For those seeking an exciting West Coast experience with a real connection to the elements, join us on one of our fast-paced Zodiac Whale Watching tours.

Duration

Approximately 2.5-3 Hours

Tour length varies depending on sightings, weather, skipper discretion, and other factors.

About

Jamie's started offering whale watching tours back in 1982! Since then we've collected loads of experience on finding these giants based on common feeding grounds, travel patterns, and seasonal behaviours. Join us for an amazing experience in search of incredible wildlife combined with unforgettable views.

What You Will See

Enjoy the scenic views along the stunning coastline of Barkley Sound on our way to the common feeding areas of whales. Learn about the area’s fascinating ecosystems with our engaging naturalists while experiencing first-hand the natural characteristics of a wide variety of wildlife.

On our whale watching tours from Ucluelet, we commonly see Grey Whales & Humpback Whales. Beginning in late February, these whales start passing by our coastline as they migrate towards Alaska. Starting in May we see these whales settle into their feeding grounds around Ucluelet & Barkley Sound. These are the whales we most commonly see on our whale watching tours.

In addition to Grey Whales & Humpback Whales, the whales that we may also see on our tours include Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales.

When we're not watching whales spouting, feeding, spy-hopping, and breaching we're spending time with other wildlife. On our whale watching tours, it is also common to see Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Seals, Eagles, and more!

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines & Expectations

While we love sharing the experience of watching whales and other wildlife with our guests, we also follow guidelines to ensure we're not encroaching on or disturbing the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Due to government regulations, we do not approach closer than 100 metres to all whales with the exception of Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whales which we do not approach closer than 200 metres. While we do not approach closer than the noted distances, occasionally, while our vessels are turned off, the whales get curious and approach our vessels. At this point, we will retreat to the noted distances when it is safe to do so.

Be sure to bring binoculars for close-up views of these amazing marine mammals.

Our Zodiacs

Our Zodiacs offer a chance to experience the thrill of a fast-paced boat ride on our way to view the diverse amount of wildlife along our coastline. Some of the features of our Zodiacs include:

• 12 Passenger vessels
• Comfortable forward-facing seats
• Protective floatation suits, gloves and toques (beanies) provided
• Emergency Marine toilet

NOTE: While Zodiacs are a fun way to experience a whale watching tour, they're not suitable for everyone. We do not recommend this tour to anyone with a history of serious medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to, anyone who is pregnant, those with back or neck problems, osteoporosis, incontinence or recent surgery. Anyone under the height of 4'8" (142cm) is also unable to join our Zodiac tours.

Raincheck Guarantee

With almost 40 years of experience, we know where and how to find whales for you. We have a High Sightings Success Rate in finding whales on our tours.

If you join us on a Whale Watching tour and do not see a whale, we will provide you with a Raincheck Ticket, allowing you to join us on another tour - FREE of charge!

Guests using a Raincheck Ticket for Whale Watching tours:

• Are able to join tours aboard our large cruiser vessels, or our open zodiac vessels, from either Tofino or Ucluelet.
• Are on a stand-by basis, dependent on capacity levels.
• Are able to confirm seats 60 minutes prior to departure.
• Can not use a Raincheck Ticket for a Bear Watching or Hot Springs Cove tour.

Safety

At Jamie’s, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we have extensive training and vessel maintenance schedules in place and have made significant investments in ensuring we have safety and life-saving equipment on our vessels that not only meet, but exceed Transport Canada standards.

Before each tour, our crew will gather all guests to get fitted with a protective floatation suit and also be briefed by our skippers on safety procedures.