6 Vancouver Seal and Wildlife Tours on the Short List

1.Vancouver City and Seal Colony Scenic Boat Tour

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

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.City and Seal Boat Tour

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

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Snorkel, Kayak, and Seal Adventure Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 39 reviews · 5 hours · from $116

From Horseshoe Bay, Sea Dragon Charters takes you by boat to seal habitat in Howe Sound. Choose snorkeling and kayaking or stay aboard to sightsee. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, guides, hot soup, drinks, and snacks are included. You may see seals, herring, and starfish, though underwater visibility can vary.

“This was really wonderful. We booked this as an afternoon activity while in Vancouver the day before a cruise, and we absolutely recommend it! The team at Sea Dragon is top notch in every aspect, and the experience is well organized and really unique. We ubered from downtown Vancouver to the meeting point, and even enjoyed the ride there with beautiful views through Stanley park, but there’s also a convenient bus from downtown Vancouver for those who are budget conscious. Thanks again to the entire Sea Dragon team for a fabulous afternoon!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Snorkeling Seals Kayaking Scenic Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $98

From Horseshoe Bay, PNW Expeditions takes you into Howe Sound for a three-hour boat trip with seal snorkeling in summer, plus kayaking or paddleboarding. You can stay aboard if you prefer dry land. Guides such as Katie, Victor, and Vincent have led trips, with marine-life commentary, wetsuits, gear, hot drinks, soup, and snacks included.

“A fun tour where you can actually interact and play with seals!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Morning Kayak & Seal Cruise in Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Meet Sea Dragon Charters in Horseshoe Bay at 11:00 am, then ride a custom 40-foot boat to a nearby island. Choose a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or stay aboard. No paddling experience is required, and you may spot seals, seabirds, and bald eagles among the mountain views. Coffee or tea is included.

“What an absolute joy! Due to a scheduling situation, my kayak trip was expanded and was the 4 hour snorkel and kayak with the seals! Bobbing around with the seals will be something I think about frequently! It was such an incredible experience and highly recommend Sea Dragons for your adventure! The location was easy to get to from downtown Vancouver (1 bus ride) and everything was so easy to find and do! All of the gear you need (minus bathing suit and towel) were provided. Each of the activities was pretty accessible even to those who don't snorkel or kayak often and could be adjusted to your comfort zone.…”

Check availability →Read our full review