Top Vancouver Island Water Tours

Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on a 3-hour whale watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island in between animal sightings.

The sheltered waters of Ucluelet Harbour offer an ideal location for an introduction to sea kayaking on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Watch for wildlife, from intertidal life to black bears meandering along the shoreline and eagles soaring above. This kayak tour offers the opportunity to paddle up to a hidden waterfall, learn about the local fish hatchery, or explore the outer harbor limits. Paddling instruction is provided.

Go whale watching in Victoria on a 12-passenger boat that’s designed for seeking out whales and marine wildlife on Vancouver Island’s spectacular coast. With a heated cabin, onboard bathrooms, and outdoor viewing decks, this whale watching tour is a comfortable alternative to an open speedboat that still provides the maneuverability and personal experience of a small craft while searching for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, seals, and more.

Discover why British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales and other marine wildlife on this 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and a mind-boggling assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? There’s always a chance to see humpback, killer, minke or grey whales!

Trade your cruise ship for a whale-watching vessel on a 3-hour shore excursion from the port of Victoria. Travel into the open waters of the northern Pacific Ocean to spot native marine life including orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals and minke whales. Learn about British Columbia’s amazing aquatic ecosystems from onboard naturalist guides, who will help point out passing species along the way. It’s an exciting and educational voyage for the whole family!

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.

The tour starts off with an exciting half hour ride by cruiser boat in the early morning with our kayaks, guide and gourmet picnic lunch. On route to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve guests will have the opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery of rocky bluffs with wind whipped trees, sights of the open Pacific Ocean, a noisy sea lion colony, and a historic native whaling beach. We watch for gray and humpback whales as we travel across Barkley Sound. Whale spotting is all about anticipation, and sightings are truly memorable, so if you watch closely you may get a chance to see whales and other marine life throughout the season.

Sea kayaking around the Broken Group Islands is as good as it gets. It’s rugged beauty, untouched wilderness and a cultural history that extends over 5100 years. We will explore this temperate rainforest with it’s white sandy beaches, and paddle through turquoise waters hosting an amazing diversity of marine life.

Immerse yourself in British Columbia’s unspoiled, wild beauty on this 3-day, small-group kayaking tour of the Barkley Sound. On the first day, set off from the Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina in Ucluelet, and venture to the sandy beaches of the Broken Group Islands for a training session and introduction. Over the next three days, you’ll spend numerous hours kayaking, hiking, exploring forests and beaches, and more. Meals, camping and kayaking equipment, transit, and guided tours are included for your convenience.

Discover the craze of SUP and enjoy fine views over Victoria’s famous skyline on this 3-hour Victoria Harbour stand-up paddleboard tour. Explore the channels of Victoria Harbour, where ferries, seaplanes, whale-watching boats and fishing vessels come and go daily. Delve into the Inner Harbour and the Gorge Waterway with your guide. Watch the waves for native otters and seals, and keep your eyes on the skies for soaring eagles and cormorants. Admire local attractions including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the BC Parliament Buildings and Tillicum Bridge from the water.

We'll cruise the local inlets, bays, and tidal rapids in search of large marine animals. we'll provide you with snacks and refreshments while we look for humpback whales,orcas, playful sea lions, harbour seals, colourful seabirds, and maybe even catch dolphins riding our wake.

Your expedition starts at our Campbell River Marine Centre where you will meet our friendly, professional crew and briefed on the safety of our flagship vessel, Pacific Seeker. From there we will make our way deep into Desolation Sound, keeping our eyes open for whales and other marine mammals in the area. After a two hour scenic boat ride we'll arrive at the Orford River in Bute Inlet where you will be met by members of the Homalco First Nations. After learning about the Grizzlies and traditional first nations culture, you'll be taken by road into the forest where there are numerous viewing platforms allowing for up close and personal grizzly watching opportunities. Bear tours themselves last an an average of three hours.

Our most popular family friendly tour, the four hour tours take place on our high speed zodiac boats and run twice a day. We’ll cruise the waters in search of the biggest and most exciting marine animals in Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea. During our four hours tours we provide light snacks and refreshments. You'll have plenty of opportunities to stop for breaks at interesting and historical sites in this beautiful area. Tour departs from our Campbell River Marine Adventure Centre at the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre.

Tour the through the beautiful Discovery Passage and Seymour Narrows, and witness the history and beauty the coast has to offer. Common visitors on these tours are the friendly harbour seals, shy Harbour Porpoises, and the Mighty Bald Eagle. If we're lucky we will be greeted by our larger friends, such as humpbacks, orca's and pacific white-sided dolphins!

Get up close and personal with the ocean and its incredible marine wildlife during this whale watching excursion from Victoria. Climb onboard a Zodiac boat equipped with padded bench seats and cruise the sea at up to 35-knots while your marine naturalist explains the area and animals around you. Head for the Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait and lookout for humpback whales, otters, seals sealions, and birds.

Guaranteed Whale Sightings! We’ll ply the waters in search of the biggest and most exciting marine animals in Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea. On full day trips we provide a lunch and refreshments along the way. You'll have plenty of opportunities to stop for breaks at interesting and historical sites in this beautiful area. Tour departs from Campbell River Marine Adventure Centre at the Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre.

Hello Nature Tours is locally owned and operated by Kevin Bradshaw and Phill Padgham. We are located in the quaint fishing village of Ucluelet in British Columbia, close to Barkley Sound, the Broken Group Islands and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Kevin and Phill have been operating tours around Southern British Columbia for over 15 years. They are passionate about the west coast and look forward to sharing it with you. Hello Nature Adventure Tours offer kayaking and hiking tours ranging from short half-day tours to week-long adventures. Whether you are an experienced or novice sea kayaker and/or hiker looking for a new and exciting adventure, or someone who is not really sure what the west coast of Vancouver Island is all about, we promise we will find the right experience for you.

Join Orca Spirit for an unhurried adventure along the glacier-carved shoreline of the Juan de Fuca Strait, BC. In addition to whale and wildlife watching, we’ll cruise by the Lighthouse at Carmanah, Sea Lion Rock, and the West Coast & Juan de Fuca Trails. Keep your eyes peeled for telltale blows off in the distance and black bears, deer, bald eagles and other wildlife playing hide and seek in the majestic old growth forests nearby.

Gods Pocket is an exceptional area to explore and to seek out wildlife viewing opportunities. The deep upwelling of cold water and currents offer plenty of food to our larger marine mammals including the Northern Resident Orcas, Humpback whales and Stellar Sea Lions. Knowing the times of the currents and having local knowledge is incredibly valuable to maximize our flow with these currents and to position ourselves to view wildlife without interfering in their behaviours. Highlights in the area are most definitely the high probability of whale sighting and exploring parts of the Marine Park.

Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat on this breathtaking wildlife, cultural and marine tour. Join an Indigenous guide and visit the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nations in Bute Inlet. Bear viewing, whale watching and cultural exploration make for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This is the only bear tour from Campbell River that is 100% indigenous owned and provides you with an immersive indigenous experience from start to finish. By choosing Homalco Tours you help contribute to the cultural and economic recovery of the Homalco First Nation people and youth. Thank you for choosing us and in the language of our people "ʔiymot" (it is good).

Reel in halibut, salmon, and much more on an 8-hour chartered fishing tour from Vancouver. You can leave your tackle box at home, as all necessary gear and bait is offered at no additional cost. Allow your captain to navigate the coastal waters of the Barkley Sound to find the prime fishing spots. While waiting for a tug on the line, keep your eyes peeled for eagles, sea lions, whales, and other local wildlife.

This exclusive, small group full day experience incorporates the best of marine wildlife and First Nations culture. The immersive, hands-on adventure includes whale watching combined with a 3 hour land-based cultural tour. The marine portion takes place aboard our new 12 passenger tour boats. Homalco Tours' custom-design 12 passenger vessels are unlike any other with a landing craft design and TWO seats for every passenger! You have an option to select Comfort Seating inside the cabin or Adventure Seating on the fresh air deck, allowing for a safer COVID-friendly tour. All guests who wish to ride outside have access to warm and dry Survival Suits and Floater Jackets commonly used on Zodiac-style tours. This is the only cultural and wildlife tour from Campbell River that is 100% indigenous owned and provides you with an immersive indigenous experience from start to finish. Thank you for choosing us, "ʔiymot" (it is good).

In June 2006, Cole Island was officially recognized as a national historic site. It was designated part of a “National Historic District” by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The district is considered to be the “most complete site of Royal Naval activity and infrastructure in the Commonwealth”. Cole Island is a peaceful place where visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the site located in the quiet waters at the end of Esquimalt Harbour. The island is open from sun-up to sun-down. Please heed warning signs and make sure you pack your garbage out!

Come and experience the power and beauty of Seymour Narrows, one of Vancouver Island’s natural wonders. Watch the whirl pools form and feel the power of the water as your trusted and experienced skipper gets you up close and personal to some of the most powerful, turbulent tidal waters in North America.Your skipper will discuss the history of the Narrows and explain why the water is so turbulent.