Whale Watching Adventure with Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours plus flight time
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding and disembarking.
Overview
Fly from Vancouver to Nanaimo and board an open boat for a 3-5 hour whale-watching tour with a lifetime whale sighting guarantee. Encounter orcas, humpbacks, and more on this sea-to-sky adventure.
Seaplane & Whales (Roundtrip) - Open Boat
Ages 5 and up | 3-5 Hours + flight | Starting at $525
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the ultimate sea-to-sky adventure with a scenic seaplane flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo, followed by an exhilarating 3-5 hour whale-watching tour. Encounter Orcas, Humpbacks, and more while learning about their vital role in the ecosystem. With a high success rate and a lifetime whale sighting guarantee, this trip is unforgettable!
Seaplane & Whales (Roundtrip) - Open Boat
Only available during Summer months
Rates
Adults - $525 Children 5-12 years old - $325
Duration
3-5 hours (plus flight time)
About
Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then join us on the water to see whales and other marine wildlife! You'll step aboard a seaplane from Vancouver's downtown, experiencing stunning views of the Gulf Islands archipelago as you soar over the Salish Sea. Landing in Nanaimo, you'll board our open-air vessel and your onboard marine scientist will show you whales and much more. Once your whale watching adventure is over, you'll step aboard your seaplane back to Vancouver!
Here's what to expect: Once you land in Nanaimo, you'll walk along the seawall and check-in at our office. We’ll get you signed up, give you an anti-exposure suit, and you'll head to the dock for your adventure!
Once underway, your marine naturalist will introduce you to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales and other marine life that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web.
You'll spend a full hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviors. Onboard catalogues are used to identify individual whales, and this data is collected throughout our whale watching season and sent to the Centre for Whale Research, Keta Coastal Conservation, and the BC Cetacean Sightings Network.
Your whale watching tour will wrap up with an educational lecture on marine conservation which focuses on BC whales, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.
After the whale watching tour you'll board your seaplane for another scenic flight returning to downtown Vancouver.
We look forward to having you onboard!
*Tours are not suitable for pregnant women.
What to Bring
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Comfortable clothes and shoes. Please dress appropriately according to the weather (we always suggest at least a few layers).
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Water. Feel free to fill up your own water bottle at our office!
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Sunglasses and sunscreen.
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Cameras and/or video equipment.
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Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness. Seasick medication is not available for purchase from our office. Note: Seasickness is generally not an issue on our tours as we travel in an inland sea and are within sight of land the entire tour.
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Cash if you feel inspired to tip your naturalist and captain at the end of your tour.
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Photo ID
Adventure Tips
Dress in Layers
Temperatures on the water can be significantly cooler than on land; prepare with warm, windproof layers.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the whale-watching departure to handle check-in and suit fitting smoothly.
Bring Motion Sickness Medication
Though the Salish Sea is relatively sheltered, those prone to seasickness should bring medication as a precaution.
Protect Your Camera Gear
Use waterproof or protective cases for cameras to safeguard against sea spray and wind.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Resident orca pods
- Humpback whales feeding near the Gulf Islands
History
The Strait of Georgia has been a vital marine corridor for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and remains one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in Canada.
Conservation
Vancouver Island Whale Watch actively contributes whale sightings data to regional conservation groups to help monitor cetacean populations and advocate for marine habitat protection.
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Adventure Hotspots in Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof Jacket
Protects against chilly winds and sea spray during open boat rides.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water and sun during daytime tours.
summer|spring|fall specific
Binoculars
For spotting distant whales and other marine wildlife more clearly.
Camera with Waterproof Case
Captures vivid wildlife moments while protecting gear from moisture.