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.
Bring your cameras and binoculars as wildlife is abundant in these waters. Enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate as you roam the waters. Hydrophones are provided to hear the whales beneath the surface.
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. Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Victoria. )
What should I wear?
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.
What should I bring?
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!
What are the most commonly seen whales?
Orcas, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and Grey Whales are the most commonly seen whales.
What other wildlife might I see on this excursion?
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you may encounter seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, otters, and marine birds such as eagles.
What is the best time of year to go whale watching in Victoria?
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, and 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.
Do you provide safety equipment?
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.
Are there restrooms on board the vessel?
Yes. All vessels are equipped with a full restroom for the comfort of passengers.
How are the whales found?
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.
How close do you get to the 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.
What is included on this excursion?
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.
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