Cruise the Salish Sea aboard the custom-built Kula with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. Witness orca and humpback whales in action, guided by expert naturalists, and support vital marine conservation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the tour is seated aboard the vessel with minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Salish Sea has been crucial to Indigenous peoples for millennia, sustaining rich cultures through its marine bounty.
Conservation
All tours contribute a marine conservation fee that funds research and protection efforts for the vulnerable whale populations in the region.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Cruise the Salish Sea aboard the custom-built Kula with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. Witness orca and humpback whales in action, guided by expert naturalists, and support vital marine conservation.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch operates guided whale-watching tours in the Salish Sea, offering both semi-covered and open-boat experiences. The company runs Signature Whale Watching Tours aboard the custom-built Kula and 30-foot open-air vessels, Ultimate Freedom private charters in semi-covered or open-boat formats, and a Seaplane & Whales roundtrip that combines a scenic flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo with a 3–5 hour on-water tour.
Trips are led by marine naturalists who provide live interpretation about regional species, behaviors, and conservation. Signature tours advertise a high sighting success rate and include a lifetime whale sighting guarantee; the Seaplane & Whales trip also carries a high success rate and a lifetime guarantee. Private Ultimate Freedom charters provide exclusive use of boat and crew for tailored experiences, suitable for couples and small groups.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch emphasizes education and conservation during each outing, sharing information on Orcas, Humpback whales, and other marine life found in the Salish Sea. Boats used vary by product: semi-covered vessels for comfort and protection from the elements, and open boats for an up-close, open-air experience.
Booking options include private charters, standard signature departures, and combined seaplane transfers from Vancouver to Nanaimo. The company’s offerings are designed for guests seeking wildlife encounters, naturalist-led interpretation, and flexible tour formats. For travelers prioritizing whale sighting opportunities, the lifetime sighting guarantee and naturalist-guided trips are central features of the experience.
Routes focus on the Salish Sea and nearby waters around Vancouver Island, where Orcas and Humpbacks are commonly observed throughout the season.
Tours Offered
5
Open, semi-covered, private, seaplane
Guided By
Marine naturalists
Live interpretation and conservation focus
Sighting Guarantee
Lifetime guarantee
High success rate on select tours
Seaplane Transfer
Vancouver–Nanaimo
Roundtrip flight plus 3–5 hour tour
Reserve private charters, Signature departures, or the Seaplane & Whales roundtrip for a naturalist-led Salish Sea adventure.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures on the water can be 5–10°C cooler than on land, so bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
Bring Motion Sickness Medication
Although the Salish Sea is sheltered, those prone to seasickness should plan ahead and bring medication.
Use Sun Protection
Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential when spending hours exposed to sunlight on the open water.
Camera Ready
Bring cameras or phones with zoom to capture distant wildlife; naturalists also share photos post-tour.
Warm Layered Clothing
To stay comfortable against cooler sea breezes and fluctuating weather.
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Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain and spray while on deck.
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Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Necessary to shield eyes and skin from UV exposure reflecting off the water.
spring|summer|fall
Motion Sickness Tablets
Advisable if you are sensitive to motion, although conditions are often mild.
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