Whale Watching Adventures with Vancouver Island Whale Watch
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.
Overview
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.
Signature Whale Watching Tour - Semi-Covered Boat
All Ages | 3-5 hours | Starting at $199
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure aboard the custom-built Kula, cruising the stunning Salish Sea. Enjoy comfort and breathtaking views while learning about the local marine ecosystem from an expert naturalist. With a high success rate for sightings and a lifetime guarantee, this experience blends excitement, education, and conservation seamlessly.
Signature Whale Watching Tour - Semi-Covered Boat
Rates
Adults - $199
Infants/Children 0-12 years old - $149
Duration
3-5 hours
About
Cruise through the Salish Sea in comfort and style onboard our semi-covered boat Kula. Kula is custom-built for whale watching, and locally designed by Lifetimer Boats. Powered by twin Yamaha 300 horsepower outboards, Kula is fast, mobile, and stable. Kula provides a comfortable, heated, and covered seating area with large windows, giving guests uncompromised views of local wildlife and scenery.
Additionally, Kula has a large viewing deck at its stern, offering unobstructed views of coastal wildlife and scenery.
Passengers on Kula are not required to wear exposure suits but are advised to dress warmly.
Tours are not suitable for pregnant women.
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 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.
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 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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Resident orcas
- Harbor seals
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Nanaimo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm Layered Clothing
To stay comfortable against cooler sea breezes and fluctuating weather.
all specific
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain and spray while on deck.
all specific
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Necessary to shield eyes and skin from UV exposure reflecting off the water.
spring|summer|fall specific
Motion Sickness Tablets
Advisable if you are sensitive to motion, although conditions are often mild.
all specific