British Columbia · VANCOUVER BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Vancouver Boat Tours & Harbour Cruises

40 tours  ·  from $17 a head

From a few minutes on a False Creek ferry to a full day up Indian Arm, the city is easier to understand from the water. These 15 are priced, timed and clear about how open the deck is when it rains.

Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver - Victoria, with room to choose your own route
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Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

1.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Ferry from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,703 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $228Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned coach and ferry from downtown Vancouver to Butchart Gardens and Victoria. Garden admission is included, with two hours at the gardens and two hours to explore Victoria on your own. Guides such as Leslie, Anthony, Bobby and Alex have led trips, sharing local history and practical pointers along the way.

“My excursion was set up with West Coast Sightseeing. The tour guide & shuttle driver, Bobby Wilson, was excellent! He had a lot of great knowledge, fun facts, and recommendations for restaurants and things to see/do. Even this late in the year, The Butchart Gardens are stunning! I really enjoyed walking through the gardens. We had a decent amount of time to explore Victoria, BC later in the day as well. BC Ferry ride to/from Vancouver Island was fun & a new experience for me. I am glad I booked this excursion through Viator.”

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Vancouver City and Harbour Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour - Look toward the North Shore and Stanley Park
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Vancouver City and Harbour Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

2.Vancouver City and Harbour Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 839 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82Top rated

Set out from downtown Vancouver in an open-air Zodiac with a skipper such as Dawson, Jonah or Connor. In about 90 minutes, cross Burrard Inlet and cruise past Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park. Expect brisk speed, city views and a chance to spot seals, eagles or other wildlife. Groups are capped at 12.

“What a great experience and adventure excellent tour guide so much fun... Well worth every penny had a awesome time seeing the sites on the water, great views.. Looking forward to returning back 😀”

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Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures - Siwash Rock and the Lion’s Gate Bridge
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Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures

3.Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

This three-hour Zodiac tour runs from Granville Island through False Creek and Vancouver Harbour to Deep Cove and Indian Arm. You’ll see Siwash Rock, Granite Falls, and Silver Falls, with a guide sharing local history and geology. The boat holds up to 12 people; lifejackets and warming suits are included. Captains such as Dylan, Marco, and Ray have led recent trips, though your guide may differ.

“I believe my tour guide ls name was Zack. He was absolutely amazing. 10/10 would book with him. He completely made the experience more than just a tour. Big shout out to him.”

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Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise - Live Music and a Slow, Social Pace
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Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise

4.Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $164

Board at 6:30 pm near Stanley Park for a 7 pm, 2.5-hour dinner cruise through Vancouver Harbour and Burrard Inlet. Expect reserved seating, a West Coast buffet with salmon and other regional dishes, live music, and views of the city and North Shore Mountains. The cruise runs from May to mid-October; drinks cost extra.

“While the buffet dinner was average, the service and live music were great, and the sunset was magic. Overall, a very enjoyable evening.”

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Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry - Two hours among the gardens at Butchart
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Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry

5.Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Islands Cruise Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 565 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $214

Travel by coach and ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island for two hours at Butchart Gardens and free time in Victoria. Your garden ticket and transport are included. Guides such as Mark, Justin, Dan, Dion and Senan have led tours, sharing local history and practical tips along the way.

“Mark was a wonderful tour guide!! It was a long day, but he made it fun. The Buchard Gardens are beautiful. I liked Downtown Victoria best!!!”

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Vancouver City and Nature Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour - West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park and the open coast
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Vancouver City and Nature Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

6.Vancouver City and Nature Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82

Cruise Vancouver’s outer harbour and shoreline in a Zodiac for about 90 minutes, with a local skipper pointing out Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, English Bay, False Creek and Point Atkinson Lighthouse. Groups are capped at 12. Watch for bald eagles and seals, but dress for spray and chilly wind. Dawson, Thomas, Yasmin and other captains have led recent trips.

“Had a great time cruising with a full Zodiac. Thomas was personable, informative and entertaining. We saw a number of whales at the end of our trip which made the excursion terrific!’”

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Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour - English Bay brings the broad coastal views
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Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour

7.Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 463 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $74

Cruise from Granville Island through False Creek and Vancouver Harbour, then along English Bay toward Lighthouse Park and two seal-viewing areas. A local captain shares city history and points out landmarks, wildlife and West Vancouver homes. The boat holds up to 12 people; lifejackets and warming suits are provided. Dress for wind, spray and a bumpy ride.

“If you want a more unique personalized outdoor excursion, soaking in the harbor of Vancouver , this small speedboat vessel is for you. Greg made the 90 minutes educational and fun ! Guaranteed to see plenty of seals and we even spotted a sea lion and porpoise. The scenery was spectacular and we enjoyed the donut boat antics too!”

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Vancouver: City and Seal Boat Tour - Under Lions Gate Bridge, then along the shore
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Vancouver: City and Seal Boat Tour

8.City and Seal Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 375 reviews · from $71

Set out from Granville Island with an English-speaking captain for a 90-minute ride along English Bay. You’ll pass Stanley Park, Siwash Rock and West Vancouver homes, go beneath Lions Gate Bridge, and look for seals near Lighthouse Park. Full-body weather suits and life jackets are included. Expect some spray and lively water.

“Greg was our guide, and from start to finish he was friendly and professional. We really enjoyed our time on the water. Thank you”

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Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Adventure & Return via Bus & Ferry - Making four hours in Victoria count
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Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Adventure & Return via Bus & Ferry

9.Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Adventure & Return via Bus & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 354 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $309

Leave Canada Place on a 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight to Victoria, with views over Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Spend the day exploring on your own, then ride a coach and ferry back to downtown Vancouver. The flight is the quick, memorable part; the return takes about 4.5 hours.

“Great option to experience a seaplane whilst getting to Vancouver Island quicker than the ferry. Bus return was delayed and a little chaotic, but got us back to the ferry in time. Our bus driver was clearly a little hassled by the delay, not helped by the bus station check in process - or lack of, and a number of passengers wanting drop-offs at different locations to their booked tickets once they realised he dropped at multiple places. Ferry ride was smooth and comfortable. Overall a great option to get to enjoy different travel options and to spend time in Victoria.”

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Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour - Choosing between snorkeling, kayaking, and staying aboard
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Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour

10.Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure: Vancouver Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 264 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $105

From Horseshoe Bay, take a five-hour boat trip to Pam Rocks, where you can snorkel near harbor seals, kayak around the colony, or watch from the boat. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are supplied, and guides such as Robin, Emma, Erin, and Emily have helped make the water time welcoming. Soup, snacks, and hot drinks are served on the return.

“Well organised, very friendly and professional. Knowledgeable guides and skipper. A great half day out for the whole family. Nothing was too much trouble and no experience needed. Even the seals enjoyed it!”

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Vancouver Harbor Sightseeing Cruise - From Denman Street to Burrard Inlet
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Vancouver Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

11.Vancouver Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 252 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $56

Cruise Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet for about an hour, with narration on landmarks from Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge to Gastown and the working port. Choose an open-air deck or a windowed cabin, and buy drinks or light meals on board. The boat can vary, and the tour returns to its Denman Street starting point.

“Well guided trip. Very informative. Suitable for wheelchair users. Good value and easy to book online.”

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Vancouver Harbor Sightseeing Cruise - From Denman Street to Burrard Inlet
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Vancouver: Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

12.Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 245 reviews · 1 hour · from $54

Cruise Vancouver’s harbor for one narrated hour, with views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, the skyline and North Shore Mountains. You can sit on open-air decks or in an enclosed lower area, and buy a drink at the licensed bar. The dock is at 501 Denman Street. Commentary may be live or recorded.

“Had a lovely hour cruising the harbour area, thanks to all the crew. Definitely lived up to its PR”

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Vancouver Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Tour Guide - English Bay opens the view
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Vancouver Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Tour Guide

13.Vancouver Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Tour Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 222 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Cruise from X Port Marina through False Creek and English Bay, passing Granville Island, Stanley Park, Siwash Rock, and Lions Gate Bridge when conditions allow. A live English-speaking guide shares local facts, while you take in the views from the open upper deck or the covered lower deck. Drinks and snacks are available to buy.

“Relaxing and informative! The crew was super nice and engaging! On board service was excellent! Highly recommend!”

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Vancouver City and Waterfall Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour - Crossing Burrard Inlet in a Zodiac
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Vancouver City and Waterfall Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

14.Vancouver City and Waterfall Waterfront Sightseeing Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

This three-hour Zodiac tour links Vancouver’s Inner Harbour, Coal Harbour, English Bay, Stanley Park, and Indian Arm’s waterfalls, with commentary from a local skipper and a group capped at 12. You may spot seals, sea lions, bald eagles, or dolphins. The boat can reach 55 km/h, so expect wind, spray, and cooler temperatures on the water.

“Great Tour! Our guide went out of his way to ensure a fulfilling experience. Speeding across the open water when it was safe was a laugh filled time and enjoyed seeing some wildlife and of course the falls. Commentary about the city viewed from the water was interesting and much better than the Hop Bus we took a different day!”

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Vancouver - Brunch and Lunch Cruise - Lunch, live music and your reserved table
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Vancouver – Brunch and Lunch Cruise

15.Brunch and Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Set sail from 501 Denman Street at 10:30 am for a half-day Vancouver cruise through the Inner Harbour, Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. You’ll have an assigned table, buffet lunch, coffee or tea, and live music, with no shore stops. The advertised vessel is the MV Harbor Princess, though the boat may change. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure.

“Brilliant day out , lovely food, good commentary and overall well worth the money. Lovely views and comfortable seating”

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New in Vancouver Boat Tours

★ 4.0Vancouver Holiday Festive Dinner CruisesFrom $16312 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Boat Cruise in VancouverFrom $823 reviews
★ 4.5New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise through Vancouver HarborFrom $1776 reviews
★ 4.5Granite and Silver Falls Private Boat Tour in Vancouver9 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver City Sightseeing Bus & Boat TourFrom $2126 reviews
★ 4.0Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour with Gulf Island FerryFrom $1697 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Chartered Boat Tour from Deep Cove North Vancouver10 reviews
★ 5.0Boat to Bowen Island on UNESCO Howe Sound FjordFrom $13812 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkeling Seals Kayaking Scenic Boat TourFrom $9817 reviews
★ 4.8Mosquito Creek and English Bay Sailboat CruiseFrom $11729 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver False Creek Ferry TourFrom $2232 reviews
★ 5.0Photography, Hiking & Ferry to Bowen IslandFrom $13329 reviews
★ 4.9Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure Boat TourFrom $11639 reviews
★ 5.0UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour with Island VisitFrom $14135 reviews
★ 4.4Full-Day Victoria Tour with Ferry TicketFrom $17636 reviews

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