Written by: Megan, Lead Naturalist
A popular question we get asked is, when is the best time of year to go whale watching on Vancouver Island?
Here at Orca Spirit Adventures, we run whale watching tours all throughout the year. This is because the marine life of the Salish Sea is constantly changing and we have unique experiences at different times of year. Animals are very seasonal; they tend to follow patterns that work best for the environment as a whole. If every species turned up at the same time of year, there likely wouldn’t be enough space or food for them all. Mother Nature is clever like that. For example, we see more grey whales in the spring, more humpbacks in the summer, and more elephant seals in the winter.
Each whale watching tour is always completely different and it’s not just about the animals. We offer different experiences based on the type of boat you choose, from zippy little zodiacs, tearing through the water at 30knotts, or more luxurious relaxed catamarans featuring indoor seating, complimentary tea and coffee, and bathrooms.
Summer Whale Watching: Peak Season Adventures
The summer months are our peak whale sighting season and tours at this time of year is likely what you imagine when you picture a whale watching experience. After the spring everything has burst into life off the coast of Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea is incredibly busy. The sunny weather makes the plankton bloom in the water, bringing a large amount of wildlife. This is why our humpback whale migration runs from around April to October as they come to feed on zooplankton.
Harbour seals wait until the sea lions migrate for the summer, and have their pups during a relatively quiet and peaceful period from June to August. Orcas are always our unexpected guests, their movements are much less predictable though they appear a lot in the summer with an increase in prey.
If birds are your interest, throughout the summer you can see bald eagles, nesting and raising their young, three types of cormorants, grey herons, and even the occasional puffin. Towards the end of the summer, we also get migrating birds passing through.
Our summer tours are full of action as there are abundant opportunities to see a wide range of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. On top of this, our tours are a great way to enjoy stunning views of the Vancouver Island coastline.
During the summer, we usually run zodiac boats hourly, and at least two tours a day on our covered vessels. If you are looking for a more relaxed tour option, we offer sunset tours on our zodiacs. The Salish Sea can sometimes feel a little busy, with kayakers, holiday yachters, other whale watching boats, ferries from Washington, and more. By waiting until the evening, a majority of this traffic has safely docked and we can enjoy a more tranquil sea. There’s nothing quite like listening to the sound of humpback whales coming up for air as the water tinges pink and orange from the sunset.
If you are planning on joining us this summer, we would recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a sweater or coat, as it can be a lot colder out at sea than it is on land.
There is plenty to see with us in the summer, and with multiple vessel options, we can promise an action-packed day for the whole family. Our spots fill up fast so book your summer tour with us now!
Winter Whale Watching: A Unique & Intimate Experience
While our summer tours are exciting, our winter tours are their own unique experience! We run our zodiac tours throughout the winter at a reduced rate. The wind picks up and the waves get bigger, but this doesn’t mean our wildlife disappears.
Every year we have noticed the humpbacks take longer and longer to leave; this means we were still having humpback sightings in December! During December and January, elephant seals arrive for their mating season which highlights the Salish Sea’s remarkable biodiversity as they are an endangered species. Our orcas are still regular visitors as well as they don’t migrate like other animals so they continue to rely on our waters for food, making the Salish Sea a favoured feeding ground for them.
As spring approaches we have a massive herring spawn, leading to an increased presence of eagles, seals & sea lions hungry for this abundance of food. Additionally, our grey whales migrate in during the springtime as well so you may have a chance to see them.
As we only run our zodiacs throughout the winter because it’s not as busy, we can offer smaller, more intimate tour experiences. Our Captains are well-trained in the winter wildlife and know exactly where to go to get a great experience for our guests.
For our winter tours, we would recommend a hat, scarf, gloves, and sunglasses as our tours can be quite bright depending on cloud coverage. If you’re looking for additional protection from the elements, we provide insulated flotation suits, designed to keep you safe in an emergency and super cosy.
For more information on recommended clothing, check out our blog on what to wear for your winter whale watching tour for more ideas on how to dress appropriately.
While our winter whale watching tours are a completely different experience to our summer tours, they are just as much fun! The Salish Sea never sleeps, so why not discover her winter wonderland? Book your winter tour now!
With summer adventures and intimate winter experiences available, the best time of year to go whale watching with Orca Spirit is up to you! Choose your adventure today.
