WHICH BOAT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Both our covered vessels and open Zodiacs head out to the same waters, follow the same wildlife, and come backed by the same crew. The difference is the ride — and that comes down to what kind of day you’re after.
If you want to sit back, stay warm, and take it all in from a stable, comfortable boat, covered is your answer. If you want to feel the Salish Sea beneath you and the wind in your face, a Zodiac is hard to beat.
COMFORTABLE COVERED VESSELS
Our covered vessels are built for comfort without giving anything up on the water. You get full indoor seating, washrooms on board, hot drinks, elevated viewing decks, and panoramic windows — everything you need for a relaxed three hours on the Salish Sea.
Covered vessels are a great fit if you’re travelling with kids, have mobility considerations, or just want to move around freely without a flotation suit. They’re also the better choice if you’re prone to seasickness — the larger, more stable hull makes for a noticeably smoother ride. Photographers love them too, with multiple deck levels and angles to work from.
Our largest vessel carries up to 150 passengers, but the experience never feels crowded. We keep things personal.
OPEN-AIR WHALE WATCHING
A Zodiac puts you closer to the ocean than any covered vessel can. Twelve passengers, no roof, no barriers — just you, the crew, and the Salish Sea. We kit you out in a full-length cruiser suit to keep you dry and warm, and from there it’s an open ride through some of the most wildlife-rich waters on the coast.
Zodiacs are nimble and fast, which means we can position quickly when the wildlife shows up. The ride can be spirited depending on conditions — which is part of the appeal for most guests, and worth knowing about if you have a back or neck injury or are pregnant. There’s also no washroom on board, so we recommend using the facilities at our Wharf Street location before you head out.
Minimum height for Zodiac tours is 4 feet (120 cm).
VICTORIA'S PREMIER WHALE WATCHING COMPANY
Orca Spirit Adventures has been running tours on the Salish Sea for over 30 years. We depart daily from two locations in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, run 100% carbon-neutral tours, and carry a Whale Guarantee on every booking. Whatever vessel you choose, you’re going out with the most experienced crew in Victoria.