The 14 Best Whale Watching Tours from Vancouver

1.Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,000 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Leave Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated indoor seating, open-air decks, and naturalists who explain local wildlife, geology, and ecosystems. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and eagles; the crew shares free wildlife photos afterward. The outing lasts about five hours, and sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was a great day! We saw so many types of wildlife. The crew was fantastic-very knowledgeable and helpful.”

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2.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,260 reviews · 5 hours · from $188

Set out from Granville Island on a five-hour guided catamaran trip, watching for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. Choose a heated cabin or outdoor viewing decks, hear about local marine life, and get free wildlife photos afterward. Half-day and sunset departures are available; if you see no whales, you can join another tour.

“The staff’s knowledge was outstanding. Amazing customer service. 54 very accurate of the day Pictures for free. Great value add it allowed us to enjoy our time and not worry about getting the perfect picture.”

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3.Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $157

From Steveston, take a 3 to 5 hour cruise into coastal British Columbia waters in search of orcas, summer humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises and eagles. You can meet at the Richmond departure point or choose a round-trip shuttle from select downtown Vancouver hotels. Guides such as naturalist James D. and Rhiannon have helped guests spot and identify whales.

“We had an absolutely amazing whale watching trip. We saw humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagle plus many other marine birds. The vessel was comfortable even though the weather was a bit wet. Captain and crew were great. I highly recommend this outstanding company.”

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4.Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 698 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $177

Set out from Granville Island with a marine biology guide and a group capped at 12 to search the Salish Sea and Strait of Georgia for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions and seabirds. The trip lasts about three to five hours, depending on wildlife location. Crew members have included guides such as Julia and Yaz, but the team can vary.

“Very happy with Whale Tour and information provided on tour would definitely recommend to friends to see the whales.”

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5.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

From Granville Island, Prince of Whales takes you into the Salish Sea aboard a 95-passenger catamaran, with naturalists on hand to explain the wildlife and scenery. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals and eagles, then get the complimentary wildlife photos by email. The outing lasts about three to five hours, and sunset views are not guaranteed.

“An excellent experience worth every dollar that we paid. The staff on board the boat were knowledgeable and approachable, answering questions and giving us so much interesting information about the wildlife we saw. We were fortunate to see two pairs of humpback whale mothers with their calf as well as a golden eagle and seals. It is great to receive the photo package afterwards as it means you can enjoy being in the moment when the animals are spotted. Be warned, it definitely does get nippier out on the water so even in Summer/when it seems sunny on land, take layers and sunglasses!”

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6.Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 270 reviews · 5 hours · from $152Best value

Set out from Steveston on a custom whale-watching vessel for a 3 to 5 hour search through the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia. A naturalist guide provides live commentary as you look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. Guides on past trips have included Kai, James and Nathaniel; your crew will vary.

“Outstanding!!! The crew of Captain Josh, Deckhand Brendan and Guide James worked well together. James obviously enjoys his job very much as he demonstrated his enthusiasm when we saw the whales. He was very knowledgable and did a excellent job explaining things to us. I felt safe at all times.”

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7.Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $169

Leave historic Granville Island aboard Eagle Eyes, an open-air vessel with 360-degree views, and search the Strait of Georgia for orcas, humpbacks, and other wildlife. A marine naturalist explains local ecology and animal behaviour. The trip can last up to five hours, so bring snacks; an exposure suit, water, and field guides are provided.

“Fresh air, high-speed boat. Ship’s captain knew when to slow down or stop when whales were near. We all hushed, then gasped at the sight of a fin.”

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8.Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane + Whale Watching by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $546

Take a 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria, then join a three-hour whale-watching trip with Orca Spirit Adventures. Look for Southern Resident orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles with a local guide. Boat type can vary, so prepare for either a covered vessel or a fast, open Zodiac.

“The whale watching team were brilliant. We didn’t actually see a whale (which means we have a lifetime free do over) but we did see bald eagles, seals, sea lions, a river otter and, best of all, a wild sea otter. Victoria is beautiful and having a few hours there added greatly to the day as did the fantastic views from the seaplane. Definitely an experience we would have again.”

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9.Day Trip to Victoria Seaplane with Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · from $520

Fly by Harbour Air seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria, then join a three-hour whale-watching trip with Orca Spirit Adventures. Expert naturalists search for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. You’ll also have time to explore downtown Victoria before the return flight.

“Couldn’t have asked for a better day, G made sure of it. Highly recommend”

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10.Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour Small Zodiac with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 65 reviews · 5 hours · from $160

From Richmond, an English-speaking guide leads a small-group zodiac trip through the Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands in search of orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. You’ll wear a supplied full-body suit and spend three to five hours on the water. A guide named Kai has led outings, but guides may vary.

“They promised whales watching. And of course you will have! Even saw orcas! Good guide!”

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11.Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver BC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $184

Leave Steveston Village by boat for a 3-to-5-hour search for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds. A naturalist guide shares information as the captain follows wildlife while respecting its space. Water and a granola bar are included. Departures run from April to October, and sightings vary.

“If you don’t want to get wet, do the partially enclosed boat. Great staff, fun facts, humor and I felt safe the entire time.”

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12.Open-air Whale Watching Tour, Granville Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 51 reviews · 5 hours · from $165

From Granville Island, join captain and marine naturalist Julia’s team aboard Eagle Eyes, an open-air catamaran with 360-degree views. The 3-to-5-hour trip searches the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, seals and seabirds, while guides explain whale behavior and conservation. Bring warm layers: there is no enclosed cabin.

“Our naturalist Julia was excellent and super knowledgeable. I loved learning about humpback whale behaviours and how to identify them as we tracked the 3 we found during the excursion. I also loved seeing the harbour seals and learning about other marine wildlife like sea otters even though we didn't see them on our trip. I wish we could have stayed out in the northern sound longer to track them but acknowledge that our naturalist and captain tried their best. Overall an excellent experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat and will be recommending Wild Whales to all my friends, family and colleagues.”

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13.Catamaran Whale Watching Tour, Granville Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 27 reviews · 5 hours · from $165

From Granville Island, sail the Salish Sea aboard Jing Yu, a semi-covered catamaran with a sheltered cabin and open decks. A marine naturalist explains local wildlife and conservation as you look for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and more. The trip lasts three to five hours, and sightings vary with wildlife and weather.

“Avevamo paura che 3-5 ore di tour sarebbero state troppo lunghe e noiose. Nonostante si tratti sicuramente di un’attività dove è necessaria un po di pazienza, non essendo in uno zoo, ci siamo ricreduti! Il tour è stato molto divertente e interessante, anche grazie alla simpatica e disponibile naturalista Julia che ci ha raccontato aneddoti riguardanti tutti gli animali marini che abbiamo visto. La sua passione era palpabile e ci ha entusiasmati. Siamo riusciti a vedere una megattera anche se per poco tempo, molte orche (a caccia e con tanto di preda in bocca!) e moltissime foche. Il prezzo non è basso ma per chi non lo ha mai fatto…”

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14.Intimate West Coast Whale Watching – Partly-Sheltered

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $169

Join Wild Whales Vancouver for a 3-to-5-hour whale-watching trip from 1806 Mast Tower Lane, near Granville Island Public Market. The partly sheltered boat carries up to 32 people and has an onboard restroom. Crew members including Britt, Julia and Nicole have explained whale behavior and migration, while captains have used communication with other boats to help locate whales.

“Great captain! And Britt was very knowledgeable! We saw multiple pods. They truly did what it took to provide a fantastic afternoon.”

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