Get closer to orcas, humpbacks and sea lions aboard a fast Zodiac off Victoria. This three-hour sunset cruise blends high-speed thrills with attentive naturalist interpretation of Salish Sea marine life.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The Zodiac rips across the Salish Sea as the sky leans toward orange; spray mists your face and the city skyline of Victoria recedes into a warm silhouette. On a Sunset Zodiac Tour you sit low to the water, engine thrumming beneath you, scanning for dorsal fins that break the mirror of the inlet. The ride is both a thrill — the inflatable hull skimming swells — and a focused wildlife search led by an expert naturalist.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness: steady balance, able to climb in/out of a low, inflatable boat and withstand several hours of wind and spray.
Wildlife
History
Victoria’s harbor developed as a 19th-century maritime and trading hub; modern whale watching grew from local fishing and naturalist traditions.
Conservation
The Salish Sea faces pressure from shipping and habitat change; reputable operators follow guidelines to minimize disturbance, maintain distance, and report sightings to research networks.
Reserve your spot on the Sunset Zodiac Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in windproof layers
Even at sunset the Salish Sea is chilly; windproof outer layers and a warm base layer reduce exposure to spray.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Zodiacs are fast and ride choppy water — take anti-nausea medication ahead of time if you’re prone to seasickness.
Protect your camera
Use a water-resistant case or ziplock; salty spray and sunset light demand quick camera handling and protection.
Mind the boarding process
Boarding/disembarking from a Zodiac requires balance and quick movement; wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and follow crew instructions.
Warm base layers
Traps heat next to your skin and pairs with the provided flotation suit to keep you warm.
fall
Waterproof shell or windbreaker
Blocks wind and spray during high-speed passages on the Zodiac.
spring
Non-slip deck shoes or boots
Provide grip when boarding and moving on the wet, rolling deck.
Binoculars with neck strap
A lightweight pair helps pick out distant blows, fin markings and behaviors between approaches.
summer