The 13 Boat Tours in Vancouver Island That Earn Their Price

1.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146Our pick

Set out from Dallas Road with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea search aboard an open boat or semi-covered catamaran. Naturalists such as Derek, Sarah, Liam, Joe, and Sierra share facts about whales and local wildlife. Expect possible orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles.

“We have seen Humpback whales, Orcas, Otter and a Pelicans. The crew was very friendly, competent and gave a lot of extra Information about the animals . We can recommend that tour.”

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2.Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 281 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $138

Spend about three hours on the Salish Sea with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours, looking for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and birds. A certified naturalist provides live commentary, while supplied jackets, gloves, blankets, and other cold-weather gear help you stay warm. The trip ends with sunset views and Victoria’s harbor lights.

“This boat is super smooth and fast. The naturalist on board was super knowledgeable. The team was friendly and polite. We saw a few humpbacks as well as some other wildlife”

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3.Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $187

Set out from Nanaimo in a 12-passenger open zodiac with an anti-exposure suit, captain, and marine biology guide. You’ll search the Gulf Islands for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more, with about an hour devoted to whale viewing and a conservation talk before returning to Front Street.

“Incredible afternoon on the water. Spent 4 hours with an excellent captain/naturalist and saw 5 or 6 whales. We lucked out when two of the whales swam right up to our boat—their choice—our engine was off! Terrifying and thrilling all at once! Beautiful creatures that delighted us with their antics. It was a windy wavy day and I was glad for my scopolamine patch but the other 9 people in our open zodiac boat seemed to have no issues. If you’re prone to motion sickness I’d recommend something just in case. The views in the “islands” were breathtaking. The whales were amazing. It was a spectacular day!”

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4.Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 143 reviews · 4 hours · from $175

Cruise from Campbell River into Discovery Passage, the Salish Sea, or Johnstone Strait aboard a covered boat or zodiac. An English-speaking naturalist, including guides such as Laura, Jarek, and Tyler W, helps you spot whales, bears, sea lions, dolphins, and eagles. Hydrophones let you listen for whales underwater.

“the weather was rainy and cold - couldn’t see through windows to spot anything for most of the trip, as they were covered with rain from the outside and steam inside. I was disappointed - only saw sea lions, seals and eagles. It was my bucket list trip to see whales and we didn’t see any.”

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5.Campbell River: 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 4 hours · from $216

From Coast Marina, a naturalist guide takes you through Discovery Passage and toward Johnstone Strait in an open Zodiac. Expect ocean wildlife searches, local stories, a hydrophone for whale sounds, snacks, survival gear, and a fast ride through Devils Hole and Aaron Rapids.

“Our trip was excellent, we saw such a wide variety of whales and wildlife and Nova, our guide, really knew her stuff and was very helpful and informative. It was a trip that we will all remember for a very long time.”

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6.Nanaimo: Whale Watching Open Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 85 reviews · 4 hours · from $182

Set out from downtown Nanaimo with a Transport Canada-certified captain and a marine biology guide such as Val or Cheyanne. Cruise the Gulf Islands in an open boat, search for humpbacks and orcas, and learn how the Salish Sea works. Anti-exposure suits, onboard toilet, and sunscreen are provided, but bring gloves and goggles.

“It was an amazing tour, where we saw sealions, seals, orcas and whales. Our guide was so friendly and knew a lot about the nature and the animals. i really recommend this tour!”

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7.Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 9 hours · from $557

Travel from Campbell River to Bute Inlet on a covered speedboat with Captain John, Laura, Alex, or Lexie, pausing for whales and other marine life. On land, a Homalco First Nation guide leads you to covered viewing platforms along the Orford River, where grizzlies may feed on spawning salmon. Lunch, hot drinks, and onboard bathrooms are included.

“Echt top! Genoten van bultrugwalvissen, beren en als kers op de taart ook nog orka's kunnen zien en fotograferen. S Morgens was het koud en regende het en de lunch is in openlucht op natte banken. We zijn koud en ongezellig blijven rechtstaan. Lunch zou beter bij het bezoekerscentrum zijn waar de kachel heerlijk aan was. Verder ook enkel plat water aan boord in alu drinkbussen. Vraag is of deze steriel waren. Hier hou ik niet van. Ik ben bereid aan boord nog extra te betalen voor een blikje Sprite, Fanta of Cola. Verder alles super. UItstap was top en waar voor het geld! Een aanrader!”

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8.Nanaimo: Whale Watching Semi-Covered Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 4 hours · from $182

Meet at 90 Front St in downtown Nanaimo for a four-hour semi-covered boat trip through the Salish Sea. Your captain and marine naturalist, such as Aly, Rodrigo, or Jordan, look for humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and birds while explaining marine biology, whale behavior, and conservation.

“It was a great day. We saw several whales and had such beautiful weather. Aly and Joseph were a great team. Their service and education were top-notch. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone.”

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9.Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 6 hours · from $245

Travel from Campbell River through Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait in a 12-passenger Zodiac or covered boat. Guides such as Jack, Martin, Alex, and Steve have led highly praised outings, with whale sightings, homemade lunch, hydrophones, and calm island scenery along the way.

“Amazing trip, Steve was very knowledgeable. Great boat, ideal for the job. Had to wear the float suits, but a small price to pay. We had the pleasure of seeing at least 12 separate Humpbacks during our trip, including one breaching. Seals and sessions too. A small point, but for me one that makes the difference, lunch. It could have been easy to have bought in something commercial. No, we were treated to a "homemade" wrap, granola bar, dried fruit and cookies.”

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10.Bear Watching Boat Tour with Nature Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 23 reviews · 2h 30m · from $137Best value

Join a small-group boat tour from Tofino’s Marine Adventure Centre and follow the shoreline at low tide, when black bears forage for rock crabs. A nature guide explains bear behavior, coastal ecology, and geology while you watch for seals, porpoises, eagles, herons, and seabirds. Zodiac guests receive waterproof suits.

“We travelled at the end of bear season but our guide did everything possible to find one. Beautiful sunrise on the water, informative trip and overall great experience.”

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11.Campbell River: Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $160

Join Discovery West Adventures at Campbell River’s Discovery Harbour Marina for a four-hour wildlife cruise aboard a new 30-foot aluminum boat. A covered, heated cabin, bathroom, snacks, and drinks make the trip comfortable as you search for humpback whales, orcas, bears, sea lions, eagles, seals, and porpoises with an attentive English-speaking captain.

“We loved this tour. The boat is brand new and purpose built, it was very comfortable and practical. Even the the weather was not fantastic we were warm and dry and still saw amazing wildlife.”

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12.Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 20 reviews · 6 hours · from $230

Meet Discovery West Adventures at Discovery Harbour Marina for a six-hour whale-watching trip on a covered, heated 30-foot aluminum boat. Captain Josh and his team know the local waters and search for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. A shore stop, homemade lunch, snacks, and hot drinks are included.

“This was a great day out. Josh was very knowledgeable and engaging about what we were looking for and was full of interesting facts about the local wildlife. The weather stayed fine for us and we saw hump back whales, a family of Orcas, a small seal colony but the icing on the cake at the end of the day, was a hump back whale breaching and having some playtime in the water. Josh was happy to stay out longer than planned so we could all enjoy the show that was being staged for us. A once in a lifetime experience 😍”

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13.Campbell River: 7-Hour Big Animal Encounter Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 7 hours · from $245

Join Big Animal Encounters from Campbell River for a seven-hour wildlife cruise through the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. Captain and marine naturalist Jason has guided guests toward humpbacks, orcas, bears, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The covered, heated boat has indoor seating, an outdoor deck, a bathroom, lunch, snacks, and a hydrophone for hearing whales underwater.

“Thoroughly enjoyed it despite the rain!!! Saw numerous whales albeit from a distance, our guide Jason was really knowledgeable and helpful and knew exactly where to go for sightings. Saw other wildlife as well and the lunch was also very enjoyable. An all round good day, thankyou!”

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