Marine Wildlife Tour with Expert Guides

Highlights

  • Make your way to a tour office in historic Victoria for 13:30 check-in, then meet a marine naturalist for an overview of the day’s activities. Your boat departs from a nearby dock, and at 1pm you’ll board the catamaran and find a comfortable seat on deck. The route reflects recent wildlife activity, and the captain will steer for the best place to see animals. Keep your camera ready, watching for killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor seals, as well as both Dall’s porpoises and harbor porpoises. Steller sea lions and California sea lions cluster in rocky colonies off Vancouver Island, and more than 127 species of marine birds can be seen in the region. Head east towards the San Juan Islands to see the bird and seal sanctuary in the Chain Islets, or steer towards Race Rocks Marine Protected Area to visit the rocks where sea lions and seals spend the winter. Take advantage of your time with a marine naturalist to ask questions about the birds and mammals you see from the boat, and learn more about Vancouver Island wildlife.  This 3-hour boat tour concludes at the original departure point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Summary

Make your way to a tour office in historic Victoria for 13:30 check-in, then meet a marine naturalist for an overview of the day’s activities. Your boat departs from a nearby dock, and at 1pm you’ll board the catamaran and find a comfortable seat on deck. The route reflects recent wildlife activity, and the captain will steer for the best place to see animals. Keep your camera ready, watching for killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor seals, as well as both Dall’s porpoises and harbor porpoises. Steller sea lions and California sea lions cluster in rocky colonies off Vancouver Island, and more than 127 species of marine birds can be seen in the region. Head east towards the San Juan Islands to see the bird and seal sanctuary in the Chain Islets, or steer towards Race Rocks Marine Protected Area to visit the rocks where sea lions and seals spend the winter. Take advantage of your time with a marine naturalist to ask questions about the birds and mammals you see from the boat, and learn more about Vancouver Island wildlife.  This 3-hour boat tour concludes at the original departure point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

The Salish Sea is famous for its abundance of marine wildlife, and on this 3-hour educational tour, you have the chance to witness the beauty of the area and some of its various marine species! While cruising on an Expedition Catamaran or a 12-passenger Cruiser, enjoy a heated cabin and outdoor viewing space while you experience this amazing biodiversity hotspot. Onboard crew providing interesting and informative commentary.

What’s included?

  • Live commentary on board

  • Professional guide

  • The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 3h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

We have installed a Plexiglas barrier at the check in counter to protect staff & guests. No cash will be accepted to ensure staff safety. All guests will undergo a health check as laid down by WorkSafe BC and will be required to sign a waiver. For full details/restrictions, visit www.5starwhales.com

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Five Star Whale Watching

About operator:

Join Victoria's first Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator and discover the wonders of the Salish Sea. We are Victoria's oldest Whale Watching company with the safest record in the industry. Our 40 passenger high speed expedition catamarans & 12 Passenger Coastal Explorer are the perfect vessels for environmentally friendly and responsible whale watching without sacrificing comfort or safety ! During our tours we can encounter various Whales including Orcas Humpback Whales, Migrating Gray Whales, Minke Whales. Other Marine life encountered includes, Porpoise, Seals, Sea Lions, Otters and numerous Marine Birds. Discover why Whale Watching in Victoria B.C is a must for any visitor. We live in one of the best places in the world to enjoy whale watching – let our expert staff and crew educate and inspire you with the wonders of the Salish Sea! We take our marine environment seriously, and strive to implement the “Reduce, reuse, recycle” philosophy in all we do.

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