Zodiac Whale Watching with Ahous Adventures in Tofino
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable sitting and steady on a moving vessel.
Overview
Join Ahous Adventures for a 2.5 to 3-hour Zodiac tour off Vancouver Island’s west coast, where gray and humpback whales breach, sea otters play, and Indigenous culture enriches every moment.
Zodiac Whale Watching
Starting at $119 • 2.5 to 3 Hours • Must be 4ft 8in tall • Open Air "Adventure"
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2.5 to 3-hour eco-tour along Vancouver Island's west coast, where you'll witness majestic gray and humpback whales, playful sea otters, and soaring bald eagles. Guided by the Ahousaht Nation, immerse yourself in rich Indigenous culture and stories, deepening your connection to this breathtaking ecosystem.
The west coast of Vancouver Island is renowned for its incredible biodiversity!
Rates
Adult - CAD$149 Youth - CAD$139 Child - CAD$119 Senior - CAD$139
Duration
2.5 to 3 Hours Total
About
Join our experienced and knowledgeable crew aboard a 12-passenger vessel (zodiac or covered cruiser) for a 2.5-3 hour eco-tour where you’ll explore Pacific Ocean waters to find gray whales, humpback whales and occasionally transient orcas.
You may spot whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds including bald eagles, murrelets and tufted puffins!
In addition to watching and learning about the wildlife that inhabit this region, our guides will also share stories passed down by many generations about Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters) and the historical and cultural significance of the areas that will be explored.
More Info
Ahous Adventures is an eco and cultural adventure tour company owned and operated by the Ahousaht Nation, that offers an exciting variety of excursions within Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters and culture) including tours to Hot Springs Cove, whale watching, and bear watching.
Ahous Adventures invites visitors to explore Ahousaht territories through the lens of the people who have lived on and stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. Visitors will learn about Ahousaht’s Indigenous culture, language, history and storytelling. We believe by openly sharing Ahousaht knowledge, locals and visitors can deeply connect with the true spirit of this remarkable ecosystem. We hope our guests will feel called to honor the sacredness of the territories and seek to experience a guest-host relationship that is rooted in traditional Ahousaht values of respect and reciprocity. Visitors can offer the gifts of openness, patience and respect to Ahousaht in return.
What's included
- All vessels comply with Transport Canada guidelines
- All safety & floatation equipment is provided in accordance with Transport Canada safety requirements.
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers for coastal weather
Temperatures can fluctuate rapidly; bring a waterproof jacket and insulating mid-layer to stay comfortable on the open water.
Bring binoculars for distant sightings
A quality pair of binoculars improves chances of spotting whales and birds far offshore beyond the vessel’s wake.
Arrive early for check-in
The small vessel accommodates only 12 passengers, so arriving early secures your spot and gives time to review safety procedures.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming marine ecosystems by using sunscreen formulations free of harmful chemicals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Gray whales
- Sea otters
History
The Ahousaht Nation has inhabited these coastal territories for thousands of years, maintaining deep ecological knowledge and stewardship practices integral to the region’s health.
Conservation
Ahous Adventures prioritizes low-impact tours that respect marine habitats, promoting sustainability through education and collaboration with Indigenous hereditary guardians.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tofino
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and warm during variable coastal weather conditions.
all specific
Binoculars
Enhances distant wildlife viewing during the whale watching tour.
all specific
Non-slip shoes
Provides traction on the wet deck of the Zodiac vessel.
all specific
Camera with telephoto lens
Captures detailed images of whales, eagles, and other wildlife.
all specific