - Jasper was our guide and he was great! He was really respectful of the whales and knew which way to go to watch them without intruding. We saw an Orca pod and a group of humpbacks!! Thanks for an incredible experience!!
Review provided by Viator
Janice_m
Sep 24, 2023
Fabulous - The company was great as informative and aware of where to go to whale watch - overall a great experience
Review provided by Viator
Istallion
Sep 19, 2023
Our prayers were answered….there be whales! - Everything about this experience was top notch for my wife and myself. Great people working here, from the young lady who took our reservation up to the Captain. I believe his name was Captain Marty. Speaking of Captain Marty, he was totally fabulous ….the people, like my wife and I, who watched the whales from on top where the Captain steers the ship, got to listen to him share his wisdom and his humor about the whales and much more. That was a unexpected treat for us on top. We were able to see many Orcas (killer whales) popping in and out of the water. Unfortunately, they were not as close as we would have liked because they were located at this Naval Base and we had to keep our distance…200 or 400 meters, not sure which one. I thought I heard both numbers. But, it was still enjoyable to see them show themselves when they did. We stayed there tracking them for about 30 minutes. Then we headed to this place the Captain said the Humpbacks usually hang out. Guess what? He was right….there were about six to eight Humpbacks showing themselves to us. Much of the time you mostly see their fin tails, and none breached, but we didn’t mind. It was still exciting to see them pop up. And these whales were much closer so we also appreciated that. Didn’t have to concern ourselves with Government rules like we did with the Orcas. There were also a bunch of sea lions on the island where the Lighthouse was situated hanging out on the rocks there…no doubt doing their best to stay away from an Orca. The trip was close to 3.5 hours long, and like I said, great people were taking care of us. I read some reviews where some whales would come up right next to the ship or breach….well that didn’t happen to us, but you take what you can get, right? You can’t control everything. My wife and I went home very content and very pleased we chose this Company to drop our money to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janhn6991vh
Oct 29, 2023
Fantastic experience - Very well organised, professional and friendly. I felt safe and in good hands. Only 25 I think on our trip which meant great views all round at all times. Saw whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, a bald eagle and some amazing views of the surrounding sea and country. It was cold! I loaned some gloves - perfect. One slight issue - I hadn’t expected to walk 10 minutes to the boat from the office and I have a disability. This was painful to do and I was way behind the group. I wish I’d known as I would have asked how this could be accommodated. Soon forgotten though tbh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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May 2024
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