Click through our online calendar booking service to choose your summer daytrip dates. Theres simply nothing better than a whale watching tour in bc with orca spirit, some prefer viewing beneath the summer sun, while others prefer cooler spring and fall viewings. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us. Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds. From our downtown departure locations, we offer industryleading whale watching tours in vancouver, victoria, telegraph cove, and seattle. If youre eager to get on the water, tour companies in cape breton highlands also offers zodiac and catamaran excursions. Thus far, nothing has been confirmed about future seasons of the itv and pbs. Cruise from vancouver to victoria and discover native canadian wildlife in its natural habitat on this 4hour oneway whalewatching cruise. This family owned and operated company is sure to deliver a.
Its a popular destination for british columbians, pacific northwesterners, and other travelers, as its an easy ferry ride or luxurious seaplane ride from vancouver and seattle. Whale watching is a popular activity for residents and visitors to victoria, canada. From may to early october, whales migrate from antarctica along the victorian coastline to the north, to warmer waters near queensland. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Dec 14, 2009 join david roberts and james rogers, as they guide a group through the waters off of victoria, british columbia, to experience the thrill of whale watching. A typical 3 hour tour takes you along the waterfront of oak bay and the chain islets allowing you to see harbor seals and sea birds.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in victoria. If thats the case, then only orcas killer whales can be seen out of victoria. Catamaran excursions launch from victorias inner harbour. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. The rugged beauty of the west coast is something that should be experienced with victoria s boutique whale watching company. Where and how to see whales in victoria this winter. Cruise into the harbor from fishermans wharf with your guide as the sun starts sinking on the horizon. About bc whale tours leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. Its common name, recognized by many people, is killer whale originally called whale killer by spanish whalers.
Victoria, bc is the best place on earth to view whales in the wild. Whale watching in the west coast of canada is both easy to do, and very accessible too. Check out some touroperaters at the victoria harbour. The best season to go whale watching in canada varies per species. The area around victoria is well known for their southern resident killer whale orca populations. Theres something to be said about the peace and quiet of a tourist town in the offseason, and the beauty of victoria from the water on a crisp winters day is unrivaled.
Our company utilizes stateoftheart, custom designed, locally built vessels that are leading in the industry for safety. Whale watching british columbia vancouver islands watching. Prince of whales is focused on sharing the beautiful and breathtaking coastal waters of british columbia, its vibrant wildlife, and its rich history. Our whale watching tours located off the southern coast of victoria, british columbia consist of viewing transient orca pods, migrating humpback whales, grey whales and other marine animals that reside in our coastal waters. Killer whales are best observed from mid july through the first week of september. Whales choose to give birth and raise their calves just off the victoria coast. Come aboard one of our two 40passenger expedition catamarans, each of which combines comfort, speed, safety, and your choice of 3 viewing platforms. I assume youre hoping to go whale watching out of victoria. Setting the bar high for the local whale watching industry we have been inspiring and educating guests. Whale watching dates in the fall, vancouver island, bc. Here are 12 reasons why you should definitely visit victoria now.
A major whale migration occurs in mid winter off the west coast of vancouver island near tofino and ucluelet, when approximately 20,000 pacific grey whales leave the baja peninsula to journey north to alaska, cruising past vancouver island enroute. Birds of a feather whalewatching departures can be from victorias inner harbour, from sidney, metchosin, sooke, salt spring island, or anywhere we can trailer the boat. As such, visitors to the province capital will find it easy to add a whale watching experience to the itinerary, at least during the. The rugged beauty of the west coast is something that should be experienced with victorias boutique whale watching company. And the best time to see them is often julyseptember, although tours run as early as may and as late as october. While the pods may be out there 247, you have a better chance of your boat actually finding orcas if you go out later in the day. Humpback whales 40 minutes offshore from victoria, bc photo credit jeff lorton. Hop aboard your cruise boat in vancouvers coal harbour.
British columbia whale watching is something that any and all outdoor enthusiasts should enjoy, and there is plenty of time to enjoy it in this region known for its excellent wildlife. Take an express cruiser boat through the gulf islands, keeping your eyes peeled for orca whales, and then spend the day exploring victoria before catching a seaplane back to vancouver. Jun 15, 2018 humpback whale numbers have increased substantially since hunting was banned in the late 1970s, with more than 30,000 expected to travel up the australian coast from the antarctic through to october. The season also seems to be extended so you have a really good chance of seeing them this winter, peters says. As victorias longest running family owned and operated whale watching company and first catamaran company, we have built up victoria as a world class destination for whale watching. British columbia california coast cape cod dominican republic japan madagascar mexico new zealand norway south africa accommodation facts about whales whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. If this does occur we have a whale guarantee program, which means that if you do not see whales on your first trip with us then you will receive a 20% cash refund and free trip via standby on your next adventure with us. For a large part of the year this applies to the killer whale, but tour companies only operate during the late spring to early fall time period. Ethical and sustainable whale watching departing from nanaimo, british columbia, canada. When putting together the plan and itinerary for our 20 canada trip, one of the things that were on top of the priority list right from the start was whale watching. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure.
Please note conditions apply for more details check out our whale guarantee page. This is your chance to sea kayak with killer orca whales or watch them from our boat, the. Whale watching vancouver island is a onceinalifetime exerience. If winter whale watching doesnt quite sound like your thing, the summer season is just a few months away. If seeing orcas is a priority, please keep these dates in mind when you book your tour with us. As we move into mid september we see fewer resident killer whales however with the abundant sea lion population that moves into the area, we see more transients as sea lions are a favorite food source for his subspecies of orca. Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria.
The romans called it orca, meaning demon from hell. We offer world class tours in the gulf islands with a focus on marine conservation and sustainability in the salish sea. Five star whale watching is the fairmont empress hotel inhouse whale watching company, and as a guest of the hotel we have a special offer for you. This cruise is covered by the whale guarantee program whale sightings are guaranteed during peak season. F all is the time of year where the wildlife is very active particularily the humpback whales and sea lions. It sounds like you had incredible encounters with both killer whales and humpback whales and with other local marine wildlife. The first whales of the season have been spotted in victorias port phillip bay. Catamaran excursions launch from victoria s inner harbour. April to october join our comfortable 61 ft covered. By then all the operators have been out since morning and have figured out where the pods are clustering that day. Marvel at canadas marine wildlife in its natural habitat on this 3hour sunset whalewatching experience from victoria.
Sep 03, 2018 when putting together the plan and itinerary for our 20 canada trip, one of the things that were on top of the priority list right from the start was whale watching. Continue reading to find out when the different species inhabit canadian waters. In victoria, there are numerous companies that offer whale watching tours. Choose your victoria whale watching adventure just a short cruise from downtown victoria, an ocean wilderness awaits. Although wildlife is the focus of our trip, the scenery along the way is not to be forgotten. Go during the peak season of julyaugust for the best chance of spotting humpback and fin whales. Chances are youve travelled a long way or youre about to and you want nothing more than to fulfill your dream of seeing whales. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching. Whales are majestic and impressive creatures that will take your breath away. Ive heard that in early summer probably during the whole summer and fall is a good time. During our busy summer season juneseptember we do recommend you book a week head of time. Whale watching victoria adventures prince of whales. Watch whales and other diverse marine species on the salish sea on this 3.
Five star whale watching helps you discover the picturesque southern vancouver island, victoria, and the gulf islands, home to the largest population of killer whales orcas in the world. Its whale watching season visit victoria media hub. With over 70 whales belonging to these families, transient orcas, and humpback whales youll have plenty of opportunities for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. Tollfree 18007089488 local 12503848008 1 dallas road view map victoria bc, canada. Make multiple wildlife stops and enjoy worldclass interpretation and personalized service from your naturalist guide and expert crew. In fact we can even come to vancouver and pick you up there, or just about anywhere on vancouver island. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. Eagle wing whale watching in victoria british columbia canada at fishermans wharf. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island. From the commencement of our tour you will see the snow crowned olympic mountains virtually soar from the sea bed.
Whale watching victoria bc book your whale watching. Why victoria has the best whale watching on vancouver island vancouver island is worldrenowned for its whale watching, and at the heart of the action is the city of victoria. Combine hiking with whale watching in one of the best locations in the country to watch whales from the shore. Join david roberts and james rogers, as they guide a group through the waters off of victoria, british columbia, to experience the thrill of whale watching. Here are four criteria for choosing the best whale watching tour for you. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island, british. Victoria, located on vancouver island, is the beautiful capital city of british columbia. Canada has an abundance of wildlife on land and just as much variety along its coastlines. Take your seat on board or stand out on deck, and head out onto the waves with your guide. Every trip is different, as we follow reports of the whales location.
The whales have been spotted out the front of roro cafe just near the searoad ferries terminal and the research director from the dolphin research institute confirmed they are the first whales spotted in the bay. Victoria whale watching tours sea king adventures inc. Bc whale tours victoria aktuelle 2020 lohnt es sich. Most whales spend the canadian winter in warm southern waters.
Hang in there, the flowers will be out in bloom soon enough. Wild whales 2020 eggbeater creative vancouver whale watching. Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. Orca dreams offers fourday allinclusive tours from our luxury island camp site in the wildlife rich area of northern vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Wharf street inner harbor and coast harbourside hotel and marina. Victoria bc whale watching is just one of the options on vancouver island, and if you find yourself on the mainland, virtually anywhere along the coast can make a prime viewing base. Nov 01, 2016 the best whale watching place anywhere on the planet these are the words of captain ian roberts, who has led these unforgettable trips for the last 5 years. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whale watching tours, with several types of ve. Victoria has more boats departing for whale watching than any place on vancouver island and most companies guarantee whale sightings. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 privileged guests at a time. There are three orca pods totaling over 80 whales in victoria s waters alone. Whale watching from victoria british columbia, canada.
Join five star whale watching for the adventure of a lifetime an experience that you will never forget. All of our tours in victoria are 3 hours in duration, departing from two locations. Ensure that company you chose has qualified staff, the knowledge of our orca naturalists is more than a requirement. Victoria is a very convenient place to go whale watching from, as it is a hub of tourism for vancouver island. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whalewatching tours, with several types of vessels. Only adding to the allure is the fact that there are a variety of whale types that visitors to the regions coast can expect to see.