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Victoria Evening Whale Watching Expedition

5.0
2 reviews

Excursion Overview

Thrilling catamaran ride in search of the sea's majestic marine life

Are you an adventure seeker looking to explore the waters around southern Vancouver Island on the ultimate quest to see whales? Then set sail with your expert crew and marine naturalists for a thrilling three-hour journey in search of orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and grey whales.

Sit back and relax on a catamaran built for serious marine adventure seekers. The expedition catamarans are industry leaders as the ideal vessel for whale and wildlife viewing platforms. The design improves stability in rough waters creating an exceptionally safe and dry experience.

The vessels provide the right balance of speed and low underwater noise, creating great conditions for whale spotting. This tour is fun for the whole family as guests of all ages are welcome aboard. Three outside viewing areas and a fully heated cabin make for comfortable and safe conditions for 360 viewings.

The team practice and promote ethical and responsible wildlife viewing in accordance with the Be Whale Wise guidelines. A strict set of regulations set by the whale watching network (PWWA) and by US and Canadian regulatory authorities stipulate all vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from the whales in Canadian waters and 200 meters from Orcas. American waters, 100 yards for whales, and vessels must maintain a distance of 200 yards for Orcas.

Please note: All reservations are subject to demand, availability, and weather! Cancellations may occur due to weather or low numbers. You will be notified ASAP if this happens and if you have flexibility, we will try to reschedule your tour time if not, we will issue a full refund.

Cruise ship guests will need to take a taxi to and from the cruise ship dock. The shuttle to the Victoria City Center will not get you too and from in time. This is not included in the ticket price.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate (you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard)
  • Coast guard approved waterproof flotation jackets
  • Hydrophones to hear the whales
  • Expert marine naturalists narrating your 3-hour excursion
  • Restroom aboard the vessel
  • Three outside viewing areas and a fully heated cabin area

Requirements:

  • Guests must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the vessel
  • Please wear layers as it will be cooler out on the water
  • Cruise ship guests will need to take a taxi to and from the cruise ship dock. The shuttle to the Victoria City Center will not get you too and from in time. This is not included in the ticket price.

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Victoria. )

  • 3 hours - Exploring the waters around southern Vancouver Island with your expert crew and marine naturalists in search of whale sightings on your comfortable catamaran.

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time at 645 Humboldt Street. Cruise ship guests will need to take a taxi to and from the cruise ship dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket voucher.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps in and out of the vessel. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Motorized scooters may be stored at our office. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment or scooter storage will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Layers are always recommended. Pants rather than skirts or dresses are recommended as the weather conditions can be windy and the air may be slightly on the cooler side. Layer your shirts, a t-shirt with a sweatshirt and/or light jacket is typically plenty. Dress for the day and the season and remember, it is always cooler on the water. Casual shoes are recommended on the boat.

The following items are always helpful in making your tour a happy memory: sunblock, water bottle, sunglasses, camera/video camera/film, binoculars, and a sense of adventure!

Orcas, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and Grey Whales are the most commonly seen whales.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you may encounter seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, otters, and marine birds such as eagles.

In the waters around southern Vancouver Island, you are most likely to see killer whales from April to December. A great resurgence in humpback sightings as well during these months. Humpbacks are encountered from late April until mid-December. Unlike people, whales are not on a 24-hour clock, so the time of day does not influence the likelihood of sightings. Choose the tour time that suits your schedule and other plans during your visit to Victoria.

Although flotation suits are not required to be worn on the vessel, coast guard-approved flotation jackets are provided for passengers' comfort. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are onboard for all passengers in the event of an emergency. Vessels are equipped with all necessary safety equipment required by Transport Canada.

Yes. All vessels are equipped with a full restroom for the comfort of passengers.

The team facilitates and is part of an extensive spotting network that covers the Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle area. Information is shared and disseminated to partners in the industry. When there have not been reports before a trip, the expert captain and crew use their knowledge of the area and the whales to do educated searches, typically resulting in success. During peak summer months, the team has a 98% success rate of "finding" whales.

The team adheres to a strict set of regulations set out by the whale watching network (PWWA) of which the team is a part of, and by US/Canadian regulatory authorities. The guidelines stipulate that all vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from the whales in Canadian waters and 200m from Orcas. In American water, it is 100 yards for any whale except Orcas which vessels must maintain a distance of 200 yards. Respectable Whale & Wildlife Viewing practices are followed.

Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate, coast guard-approved waterproof flotation jackets, hydrophones to hear the whales, and expert marine naturalists narrating your 3-hour tour. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard.

There is storage space available at the office for larger items, such as suitcases. Smaller bags/day packs can be taken onboard the vessel. Please contact us if you need any items stored.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

2 total

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Ella W

On Jul 2024

Saw a family of orcas, a humpback, porpoises and sea lions with a fun crew!

Walker S

On May 2024

We saw some orcas and had a great time as a whole! I would recommend them 10 times out 10 times

$119.61

Best Price Guarantee!

$119.61

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (18+): $119.61

Youth (13-17): $96.90

Child (3-12): $82.52

Infant (under 2): $0.00

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