Evening Whale Watching Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; standing and mild movement required
Overview
Discover Victoria’s spectacular marine life during an exclusive evening whale watching tour. Capture stunning sunset photos of majestic whales and enjoy a peaceful cruise along Vancouver Island’s coastline. Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike!
Evening Whale Watching Tours
Whales & Sunset • All ages • 3 hours • Mid May - August 31
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the magic of Victoria's sunset whale watching tour in the Salish Sea. With fewer vessels and breathtaking views, this unique adventure offers the chance to spot humpback whales and orcas while capturing stunning photos. Perfect for families and groups, it’s an unforgettable evening filled with wildlife and natural beauty.
Duration
3 hours
About
Observe the beauty of Victoria's whales and marine life during a special sunset tour of the Salish Sea. Make the most of the endless photo opportunities as you admire the spectacular evening views and keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales and orcas.- For the months of May (starting mid May), June, July (except July 1st) & August we offer special evening tours that provide the opportunity to see Whales and a gorgeous sunset!
- As you can see from the images, the evening whale watching trips are very special and highly recommended to our guests that are looking for an extra special adventure.
PLEASE NOTE - Our evening trips are sometimes on our 12 passenger covered vessel, Salish Shadow - High Speed Coastal Explorer, which may not be suitable for very small children or for people with back or knee issues. If concerned please check with our office before making a reservation.
What makes these evening tours special:
- Less vessels and less people than on our regular tours.
- Beautiful time of the day to take a tour.
- Leaves the rest of day free for other activities.
- Stunning scenery, wildlife and sunsets.
- Perfect for families, corporate clients, groups and for people looking for a fun evening activity. Talk to our office about special rates!
- The tours can be customized to suit the needs of our clients/group if they want to charter our boat for the evening.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL TOURS ARE SUBJECT TO WEATHER AND AVAILABILITY. CANCELLATIONS MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR LOW NUMBERS, IF THIS OCCURS YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ASAP. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SWITCH VESSELS. GUESTS WILL BE NOTIFIED IF POSSIBLE.
What to Bring
The following items will always be helpful in making your tour a happy memory:
- Warm comfortable layers including a rain jacket.
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Camera or video camera and film
- Binoculars
Adventure Tips
Bring the Right Camera Gear
Use a telephoto lens (at least 200mm) for close-up shots of whales and wildlife during the tour.
Dress in Layers
Evening temperatures can drop quickly; layering ensures you stay comfortable during the cruise.
Arrive Early
Getting to the marina ahead of time guarantees a smooth start and the best seating for photo opportunities.
Protect Your Electronics
Use waterproof cases or zip-lock bags to shield your camera and phone from sea spray.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otters
- Dall's porpoise
History
Victoria’s maritime history dates back to the 19th century, with whale watching becoming a cherished local tradition since the early 1900s.
Conservation
Five Star Whale Watching prioritizes sustainable practices, supporting whale conservation efforts and minimizing environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you warm and dry during the cruise, especially in cooler evenings.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera with Telephoto Lens
Allows you to capture close-up shots of whales and marine life during your tour.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing and spotting distant marine mammals.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water, making it easier to see and photograph whales.
summer specific