GET SET FOR ADVENTURE
Browse our most frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help make sure you’re well prepared for your Orca Spirit Adventures experience. Don’t see the information you’re looking for? Contact us for answers to all your questions.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
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Choosing the right tour comes down to a few simple things. Do you want the thrill of an open-air zodiac or the comfort of a covered vessel with indoor seating and washrooms? Are you travelling with young children or anyone with mobility considerations? And do you want a naturalist on board to bring the wildlife to life? At Orca Spirit, we’ve been doing this longer than anyone in Victoria – and we’re happy to help you pick the tour that fits.
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While whales can be spotted year-round in the Salish Sea, peak season runs from May through October. During this time we see a greater than 95% success rate in spotting whales, including Transient (Bigg’s) Orcas, Humpback Whales, and Minke Whales. Spring and fall offer cooler, less crowded tours, while summer brings long days and calm water. This past winter we even had some incredible Orca sightings – so whatever the season, there’s always something wild out there.
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We recommend booking in advance, especially if you have a specific date or departure time in mind – particularly during peak season from May through August. That said, our larger fleet means we often have availability closer to your travel dates, so it’s always worth checking even if your trip is coming up soon.
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No – Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 112 kilometres across the Strait of Georgia from the city of Vancouver. If you’re staying in Vancouver there are several great ways to get here:
By Seaplane: Several airlines offer seaplane service from Vancouver Harbour to downtown Victoria in about 35 minutes.
By Helicopter: Helijet flies daily from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria in about 30 minutes.
By Ferry: BC Ferries runs daily car and passenger service from Tsawwassen (about an hour from downtown Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria). Sailings typically run from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
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We have several departures throughout the day during our season, which runs from April through October. Departure times vary by vessel type and time of year. Check our website for the current schedule or give us a call and we’ll find a time that works for you.
GETTING HERE AND LOGISTICS
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We offer a complimentary shuttle from select downtown Victoria hotels. If you’d like to take advantage of this service, give us a call when you book and we’ll let you know if your hotel is on our route.
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We’ll contact you the day before your tour with a pickup window. Depending on your hotel’s location, pickups typically run between 30 minutes and an hour and a half before departure.
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Zodiac Tours – Wharf Street: There are pay parking lots at our Wharf Street location as well as street parking nearby.
Covered Vessel Tours – Kingston Street: There is a parking lot at the corner of Kingston Street and Menzies Street, approximately a 7-minute walk to the dock. RV parking is available at 485 Kingston Street, about a 10-minute walk.
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We encourage guests to choose the greenest option that works for them. If you’re staying downtown, consider walking to either of our locations – it’s a great way to start your adventure. We also offer a complimentary shuttle service from select downtown hotels. For those coming from further away, BC Transit serves both locations. Give us a call if you need help figuring out the best way to get here.
CHOOSING YOUR TOUR
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Our covered vessel tours welcome guests of all ages. Zodiac tours are not available to children under the age of 6 or anyone under 4 feet tall. Zodiacs are also not recommended for those who are pregnant or have back or neck conditions.
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Our zodiacs are custom-built, 12-passenger open-air vessels purpose built for the job. They combine agility, stability, and a close-to-the-ocean experience that’s hard to beat. Equipped with full-length flotation suits to keep you dry and warm, zodiac tours are perfect for those looking for a more adventurous ride.
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Dress in layers – even on warm summer days it can get cool out on the water. A fleece or sweater, snug-fitting hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all good ideas. Don’t forget your camera, and ask your captain about the best way to keep it safe on board. Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure!
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If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend our covered vessel tours. The larger, more stable hull and enclosed cabin make for a smoother, more comfortable ride. We also carry Gravol ginger chews in our gift shop, available for purchase before your tour – both adult and children’s versions are available.
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Covered Vessel: Comfortable and relaxed. Our covered vessels offer a smooth, stable ride with indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, and shelter from the elements – great for families and those looking for a more laid-back experience.
Zodiac: Exciting and adventurous. As an open-air vessel, zodiacs put you close to the ocean and the elements. Depending on conditions, expect some ocean spray and an exhilarating ride. Your flotation suit will keep you dry and warm.
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All of our tours are 3 hours in duration, departing from two locations in Victoria – Wharf Street in the Inner Harbour for zodiac tours, and the Coast Victoria Hotel and Marina on Kingston Street for covered vessel tours.
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It comes down to what kind of experience you’re after. Our covered vessels are comfortable, sheltered, and suitable for all ages – a great choice for families, those with mobility considerations, or anyone who wants a more relaxed day on the water. Our zodiacs put you close to the ocean with an agile, adventurous ride – ideal for those looking for something a little more exhilarating. Not sure? Give us a call and we’ll help you decide.
ON BOARD
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Washrooms are available on all covered vessel tours. Zodiacs do not have washroom facilities, so we recommend using the facilities at our Wharf Street location before departure.
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Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on covered vessel tours. Hot beverages are complimentary.
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Safety is our top priority. Every vessel is fully equipped with personal flotation devices, rescue equipment, fire detection and extinguishers, and safety navigation systems. A passenger safety orientation is conducted before every departure. Orca Spirit is proud to have maintained a perfect safety record across more than 30 years of operation.
PRICING AND POLICIES
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We offer a 24-hour cancellation policy on all tours. If you need to cancel, please contact us directly by phone or email as soon as possible.
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Yes. If you don’t spot any whales on your tour, we’ll have you back out on the water on a complimentary return tour – no expiration date, no limit on the number of times it can be used.
Return tours operate on a stand-by basis. Call or email our office within one hour of your desired departure, let us know the date and time of your original tour, and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The wildlife conservation fee of $4.00 and fuel surcharge of $10.70 per person applies to all tours including returns.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE WATER
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Routes vary depending on whale sightings and weather conditions on the day. We cover a wide area of the Salish Sea, anywhere from Race Rocks to Pender Island, following sighting reports as they come in. Along the way you’ll often spot sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Round trip distance is usually 50 to 80 km.
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The Salish Sea is full of life. On any given tour you might spot Transient (Bigg’s) Orcas, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise, Harbour and Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, and a wide variety of seabirds. And of course, Victoria’s stunning coastal scenery makes for a pretty great backdrop.
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Yes – certified marine naturalists are on board all covered vessel tours. On our zodiac tours, your captain is also your naturalist. Either way, you’ll have an expert on hand to help you spot and identify wildlife, answer your questions, and make sure you leave knowing a lot more than when you arrived.
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Yes – all Orca Spirit Adventures tours are carbon neutral. We believe that responsible tourism means taking care of the ecosystems we operate in, and offsetting our carbon footprint is part of that commitment. We also adhere to strict responsible wildlife viewing guidelines to ensure our presence on the water has minimal impact on the animals we’re there to see.