The 12 Best Whale Watching in Victoria

1.Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,259 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154Our pick

From Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you’ll cruise the Strait of Juan de Fuca aboard a spacious catamaran with heated indoor seating, open decks, washrooms, hot drinks, and three or four guides. Naturalists such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the whales and other wildlife, while the crew sends you free high-resolution photos afterward.

“I’ve always hesitated to do a whale watching tour for fear of being one of those heartless boats that chases and harasses the animals. So I was very pleased to see that this tour operator explained why they were not getting too close and other things they did to ensure the whales’ safety and comfort. The naturalists on board were really knowledgeable about not just whales in general but about the specific pod we were watching. Although we kept our distance, one of the whales swam right up to the boat and then passed underneath a few times. It was beyond thrilling. The boat had a variety of spots to…”

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2.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154

Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open Zodiac with a guide such as Gary, Mark, George, or Raj. Expect a fast, close-to-the-water ride, all-weather flotation gear, and a search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and other marine life. The whale-sighting guarantee gives you another chance if whales stay hidden.

“Amazing experience and was so happy to see Orca whales. The captain was able to locate a pod of killer whales soon after arriving to the San Juan Islands.”

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3.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a three-hour Zodiac trip guided by a certified marine naturalist. Expect fast runs, cool spray, flotation cruiser suits, hydrophones, and a strong chance of seeing Bigg’s orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and bald eagles. Guides such as Luke, Josh, Liam, and Mick are known for sharp wildlife knowledge and skilled boat handling.

“Luke our guide was amazing and showed us all we hoped for and bonus seeing 26 Orcas having a Tea Party. Hands down the best experience, highly recommend!!!”

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4.Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 482 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Cruise from Victoria’s 146 Kingston Street aboard a covered vessel with indoor seating, washrooms, and a small 360-degree viewing deck. Marine naturalists such as Ryan, Jake, Briar, and Liam explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, otters, and eagles. The trip lasts about three hours and runs rain or shine.

“The whole experience was special from boarding to completion due to the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful crew. We were fortunate to see Orcas and Humpbacks on our trip including seeing flukes twice (a lifetime ambition). Comfort and safety on board are obviously a priority for the team but the engagement and interaction added to our enjoyment.”

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5.Victoria Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $126

Cruise Victoria’s Salish Sea aboard SpringTide’s 60-foot Ocean Cruiser for about three hours. Naturalists such as Katie, Aly, and Leon explain the whales and habitat while the crew searches for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, otters, and eagles. Choose a morning or afternoon trip, with a heated cabin, hot drinks, and outdoor viewing decks.

“It was such an amazing experience!! We saw Orcas and a Humpback whale! The crew was amazing and very informative the whole time! Jasper was a great Captain! This was the best part of our trip to Victoria!”

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6.Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 427 reviews · 3 hours · from $132

Cruise the Salish Sea for three hours with certified marine naturalists such as Ryan, Sophia, Jake, or Liam. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and eagles from indoor or outdoor decks, with hot drinks and a free photo package included. Hotel pickup and a second tour are available if no whales appear.

“The experience is really good my kids love it the team are very awesome. Liam, Jake and i forgot the captain are so amazing.. they really take time bring us to the area where we can see the orca, sealions and many other creatures.. we love so much is the boat we have the option to stay on deck or inside the boat with free coffee and hot chocolate.. thanks again guyz our family really enjoyed it.”

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7.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 387 reviews · 4 hours · from $149

Set out from Victoria’s Wharf Street aboard a purpose-built catamaran with up to three marine naturalists. Search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, eagles, and more from heated indoor seating or open decks. The crew provides hot drinks, live commentary, free wildlife photos, and a return trip if no whales appear.

“Fantastic trip. Amazing guides and so much information to learn. We saw orcas and a humpback whale that breached. Would highly recommend.”

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8.Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 342 reviews · 3 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Join Orca Spirit Adventures for a 3-hour-20-minute Zodiac trip from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. You’ll suit up, race toward Race Rocks, and look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Guides such as Shannon, Tyler, Vicky, and Garryn may lead the boat. Expect spray, cold air, and a small group of up to 12 people.

“Shane gave a very enthusiastic, fun, and informative tour ! Saw both orcas and humpbacks, couldn’t ask for more ! Would def do again !”

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9.Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 305 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

From 645 Humboldt Street in Victoria, you’ll cruise the Salish Sea for about three hours with two onboard naturalists. Look for orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and marine birds. The boat holds up to 40 people, and guides such as Sam, Brianna, Sophie, and Nour bring strong local wildlife knowledge to the trip.

“We had a great time on the boat and seeing Orcas. The crew was awesome and very knowledgeable. I would go again.”

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10.3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 288 reviews · 3 hours · from $123Best value

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard SpringTide’s Marauder IV, a heated motor yacht with indoor seating and 360-degree decks. Naturalists explain orcas, humpbacks, seabirds, and the Salish Sea while the captain searches for wildlife. Crews have included Captain Jasper, Ian, Katie, Heather, Morgan, and Ali. Hot drinks, jackets, and trip photos are included.

“It was magical - beautiful day - we won the lottery with our crew and the sightings! Two pods of Orcas and Merlin the humpback - the crew (Jasper, Katie, Ally, Morgan) and volunteer (Annet) were so knowledgeable and we learned so much about how these magnificent creatures are important to this area. The crew and volunteer were great hosts looking out for us and offering hot beverages. Highly recommend this tour- don’t miss it!”

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11.Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 233 reviews · 3 hours · from $138

Suit up in a warm flotation suit and board SpringTide’s open-air Zodiac at Victoria’s Wharf Street. Over three to three and a half hours, your skipper may find killer whales, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, porpoises, otters, eagles, and marine birds. Guides such as Jasper, Heather, Ian, and Tyson are praised for sharp wildlife knowledge and skilled boat handling.

“Fantastic day for a nice exploration on the ocean. Great guide and absolutely worth everyone visiting Victoria!”

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12.Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour in a 12-passenger Zodiac with a marine naturalist and captain. You’ll wear a full flotation cruiser suit, scan the waters for humpback whales, Bigg’s killer whales, seals, sea lions, otters, and birds, and use a hydrophone to hear whale calls. The three-hour tour runs rain or shine.

“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”

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