Step aboard Vancouver Island Whale Watch’s private charter and spend 3-5 hours tracking orcas and humpbacks in the Salish Sea. With a marine naturalist guiding the way, this personalized tour combines marine education with incredible wildlife viewing.
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; participants should be able to move safely on a boat deck and remain seated or standing for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Salish Sea’s waterways have supported Indigenous communities for millennia, with culturally significant whale species central to many local legends.
Conservation
Data collected during tours supports marine research and local conservation efforts focused on protecting whale populations and their habitat.
Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Step aboard Vancouver Island Whale Watch’s private charter and spend 3-5 hours tracking orcas and humpbacks in the Salish Sea. With a marine naturalist guiding the way, this personalized tour combines marine education with incredible wildlife viewing.
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.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Plan to arrive 45 minutes before your tour to complete registration and meet your crew comfortably.
Bring Layers and Waterproof Gear
Salish Sea weather can shift—dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket to stay warm and dry.
Use Binoculars for Wildlife Spotting
While binoculars are provided, bringing your own helps ensure clear views of distant whales and sea life.
Charge Camera Batteries
You’ll want plenty of battery and storage space for photos; your naturalist also captures images to share after the tour.
Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable against wind and sea spray.
Binoculars
Enhances long-distance visibility of whales and seabirds.
Camera with Extra Batteries
Capture memorable moments and wildlife shots during your trip.
Layered Clothing
Provides adaptable comfort as temperatures fluctuate on the water.