Whale Watching Adventures with Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly seated or standing aboard the boat with minimal physical exertion.
Overview
Get closer to Pacific Northwest whales aboard Vancouver Island Whale Watch’s open-air vessels. Experience a hands-on, naturalist-led journey through the Salish Sea where wildlife encounters and marine conservation come to life.
Signature Whale Watching Tour - Open Boat
Ages 5 and up | 3-5 hours | Starting at $199
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in the stunning Salish Sea aboard our 30-foot open-air vessels. Experience marine life up close, guided by a knowledgeable naturalist. Enjoy breathtaking views, learn about the ecosystem, and participate in conservation efforts. With a high success rate and a lifetime guarantee, the thrill awaits!
Signature Whale Watching Tour - Open Boat
Rates
Adults - $199
Children 5-12 years old - $149
Open boat not suitable for children 4 and under. Please book on our semi-covered boat.
Duration
3-5 hours
About
Onboard Cascadia & Keta, our 12 passenger 30ft open-air vessels, you'll experience whales and other marine life right at sea level! We'll fit you for an anti-exposure suits that will keep you warm and help protect you from the elements.
Here's what to expect: Your day begins by checking in at our office 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We’ll get you checked in, give you an anti-exposure suit (we have a wide range of sizes), 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 tour will wrap up with an educational lecture on marine conservation which focuses on BC whales, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.
We look forward to having you onboard!
Marine Conservation Fee: All of our tours are subject to a $2.00 Marine Conservation fee, and 100% of your fee goes directly to marine conservation initiatives in the Salish Sea.
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
Ocean temps are cooler than onshore; wear moisture-wicking layers beneath the provided anti-exposure suit.
Bring Motion Sickness Aid
Though waters are usually calm, those prone to seasickness should bring medication as it’s not available onboard.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 45 minutes before departure for gear fitting and safety briefing to avoid delays.
Charge Your Camera
Battery life can drain quickly in cold weather—fully charge devices to capture whales and scenic views.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Resident orca pods
- Harbor seals and sea lions
History
The Salish Sea was named officially in 2010, recognizing the Coast Salish peoples and encompassing the complex inland marine ecosystem of BC and Washington.
Conservation
The area faces challenges from vessel traffic and pollution; the company’s data contributions aid in monitoring whale populations and marine health.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nanaimo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Anti-exposure Suit
Provided by the operator to protect against cold water and wind chill.
all specific
Waterproof Jacket
An extra layer against wind and spray keeps you warm in cooler seasons.
spring|fall|winter specific
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water and protects eyes during bright daylight hours.
summer|spring|fall specific
Binoculars
Enhances distant viewing of whales and marine activity beyond the boat’s immediate vicinity.
all specific