Experience an exclusive private whale-watching tour in the Salish Sea with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. Personalized insights, spacious open boat seating, and close encounters with orcas and humpbacks await.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to stay on feet aboard a moving vessel.
Wildlife
History
The Salish Sea is home to Indigenous communities for thousands of years, with their deep knowledge guiding contemporary marine stewardship.
Conservation
Vancouver Island Whale Watch contributes data to regional research networks, supporting population tracking and habitat protection efforts.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Experience an exclusive private whale-watching tour in the Salish Sea with Vancouver Island Whale Watch. Personalized insights, spacious open boat seating, and close encounters with orcas and humpbacks await.
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
Coastal weather can change quickly; bring warm, waterproof layers to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
Use a camera or binoculars to capture or observe whales from a distance without disturbing them.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 45 minutes before departure to complete check-in and suit fitting with your naturalist guide.
Follow Safety Instructions
Wear provided anti-exposure suits at all times and listen closely to safety briefings for a secure trip on open waters.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against wind and spray during the tour.
fall
Binoculars
Enhances whale viewing beyond what’s visible to the naked eye.
Camera with Telephoto Lens
Captures detailed images of whales and wildlife.
Non-Slip Footwear
Ensures safe footing on wet boat decks.