BOOK YOUR WINTER WHALE WATCHING TOUR TO #EXPERIENCETHEWILD

Victoria Whale Watching

DAILY TOURS FROM VICTORIA

Victoria whale watching is a must for all visitors and locals! It is truly the best place on earth to view whales in the wild. The nearby Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to Transient or Bigg’s Killer Whales and Humpback Whales – you’ll have plenty of opportunities for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. During our peak viewing months, April to October, our success rate for spotting whales is greater than 95%.

Local marine wildlife also includes Dall’s porpoises, Harbour porpoises, Steller and California sea lions, Harbour and Elephant Seals, otters and a variety of birds such as cormorants and Bald Eagles. There is also a very good chance of sighting Minke and Gray whales.

Choose between a luxury covered vessel with heated indoor cabins, full washroom facilities, and an upper viewing deck optimal for wildlife viewing and taking in the city sights from all sides of the vessel or an adventurous, durable, and stable open air 12 passenger zodiac vessel for your Victoria whale watching tour. Every Orca Spirit whale watching tour is led by a marine naturalist whose passion and knowledge of Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife is unparalleled in the industry!

To view all whale watching guidelines regulated by the Pacific Whale Watch Association, click here.

VICTORIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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SALISH SEA WILDLIFE

Almost 200 species of mammals and birds call the Salish Sea waterways surrounding southern Vancouver Island home, relying on its delicate marine ecosystem for food and habitat.
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RACE ROCKS ECO RESERVE

Race Rocks is a designated Marine Protected Area. To preserve its special ecosystem of plants, animals and biological diversity, access is restricted to scientific and educational purposes.
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VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR

A hub of activity day and night, the Harbour is a base for small cruise ships, float planes and recreational boats. It comes alive during summer months with festivals, music and fresh local cuisine.
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Location

950 Wharf Street – Zodiac 146 Kingston Street, Marina Level – Covered
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Vessel Type

Covered, Open - Zodiac
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Minimum Age

Zodiacs: 6 years and up
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Tour Duration

3 Hours
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Frequency

Daily Tours
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Departures - Covered

10am & 2pm
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Level of Difficulty

Easy, suitable for all ages
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Availability

April 1st - October 31st
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Departures - Zodiac

9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm

TOUR INFORMATION

Victoria whale watching routes vary depending on whale sightings and weather. A typical route takes us along Victoria’s scenic waterfront to Oak Bay and the Chain Islets, where we pause to watch harbor seals and seabirds. From there, we often head east to San Juan Island, or north along the Saanich Peninsula. When whale sighting reports come in, we typically alter course towards whales within range of the boat. Round trip distance is usually 50 to 80 km.

How old do you have to be to go on a tour?

Our covered vessel tours welcome people of all ages, but the zodiacs are restricted to those that are 6 years old and above.

Can you pick me up from my hotel?

Yes! Orca Spirit Adventures offers a courtesy shuttle service for all guests. We’ll pick you up at your downtown Victoria hotel—and when your whale watching adventure is over, we’ll drop you back at the hotel, or if you prefer, anywhere in the Victoria city core.

How far in advance of my tour does the shuttle arrive?

The day before your tour we prepare our shuttle schedule and will contact you directly to provide you with a time frame in which the shuttle will get you from your hotel. Pickups are anywhere from an hour and half to thirty minutes before the scheduled tour departure time depending on the hotel location.

Is there parking near the departure dock?

Wharf Street Departures

Yes, there are pay parking lots at this office as well as street parking.

Coast Hotel & Marina by APA Departures

There is a parking lot at the corner of Quebec Street and Montreal Street about a half block from our office. As well, there is another lot at the corner of Kingston Street and Menzies Street.

What is the boat ride like?

Exciting and sometimes quite adventurous. Depending on the weather and conditions on the water, the experience can be wild and wet, smooth and dry, or any combination of the two. A typical zodiac trip experiences more ocean spray, and passengers can be splashed at some point along the route. Morning tours and those on covered vessels are usually the calmest.

What is the best time of year to see whales?

While it is possible to see whales at any time of the year, there is a peak season from May through October. During this peak season our sighting success rate is at 95-98% for viewing resident Orca pods near Victoria. In addition to Orcas, see the other wildlife that we view in the Victoria area.

Will we really see whales?

Southern Vancouver Island is the best place to see whales in the wild! There is a chance of seeing a number of different species of whales including resident and transient orcas, humpback whales, Minke whales, and gray whales in addition to other wildlife including but not limited to seals, sea lions, bald eagles, cormorants, and the Race Rocks Lighthouse resident sea otter – Ollie! All of this being said, these are wild animals that we are viewing and so there is the chance of them being a little more elusive some days, which is why we offer our Whale Guarantee. In the event of a no-whale trip, you are invited back with us for a complimentary tour. No rush, this is a life-time guarantee as we want to bring all of our guests’ whale watching dreams to life.

Where do I board the boat?

Depending on which tour you’re on, boarding will take place at one of our two locations. You’ll be notified in advance of the departure location at either:

  • Our private dock, approximately 70 yards from the Orca Spirit Adventures office in the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, at 146 Kingston Street in Victoria, BC
  • At the Harbour Air Seaplane terminal at 950 Wharf Street in Victoria, BC
  • Wild Renfrew Guest Services at 17310 Parkinson Road, Port Renfrew BC

What should I wear?

During the summer (June through August), light summer tops and pants or shorts are fine, but it’s a good idea to bring layers such as a fleece jacket or sweater. It is surprisingly cool traveling quickly over the ocean. On cool days, evening trips and during the spring (April – May) and fall (September – October), long pants, sweaters, snug fitting hats and warm footwear is recommended.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes! If you are joining us on a zodiac tour, we recommend talking to the captain before your tour as he may recommend that you put it in the dry storage beneath your seat depending on the wind, weather, and sea conditions on the day of tour. Onboard covered vessel tours, if we experience inclement weather you can leave it in the heated indoor cabin, protected from the elements.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

There is a bathroom onboard all covered vessel tours.

Are there snacks and beverages available for purchase on board?

Snacks and pop available for purchase for $3 on board during covered vessel tours.

What is your cancellation policy?

All Victoria whale watching tours can be cancelled so long as we are contacted 24 hours prior to your departure time.

  • Guests must check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time at their specific check in location
  • Passenger boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time
  • The Zodiac is not recommended for those with neck or back injuries, expectant mothers, or children under the age of 6
  • You can cancel any Victoria whale watching tour if you contact us at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time
  • Disclaimer: Tour departures and packages can be subject to time change and are weather dependent

What's Included

  • 3 hour, 100% carbon neutral Victoria whale watching tour
  • Free hotel shuttle pick-up & drop off
  • Choice of open zodiac or covered vessel*
  • Full length cruiser suits (XS to XXL) for protection from ocean spray and cool air (Zodiac tours only)
  • Certified Marine Naturalist/Biologist on board each whale watching tour
  • Wildlife identification kits
  • Whale Sighting Guarantee
  • Snacks & soft drinks available for purchase on board covered vessel tours
  • Blankets and binoculars
  • $4 Wildlife Conservation Fee that contributes to the restoration of the salmon in the Salish Sea
  • A safe and comfortable experience backed by our perfect safety record

*NOTE: Zodiac is not recommended for those with neck or back injuries, expectant mothers, or children under the age of 6

What to bring

Sunglasses, camera, tight fitting hat, sunscreen and a sense of adventure!

WHAT MIGHT YOU SEE

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Tour Rates
Covered Vessel - Adults19+
$145
Covered Vessel - Youth 13-18
$115
Covered Vessel - Children 3-12
$99
Zodiac Vessel - All Ages 6+
$155
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Responsible Whale Watching

We believe that it’s possible to provide an educational experience to guests while respecting the whale’s natural habitat. Orca Spirit has always taken special care to practice respectful whale watching by following strict guidelines around vessel speed, viewing distance, and radio and engine usage.
  • Maintain a distance of 200 meters from killer whales and 100 meters from all other whales in Canadian and US waters
  • Operate at no more than 7 knots when within 1 km (0.65 mile) of a whale
  • Travel at the same or slower speed as the whale’s speed, and travel parallel to the direction whales are traveling
  • Limit time in the vicinity of a particular group of whales to 60 minutes
  • Respect marine protected areas by adhering to Go Slow Zones and minimum distance guidelines around rocks, landmasses, historic sites and wildlife
  • Turn off sonar, depth sounders, fish finders and other underwater transducers when in the vicinity of whales
  • Get closer without disturbing marine life by using a camera with a zoom lens