10 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC: Comprehensive Local’s Review
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There are plenty of wonderful whale watching tours in Victoria, BC Canada, you can take to see the abundant and majestic wildlife in west coast waters. You can tour by zodiac, covered boat, kayak and even plane.
With so many different companies offering the “best” tour in Victoria, it can be hard to figure out which one to take.
Growing up in Victoria, BC I’ve taken many visitors and my family to see the whale watching & the local sites both on and off the waters. Including taking a recent Victoria whale watching Eagle Wing tour with my youngest.
I will give a comprehensive review of the different tours & companies, plus share our personal experience whale watching, as well as info on the best times to go, what to expect and sealife you’ll see. To help you find the best experience for your budget and travel preferences.
Ready to book your epic whale watching adventure? Let’s go!
🐳 Our top pick for everyone is this half day Eagle Wing tour we took ourselves. Excellent guides that interacted one on one with us, plus great for all ages in a covered boat with a smaller group size. They also sent free wildlife photos & give a whale sighting guarantee.
Victoria Whale Watching Season
The best time of year for whale watching in Victoria, BC is from late April to October. For the best chance of seeing Orcas, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales around Vancouver Island. Sometimes you may even be able to see Grey Whales.
LOCAL TIP: The most popular time for visitors to Victoria is summer months June to early September. So if you’re looking to avoid the crowds our favourite times to go are in May and from mid Sept to early October. We last went in May and it wasn’t too crowded, & the weather was nice.
It really is one of the most magical and best things to do in Victoria.
Types of Whales & Marine Life You May See
There are many types of marine life & wildlife you may see whale watching from Victoria, Canada including Orcas (killer whales), Humpback and Minke Whales, and a variety of different dolphins, seals and sea lions.
Top Victoria Whale Watching Tour Companies
There are quite a few whale watching tour companies that offer marine wildlife tours and whale watching from Victoria.
Popular whale watching companies in Victoria are:
- Prince of Whales – *most popular*
- Orca Spirit Adventures
- Five Star
- Spring Tide
- Eagle Wing – *our favourite*
Whale watching tours from Victoria typically leave from downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbor area. These companies all have great success rate in finding wild whales, and orcas in the coastal waters, over 80 to 95% of the time.
They know the best places to look. On our tour we could hear the captain communicating with other boats & course correct to where they were more likely to be seen.
Tips & thing to consider
- You aren’t going to be right beside the whales – Companies follow the Pacific Whale Watch Association guidelines which state they must stay a minimum of 100 metres from humpback whales and 200 metres from killer whales. This is for the health & safety of the whales.
- Whales are wild and unpredictable – There’s no guarantee you will see whales of a certain species, a certain number of whales, or even whales at all on your trip. We found the captains do work hard to find whales for you, and companies do provide whale sighting guarantees. So if you don’t see any whales, you can take another trip for free.
- It’s quite a long boat ride to get out to where the whales are usually spotted – For us, it was almost 90 minutes, so don’t expect to see whales right away.
- Dress warmly & in layers – We knew this ahead of, so we dressed accordingly, but it does get cold on the water, even on sunny days. Also bring sunglasses (lots of glare from the ocean) and a hat that won’t blow off your head easily. Some companies do provide mitts & toques you can borrow.
Top 3 Picks: Best Whale Watching Victoria
#1 TOP PICK
EAGLE WING
✔️ Heated cabin, outside seating, toilets
✔️ 3.5 – 4 hours, whale guarantee
✔️ Accessible & for all ages
#2 PICK
PRINCE OF WHALES – ZODIAC BOAT
✔️ Small Group
✔️ All-weather flotation suits
✔️ Wildlife photos & whale guarantee
#3 PICK
SUNSET WHALE WATCHING
✔️ See sunset & whales
✔️ Viewing decks, toilets
✔️ Hot drinks & Free wildlife photos
Types of Boats
While you can see the transient orcas, and other whales by boat, kayak or plane, or even the ferry, a boat tour gives you a greater chance of success.
As all the tours are similar, and they all work together to find the whales that day, & follow the same eco practices, figuring out what type of boat, group size & time of day will narrow down your choices.
- Zodiac Boats: Who it is for: We prefer zodiac tours for the smaller group sizes & families with older kids (over 4ft tall) who are looking for more adventure. It gives you a more unique and personal feel being at ocean level. Must not mind being more exposed to wind, and water.
- Covered Boats: Who it is for: We think a covered boat tour is perfect for people preferring a warm place to escape the elements, & don’t mind a slightly larger group size. We’ve found it’s also easier with younger kids you need to keep an eye on, and there’s toilets which is super handy. If you get seasick, a larger catameran boat is the better option, as it will be more stable. I get seasick and the covered boat was no problem for me at all.
Top 10 Best Whale Watching Tours in Victoria, BC
We’ve highlighted our top 10 picks for the best whale watching tours in Victoria, BC from a local’s perspective below.
- All these tours have review ratings of 4.5 or 5 / 5, and are well reviewed and liked by those who’ve taken the tours, including us.
- All tours offer experienced and knowledgeable guides / naturalists who can teach you all about the magnificant marine life. All offer some type of whale sighting guarantee where you can come back on another trip if you sdon’t see whales.
- COST: In general whale watching tour costs range from around $130 / per adult on up to $200+ / per adult. Luckily youth and kids are less, and lap infants are usually no cost. We’ve found the higher priced tours tend to offer more perks.
1. Eagle Wing Victoria Whale & Wildlife Cruise (Wheelchair Accessible)
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 – 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
Our number one pick is the Eagle Wing whale & wildlife cruise from Victoria, BC, and is the most recent whale watching tour we’ve taken as a family.
What sold us on Eagle Wing were their semi-covered boat, with max 50 people.
We were highly impressed with the engaged guides, who interacted with my daughter & I one on one, and had interesting info and stories to share. Miss S was excited to tell everyone that the guides had recently witnessed a whale kill a seal and it had a sweet cucumber smell.
Race Rocks and seeing the sea lion colony was also really interesting. Their bark is so distinctive, and seeing them that close makes you realize how huge they are, just basking on the rocks.
The up front seating had amazing almost 360° views of not only sealife, but the Olympic Mountains, & San Juan Islands were a highlight.
They went out of their way to find whales and we were even out there for extra time. Sadly we didn’t see whales this time, but will head out again this year with our whale guarantee (no expiry date). We could have gone again last trip, but decided to make another fun day of it this year.
PROS
- This cruise is enjoyable for everyone, as some boats are wheelchair accessible
- Semi-covered boats have washrooms, a place to warm up & extra gloves & hats
- Excellent guides who interacted one on one with us
- Family oriented, perfect for families of all ages
- Boat had plenty of viewing places, never felt too crowded
- Tour was extended to find whales
- Whale guarantee – no expiry date & confirmed seating on next trip
CONS
- Larger group size
- Whale guarantee not specific to a certain whale species (hey it’s nature, nobody can control what you see, but some people get mad if they don’t see orcas).
LOCAL TIP: They give you a Lanyard when you check in that can give you 10% off at certain vendors in Fisherman’s Wharf. They did take ours as we boarded the boat, so go a little early if you want to take advantage of the discount for some food or ice cream.
Whale watching really is one of the best things to do in Victoria, Canada.
BEST FOR: Everyone – from younger kids to older adults!
Leaves from: Fisherman’s Wharf Downtown.
Price: $189 Adult | $157 Youth | Child $136
Size: Max 50 passengers
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, on the semi covered vessels only. Service animals allowed.
2. Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure by Prince of Whales
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Cruise the rolling waves of Haro Strait into the Strait of Juan de Fuca aboard a zodiac speedboat. A highlight for teenagers, and those who like a bit of speed.
🐳 Taking this 3 hour Zodiac Whale Watching Tour by Prince of Whales is a must for whale watching, adventure seekers.
You can’t miss the bright yellow boats of the Prince of Whales dotting the Inner Harbor and its wharfs.
Last time I took the zodiac boat it was with them, and we got to see humpbacks and orcas. The sea otters hiding in the kelp bed were the cutest. Also following orca group T123 around and watching their swim patterns and eating behaviors was incredibly interesting. We even got a much needed hot chocolate back at the base afterwards.
We don’t recommend a zodiac boat for kids under 8 years and they do require your child to be at least 6 years old and 4ft (120cm) tall.
LOCAL TIP: The front seat is the bounciest. Sit in the middle or back seats for a smoother ride.
PROS
- Adventurous, sea level views of whales & other marine life
- They provide all weather flotation suits & gear to keep you cozy and warm.
- Small group sizes
- Year round whale sighting guarantee
CONS
- A lot cooler on the water, no place to warm up
- Not suitable for families with young kids
- Bumpier ride, especially if water is choppy
Just remember to wear layers underneath the floatation suit they give you, and warm socks / footwear, as it’s much cooler right on the water than you would think.
LOCAL TIP: We also recommend bringing a waterproof cover for any electronics. As well as your own snacks & water as they don’t provide it on their zodiac tours.
BEST FOR: Families with Teens & Adventurous folk
Leaves from: Lower causeway, Inner Harbour, 812 Wharf St
Price: Adults & Youth $204
Tour Size: Up to 12 passengers
Wheelchair Accessible: No. Also not recommended for pregnant people, or those with back issues.
3. Prince of Whales Sunset Whale Watching Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3+ hours | ✅ Book it!
See the stunning coastal scenery from a perspective many people miss. We think this catameran, sunset whale watching tour from Victoria is the perfect combination of whales & gorgeous sunsets making for a great date night.
With their 3 large viewing areas on the catameran, we found there was always somewhere we could get a good view out on the Juan de Fuca Strait, including bald eagles soaring overhead, and orca whales swimming and breaching. Even on a boat with more people.
Warm drinks & time inside were needed, as we noticed it did get a lot cooler outside once the sun started to set.
You can catch the bright yellow Catameran downtown, in the Inner Harbour.
🐳 Our top pick for epic photos. We think this tour is a photographer’s dream, for the vibrant colors, scenery and unique sunset experience. There are plenty of different viewpoints on this boat to get the perfect shot.
Not good with a camera? No worries the tour guides will take photos of the marine life, and send them to you electronically. So you can just focus on the magic of watching whales, sea lions and the sunset with your sweetie or family.
PROS
- Catameran has inside areas to warm up & a washroom
- 360° panoramic views from top viewing platform
- Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate onboard
- Naturalists are super knowledgeable about the marine life & area
- Send professional photos by email after trip
CONS
- Cooler temps once the sun starts to set, than day time trips
- Large boat, so a larger group of people, especially during peak season
- Sometimes hard to hear what the naturalists are saying because of the noise from the engine, wind & other people talking
BEST FOR: Photographers, Couples & Sunset views. Hot coffee & Tea provided
Leaves from: Lower causeway, Inner Harbour, 812 Wharf St
Price: $200 Adult | $177 Youth | $155 Child
Tour Size: Max 95 passengers
Wheelchair Accessible: No. Service animals allowed with documentation.
4. Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane and Whale Watching Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: ~10 hours | ✅ Book it!
Combine the best of both worlds with an amazing sea and sky tour. Take a scenic seaplane flight from Vancouver, then hop aboard your choice of a Victoria whale watching cruise.
🐳 We think this option is perfect for those who only have a little time on the west coast, or are looking for a quick day trip to Victoria from the mainland. You can even stay a bit longer in Victoria after your tour, and sightsee, making this the best option.
Start your day with aerial views of the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands below. You may even be lucky enough to spot some Orca pods from the sky.
Derek, my partner has taken the seaplane back and forth from Vancouver many, many times, and says the views never get old. Plus we find it’s quick, easy and usually smooth flying. As well as super convenient, as it drops you both downtown in Victoria & than back again in Vancouver, close to all the tourist sites.
Harbour Air Seaplanes land right in the Inner Harbour, within walking distance of all downtown attractions like the Empress, Parliament Buildings & shops as well as your whale watching tour. Orca Adventures have their zodiac boats & small office right there too, so you don’t have to walk far (2 minutes)!
LOCAL TIP: When choosing your tour, consider that covered boat tours welcome people of all ages. But the zodiacs are restricted to those 6 years old and above, and have a minimum height of 4 feet.
PROS
- Easy & the quickest, most convenient way to do a day trip to Victoria, BC
- Whale Watching (zodiacs) right by Seaplane Terminal
- Time to sightsee for a few hours in Victoria
- Beautiful aerial views of the west coast & Victoria
- Can choose a zodiac or covered boat for your whale watching tour
CONS
- Most expensive way to get from Vancouver to Victoria
- Only one Flight & Whale Watching tour combo option a day, leaves early am
- Less flexibility & on a tighter schedule
- Changes & cancellations must be made 24+ hours in advance. Say if it’s raining (but tour still running) or your plans change, you can’t make alternate arrangements last minute.
- Not wheelchair accessible
Check out more whale watching from Vancouver Island.
BEST FOR: Quick Victoria day trip & whales. Options for all ages!
Leaves from: Harbour Air Seaplanes 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
Duration: ~10 hours total
Cost: Adult $604 | Child $314
Tour Size: Depends on tour chosen
Wheelchair Accessible: No. Zodiac Tour option also not recommended for pregnant people, or those with back issues.
5. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria – Prince of Whales
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
🐳 We think this 3 hour whale watching adventure aboard the Prince of Whales catameran, semi-covered vessel, is perfect for families and people of all ages.
As there’s 2 restrooms, and large covered areas to stay warm, plus it’s a larger boat, so less likelihood of getting seasick. They also provide coloring books & learning guides for the kids.
Their informative guides really do bring the animals’ stories to life and teach you all about the Salish Sea and its marine life.
While cruising through the Haro Strait keep an eye out for orcas, humpback whales and sea lions from the open sun decks or heated indoor cabins. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Also scan the sky & islands for bald eagles. Last time we went whale watching, our boat got within about 20 feet of a bald eagle, just sitting on the rocky shore staring at us as we went by.
While you may not want the tour to end, you can take home precious photo memories of the wildlife seen, and your family, which is included in the tour.
PROS
- Catameran has inside areas to warm up with floor to ceiling windows & 2 washrooms
- 360° panoramic views
- Free tea, coffee & hot chocolate onboard
- Free professional photo package is sent by email after trip
- Year round whale sighting guarantee
CONS
- Largest boat out of all options – 95 passengers so is busier than a smaller boat
- Only small number of snacks to purchase (so bring your own food & water)
BEST FOR: Families & All Ages! Largest boat, includes photos, kids colouring books
Leaves from: Lower causeway, Inner Harbour, 812 Wharf St
Price: $211 Adult | $189 Youth | Child $155 | Infant $23
Tour Size: Up to 95 passengers
Wheelchair accessible: No
6. Orca Spirit Adventures Covered Boat Tour From Victoria, BC
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
We think the Orca Spirit Adventures in a comfortable covered boat, is best for people or family’s who want to be picked up right from your hotel or the port. It’s the only company we found that did, making it super easy for you to make your tour on time.
Choose from morning (for the early birds) or afternoon departures into the stunning Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits. For a delightful whale watching cruise from Victoria, with certified marine biologists.
🐳 Great for families and people of all ages, as there’s a washroom on board, and comfortable indoor seating and viewing areas.
Your guides are happy to teach you all about, and answer any questions you may have on orcas, humpbacks, marine birds, seals, and sea lions you see along the west coast waters.
Last time I was down where Ocean Spirit docks I heard a young girl talking to her parents all excited that they got to see a mother humpback whale and her calf. She was talking a mile a minute. I love how opening kids eyes to the natural world can be educational and fun.
PROS
- Pick up & drop off at your hotel or the port
- Comfortable covered boat with indoor and outdoor viewing areas
- Panoramic 360° views on raised upper deck
- Snacks & Pop to purchase
- Whale Guarantee
CONS
- Larger group, sometimes hard to see around people
- When booking with their Whale Guarantee they book you on a stand-by basis, so only if there’s room will you get to go.
BEST FOR: Almost everyone! Hotel or Port Pick up / Drop off.
Leaves from: 146 Kingston St. Go down to the Marina Level of the Coast Hotel & Marina.
Price: $171 Adult | $137 Youth | $119 Child | $15 Infant
Tour Size: Max 75 passengers
Wheelchair Accessible: No.
7. Victoria Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour With Orca Spirit Adventures
Photo by Donna | Packed for Life
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Get ready for an up close experience you won’t want to miss.
Set out on the Pacific Ocean in this Orca Spirit Adventures Zodiac whale watching tour from Victoria.
For a chance to see resident Orcas, Humpbacks, Harbor Seals and more.
🐳 Perfect for families with older kids, adventurous folk and those looking for a small group, up-close and personal west coast experience.
The wild at heart will feel the salty wind against your face, as you grab the chance to photograph magnificent marine creatures.
PROS
- Pick up & drop off at your hotel or the port
- Right by where seaplane terminal is if you’re coming from Vancouver
- Whale Guarantee
CONS
- Whale Guarantee: They book you on a stand-by basis, so only if there’s room will you get to go.
BEST FOR: Families with older kids, Adventurous folk, Avoiding crowds, Hotel or Port Pick Up
Leaves from: 950 Wharf St. Same dock as seaplane tours & terminal
Size: Max 12 passengers
Price: $182 Adult, Youth & Child
Wheelchair Accessible: No. Also not suitable for pregnant people, or people with injuries / conditions
8. Victoria Whale Watching Cruise by Five Star (Wheelchair Accessible)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Get ready to take in the beauty of British Columbia’s Salish Sea, with Victoria’s 1st Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator Five Star Whale Watching.
🐳 This Victoria whale watching tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible, with washrooms, making it a great choice for everyone. With a smaller capacity boat (up to 40 passengers), you also get the comfort of a covered boat to warm up in, but with less crowds.
You’ll have plenty of time on this 3 hour Five Star covered boat whale watching cruise to ask questions and learn all about the surrounding marine ecosystem.
As well as the opportunity to spot humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, porpoises, sea lions, sea otters and more!
PROS
- Smaller boat ( 40 ppl max)
- Knowledgeable guides
CONS
- No food or drinks (bring your own)
- Small boat, hard to move around on if some areas crowded with people
BEST FOR: Everyone! Smaller crowds, Wheelchair & Stroller Accessible
Leaves from: Meet at 645 Humboldt Street on the North side of the Fairmont Empress Hotel, next to Willow Stream Spa.
Price: $145 Adult | $124 Youth | $109 Child
Tour Size: Max 40 passengers
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Stroller accessible & service animals also allowed.
9. Victoria Whale Watching in Luxury Yacht by SpringTide
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Travel out onto the Pacific Ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized yacht. With fantastic views of Vancouver Island in between sightings of orcas, humpback whales, elephant seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.
Keep your camera ready and eyes out for Bald Eagles and marine birds as well.
🐳 We think this SpringTide Whale Watching tour is great for almost everyone, due to their comfortable luxury cruiser (with washrooms), that provides 360 degree views, and free hot coffee & tea.
Learn from their expert naturalist guides all about the Pacific Coast ecosystem and wildlife. Ask questions, take amazing photos up close.
When the conditions are right, you can even hear the boat’s hydrophones pick up and amplify the orca’s sounds, as they travel off the coast of Vancouver Island.
While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, they have had guests with collapsible chairs and limited mobility join their tours. I recommend calling them directly with any questions, prior to booking.
PROS
- Comfortable yacht
- Hydrophone to listen to the whales underwater
- 360° views
- Washroom onboard
- Free coffee or tea
CONS
- No food or water (bring your own)
- Small boat so more rocking in rougher seas = more likely to get seasick
BEST FOR: Almost everyone! 360° view & Hydrophones to hear the whales
Leaves from: 1119 Wharf St (at street level – next door to Darcys Pub)
Size: Max 84 passengers.
Price: $169 Adults, $129 Youth, $119 Child
Wheelchair Accessible: No. Service animals allowed. Stroller accessible.
10. Victoria: Sunset Whale Watching Tour by Five Star
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
Combine the best of Vancouver Island sunsets & whale watching. It’s a true west coast experience not to miss.
🐳 This is for families, adults or couples who want the adventure of whale watching & a beautiful sunset.
Watch the sun dip below the horizon, as knowledgeable guides regale you with stories of the wildlife of the Salish Sea.
Sightings may include killer whales, humpback whales, and porpoises!
Make sure to bring snacks & water for your trip as they only provide hot drinks.
BEST FOR: Sunset Watchers. Includes hot drinks
Leaves from: 645 Humboldt St.
Size: 12 People
Price: $153 Adults | $114 Youth | $130 Child
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Service animals allowed
VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING TIPS & INFO
Types of Whales off Vancouver Island
These are a few of the most common whales you can see on a whale watching tour in Victoria, BC. Including:
- Orcas: Also known as Killer Whales. These majestic beauties are black and white with a large dorsal fin. You can also often see them feeding off the islands, and traveling with their young, on the ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria.
- Minke Whales: Are the smallest of the baleen whales. They are dark grey / black with white patches on their bodies.
- Humpback Whales: Largest of the whales, they can reach up to 52 feet long. You can ID them with their distinct hump, and long fins.
Other sea life that can be seen on a Victoria whale watching tour can include California Sea Lions and Elephant Sea Lions, Harbour Seals and Porpoises, Dall’s Porpoise, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, and Sea Otters.
Look to the skies for bald eagles and other west coast marine birds. As you cruise the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Types of Whale Watching Tours
By Boat
The best and easiest way to see whales is to take zodiac or covered boat whale-watching tours from Victoria, BC Canada.
As mentioned earlier, there a few things to consider when choosing which type of boat.
Zodiac Boat Tour
Choose a zodiac boat tour if you want a smaller group, have older kids (6+ years) or don’t mind being more exposed to wind, and water. It gives you a more unique and personal feel being at ocean level.
These small inflatable boats hold up to 12 People and tend to be less expensive.
Covered Boat Tour
Choose a covered boat tour, if you prefer a warm place to escape the elements, don’t mind a larger group, or have younger kids you need to keep an eye on. They also have toilets, which is handy.
If you get seasick, a larger catameran boat is the better option, as it will be more stable.
Both types of boats allow you to get close to whales. There are rules in place for the safety and protection of the whales as to how close the boats can get, and the tour operators follow these carefully.
By Air
A plane or helicopter tour can potentially allow you to see more whales, as you can cover more area of the sea.
This would provide a unique perspective, of both Vancouver Island and marine wildlife. However you won’t get as close.
By Kayak
If you are an experienced kayaker, renting a kayak, and heading out on the ocean, is a great way to see whales up close at their level. But they can be quite far from shore.
Definitely not for beginners, or those without any kayaking experience.
By Ferry
I love the BC ferry ride from Victoria to Vancouver and it’s my favorite way to see orcas.
There’s no guarantee, but they can often be seen as the ferry passes between the Gulf Islands.
From Land
There are times when you can see pods of Orcas or Humpback Whales, and other marine mammals from the shore.
The breakwater is a great place to walk, and often you can see harbour porpoises in the distance.
I’ve even seen whales from Willows Beach (one of our favourite parks / beaches in Victoria) on occasion.
Check out Race Rocks Lighthouse, as Orcas sometimes gather around here, and you can often see sea lions on the rocks.
What to Wear Whale Watching
Being out the water you will be exposed to the elements; wind, sun, rain, spray from the water. It’s best to wear layers. Wear a sweater, wind / waterproof jacket, warm socks, and appropriate closed toe footwear (no flip flops!).
We wore a fleece sweater under our light rain jacket with a hood and long pants. Our hands got a little cold so we borrowed their mitts, but were fine otherwise in May.
Even on sunny summer days, it can be cool on the water.
If taking a Zodiac Tour, the company usually provide survival suits for you to wear. In open boats, tours often also provide jackets and rain pants. Check to see what your tour will provide.
Make sure to bring a plastic bag or other waterproof case to keep your camera safe and dry.
FAQs
When is the best time to see whales in Victoria?
The best time to see whales in Victoria is from the end of April through to October. During the peak season you have up to a 95% chance of seeing resident & tranisent Orcas, and humpback whales. However you can see whales year round. Whales are active throughout the day, so morning, or afternoon you have an equal chance of viewing these majestic mammals, as well as other wildlife.
Is Whale Watching worth it in Victoria, BC?
Yes, whale watching in Victoria, BC is worth it. Seeing these awe inspiring creatures up close is one of the most memorable, and best things to do in Victoria in winter or anytime. . The southern tip of Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see orcas, humpbacks and other marine wildlife like sea lions, seals, and porpoises.
How much does it cost to go whale watching in Victoria?
Whale watching in Victoria costs anywhere from around $130 to $200 per adult, and $100 to $170 per child / youth. Infants 1 and under are under $25, sometimes free. Tours last around 3-4 hours.
Can you see Orcas in Victoria?
Yes you can see Orcas in Victoria, both resident and transient Orcas who who pass through west coast waters. While you can see them year round, the best time to see Orcas in Victoria in larger numbers is Spring and then late summer into fall.
Final Thoughts: Best Whale Watching Victoria
🐳 We think this half day whale watching tour with Eagle Wing is the best whale watching Victoria BC. As it’s great for everybody due to their inside warm seating areas, toilets and fantastic 360 degree views from their outside platforms. And only 50 people max.
Plus the personal extras of tour photos, Whale sighting guarantee & accessibility make this a fantastic choice.
Or there are nine other fabulous tours to choose from that may better suit your travel needs.
I hope our local’s guide has helped you choose the best Victoria whale watching tour for your Victoria, BC Canada Itinerary.
VICTORIA & CANADA RESOURCES
Here are our favourite resources we use to research and book our trips. They offer competitive deals, and good customer service. Plus itineraries and more travel ideas for Victoria & Canada:
3 Day Victoria Itinerary with Kids
Free & Cheap Things to do in Victoria, BC
Top 11+ Victoria Parks & Playgrounds not to miss!
How to travel from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens
20 Day trips to take from Victoria
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Vancouver Island Bucket List
Best Whale Watching from Vancouver Island
Fun things to do in Parksville, BC
Top places to stay in Parksville, BC Canada
How to see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife
Booking.com – Book accomodations here. Excellent all round site for lowest lodging rates.
VRBO – Book family friendly accommodations here, All the comforts of home, but no cleaning!
Viator – Find & book even more experiences, tours & fun lessons world wide.
Discover Cars – Make finding the cheapest or best car for your trip easy (worldwide)
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Save money on flights
Anything else? Check out our Family Travel Resources & Tips page
