10 Outstanding Victoria Whale Watching Tours for 2026
Want to go on a Victoria whale watching tour but aren’t sure which one will be right for your group, budget, and timeline?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Sean and I spent not just hours, but days on our North America road trip trying to find the best local marine tour company in Victoria until ultimately deciding we just needed to do the work ourselves.
We only had half a day for the tour and were traveling with our dog, and every tour we found (despite our efforts to narrow down our searches) either didn’t allow dogs or was a full-day tour.
It’s not that there weren’t any companies offering what we needed. We just couldn’t find them!
With dozens of companies to choose from, knowing which whale watching tours have high success rates that also won’t cost you half your vacation budget is a common problem that most B.C. visitors experience during their trip.
That’s why we made it a priority to narrow down the 10 best marine wildlife tours that you can take in Victoria, B.C.!
** BOOK NOW because spots fill up FAST!
Don’t have time to read the whole post? No worries!
The Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria is BY FAR the #1 whale watching tour in Victoria, British Columbia!
Inclusive of an expert guide and skipper, a 12-person Zodiac boat for intimate viewing, and plenty of time with the whales, this is one tour you shouldn’t wait to book!
In the tours we’ve provided below, you’ll be able to witness the whales up close as they swim and play in the waters off of beautiful Vancouver Island (not to mention the countless other marine mammals and marine birds that call the area home).
We’ve also provided some information that you’ll need for planning your trip including the best season for marine tours off the coast of Canada, the species of whales you’re most likely to see, and what to pack for your day out on the water!
10 BEST Victoria Whale Watches for 2025
1. Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Expert Guide & Skipper
- 12-passenger open-air Zodiac boat
- All-weather exposure flotation suits (to keep you dry and warm!)
- Salish Sea Conservation fee included
- The tour is free until you see whales!
🐋 Sean and I have been on our fair share of whale watching tours, but this one is truly the best of the best.
This Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria is perfect for adventurous families and couples, solo travelers, and everyone in between!
You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide and skipper on board a 12-person Zodiac so you’ll have some of the best opportunities for photography of any tour on this list.
Being amateur photographers ourselves, this was really important to us as we wanted to ensure we’d both get to have a front-row view for photos.
If you find yourself in the same boat (excuse the dad humor), then this tour is a fantastic option!
2. Private Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Hats & gloves along with all-weather exposure suits
- Expert guide and skipper
- The chance to spot whales & other marine animals on a 12-person Zodiac
- All goods & service tax
- Salish Sea Conservation fee included
🐋 Want to get an EPIC photo of you and your friends dressed head to toe in plastic-y, bright orange suits on the foot of a Zodiac with a whale tale in the background? Then stop reading, and click the button below to book this tour NOW!
Not only has this tour also received the Badge of Excellence from Viator, but on this specific tour only you and your group participate. Yup, that means no strangers in your group, and your time can be better catered to what you want to see!
3. Sunset Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- On-board bathroom (perfect for kids)
- Full crew of 3-4 naturalist experts plus an experienced captain
- Tour guides available for listening in German, Spanish, French, Dutch, and English
- Kids coloring books and informational guides
- Free photo package (plus photos of you and your family!)
🐋 What better way to spend an evening on the banks of British Columbia than wildlife watching under the summer sun?
You’ll head through Victoria Harbor to spot some sea lions, bald eagles, sea otters, and other exciting wildlife as you make your way into the open ocean for the chance of a lifetime to spot some gigantic marine species.
With the ability to bring snacks and beverages onboard, no age requirement, and both indoor and outdoor seating, this tour is perfect for the whole family!
Easily combinable with a day trip to Victoria, this responsible whale watching tour makes for the perfect addition to your B.C. vacation.
4. Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 5 hours in duration
- Experienced captain and full-time crew of 3-4 people
- Inclusive photo package and personalized photo opportunities
- Two bathrooms onboard
- Coloring books & educational materials for kids
- Whale sightings guarantee
- Salish Sea Conservation fee included
- All goods and services taxes
🐋 If you don’t have time for a full day whale watching tour, then this half-day solution should be calling your name. With 5 full hours dedicated to exploring local waters, you’ll have an even greater chance of encountering wildlife compared to the previous 3-hour tours.
This particular tour is also one of the best options for families thanks to the coloring and educational materials they provide children.
Plus, if traveling with kids is already enough of a hassle for you, then you can easily book their complete photo package. This way, you can just enjoy the wildlife encounters without the stress of managing your camera!
5. Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Flexible cruising route for optimal spotting opportunities
- Live commentary onboard
- Professional naturalist guide
- Departure right from the stunning Victoria waterfront
- 12-passenger boat
🐋 Another tour on this list offering a small group viewing experience, this Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour is perfect for those who are short on time but want to make the most of their outing.
Practically every tour on this list has a professional naturalist guide, but what actually sets this tour apart is its flexible route!
This ensures that you can roam freely to wherever the whales are, instead of being tied down to a specific route which could be less successful.
6. Whale-Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- 2 onboard expert naturalist guides
- Stunning view of the British Columbia coastline
- Double-decker cruise boat
🐋 This responsible whale watching tour made our list because we loved that they had two expert naturalist guides to teach guests about the lifecycle of whales, migration periods of different pods, and how the pups learn from their mothers.
This tour is easily one of the best for those interested in learning about whale conservation and facts.
Plus, the double-decker boat is great for capturing photos since it’s more likely you’ll get a front-row seat!
7. Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching Cruise
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Cold weather gear for everyone onboard
- Salish Sea Conservation fee included
- Local guide and expert
- Live commentary onboard
- All goods and services taxes included
- If you don’t see whales, you can join another tour for FREE!
🐋The Eagle Wing Whale Watching Company out of Victoria has become exceedingly popular in recent years, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you already came across it during your research.
Not only does this tour continue to bring in happy guests and fantastic reviews, but it also offers free cancelation up until 24 hours before your tour departs.
Plus, if you don’t happen to spot any whales on your first go around, you can join a new tour for FREE! We’ve never heard of another tour doing this until now.
Our favorite time of day to go whale watching is at sunset since you can usually score some stunning photos during the golden hour, which just enhances the value of this tour even more!
8. Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Whale sightings from a Zodiac suited for up to 12 people
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Survival suits included
- Experienced captain and crew
- Live commentary
🐋 This Zodiac Whale Watching Tour is quite similar to the other one we mentioned above, which makes this a great backup if the other one is all booked up for your dates.
Onboard, you can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea to keep warm, as there is no indoor section like the typical whale-watching boats.
We also love that they provide their own survival suits! They provide fun photo opportunities and help ensure your safety while enjoying whale sightings at eye level.
9. Victoria to Vancouver Seaplane Flight
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 35 minutes in duration
- Enjoy a scenic flight over the Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea
🐋 Now, we are very aware that this isn’t a typical Victoria whale watch tour, but just hear us out.
This incredible 35-minute seaplane flight provides you an amazing opportunity to fly over Burrard Inlet and have the opportunity to spot sea life including whales, sea otters, and harbour seals from the sky!
It’s a completely unique way to catch a glimpse of Victoria’s beautiful marine species without the crowds.
10. Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Sail through the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits
- Indoor and outdoor seating areas
- Hot drinks included (snacks available for purchase)
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
🐋 Wind, rain, ocean spray – this Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel is the perfect way to ensure you don’t get wet while out on the water.
This unique tour takes you through the Juan de Fuca and the Haro Strait, two beautiful bodies of water that connect the Gulf Islands and Puget Sound.
While you will likely want to spend most of your time on the deck, having a covered indoor area to retreat to for warmth has personally saved us during several whale watching tours.
Victoria Whale Watching Season
Prime whale watching season in Victoria, British Columbia runs from May through October when the chance of spotting minke whales and grey whales increases in addition to the popular humpback whales.
July
Whale watching in Victoria in July simply can’t be beaten… blue, sunny skies, warm weather, and a plethora of wildlife celebrating their newborn pups, July is no doubt one of the best times to go whale watching in Victoria!
November
If you plan it right, November can be another great time to spot whales in Victoria! Aim to visit at the beginning of the month, however, otherwise you may miss the pods migrating back towards South America with their new offspring.
If you do plan on visiting Victoria in the fall, then the months of September and October are preferred owing to the colder weather that the British Columbia and Alaska regions tend to experience during November along with the lower probability of spotting whales.
Whales of British Columbia
If you’re searching for a five-star whale watching experience, then British Columbia surely won’t disappoint!
With everything from humpbacks to minkes, greys, and even the famed orca whales (also known as killer whales) among dozens of other species of marine wildlife in the area, you’re sure to have an exciting experience from the boat.
Victoria Whale Watch Packing List
It doesn’t matter if you’re originally from the area or if you’re in Victoria for a long weekend visiting family, packing the right gear for your whale watching tour is essential!
We can attest that even when it’s raining, sunburns (and other experience-ruining events) can happen.
So, on your next Victoria BC whale watching tour, be sure to pack these key items:
1. Sunscreen – particularly if you’re visiting in the summer months, the sun can be very extreme midday. We’ve always found sunscreen is best accompanied by long-sleeved SPF-50 shirts if you’re particularly sensitive.
2. Sunglasses – the glare from the water can make it difficult to spot the whales and to use your camera!
3. Camera and binoculars – why both? Because the camera is great for close encounters while the binoculars are perfect for spotting those bursts of water when a whale pushes excess liquid up through its spout!
4. Hat or cap to protect from the sun – For use in conjunction with the sunscreen
5. Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles – the decks on most whale watches have built-in grips to help reduce how slippery they become, but some extra protection is always a good idea
6. Some small bills & currency – tipping the crew isn’t required, but if they do a particularly good job and you see a lot of whales, feel free to reward their hard work
7. Warm clothing – the weather in Victoria (and all of Alaska) can be unpredictable, so it’s best to always be prepared with layers of clothing just in case that cold wind picks up suddenly
8. Snacks and drinks – nothing ruins a whale watching trip faster than being hangry or dehydrated, so make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone fed and energized during the trip
9. Motion sickness medication – especially if you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t leave home without it! The rocking of the boat can be enough to trigger queasiness in even the most experienced of sailors, and medication can help alleviate those unpleasant symptoms.
10. Patience – whale sightings aren’t always a guarantee, so keep your eyes and ears open for their unique spouts! Even if you don’t find whales right away, don’t get discouraged. It isn’t uncommon to spot whales after a long ride out to sea or for guests to assist the crew in the initial spotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this next section, we’ve provided important information that you’ll need to help plan your trip including the best time of year to see whales, the best areas in British Columbia to take a whale watch, and what to bring with you for the day.
What Time of Year is Best for Whale Watching in Victoria?
May through October is the best time of year for whale watching in Victoria BC.
While it is possible to spot whales in Victoria year-round, it’s typically recommended to book your tour from the summer months through the early fall when your chance of spotting a better variety of whales increases.
Is Victoria a Good Place for Whale Watching?
Yes, in fact, Victoria is one of the best spots on the west coast of North America to see whales!
With several different species and a chance to see whale pups from mid-May to mid-July, Victoria is the perfect spot for a whale watching adventure.
What is the Best Whale Watching Tour in Victoria?
Eagle Wing Whale Watching and Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures have some of the best whale watching Victoria can offer! With plenty of five-star reviews to keep you happy, these companies are both great choices for your day trip on the sea.
It is important to mention, however, that you shouldn’t get discouraged if neither of these tour companies are available during your trip. You really can’t go wrong with many of the tour guides in the area, and you’re sure to have a fun experience if you’re flexible on your expectations in terms of weather, wildlife sightings, and so forth.
Not every trip out is going to be successful, but some companies do offer free return trips on another day if you don’t spot whales! So, be sure to read the fine print before booking to see if that is an option.
Is it Better to Go Whale Watching from Vancouver or Victoria?
Owing to their close proximity to one another, whale watching tours out of both Victoria and Vancouver offer very similar chances of wildlife sightings and gorgeous scenery.
We can’t say that one city is better than the other per se, since it really depends on where the whales are and if the boats can do a good job finding them.
What Time of Day is Best for Whale Watching in Victoria, BC?
Fortunately, there’s no need to stress about the timing of your tour, because there’s really no “best time” for whale activity.
That being said, mornings and evenings can provide calmer seas, better winds, cooler temperatures in the summer months, and oftentimes – fewer travelers!
Golden hour also makes for excellent photos, which is why we always tend to go during the hours surrounding sunrise and sunset.
How Much Does it Cost to Go Whale Watching in Victoria British Columbia?
While it does range in cost to go whale watching in Victoria, B.C., most tours average about $100 per adult.
You can certainly find cheaper or more expensive tours, with the cost primarily taking into account the number of people on the vessel, the duration of the tour, and if any food or beverages are included.
While we were doing our research, it seemed like the best tours typically ranged from $130-150, so if you have this in your budget then it could be beneficial to plan ahead for this additional cost.
Do You See Whales on the Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria?
Yes, passengers often spot whales on their ferry commute between Vancouver and Victoria!
Of course, it’s not guaranteed, but the more often you ride the ferry the higher your chances of spotting a whale.
The captain will occasionally make an announcement if they see one, but since it’s not technically a tour, don’t depend on them to slow down or put the vessel at the right angle for you to get a good picture.
Are There Killer Whales in Victoria?
Victoria is home to several pods of resident killer whales that occasionally even make their way into the harbors close to land. The best time to see orcas in Victoria is between May and October, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip for then if you can!
We’ve also heard from some locals that Phillip Island is a locally known spot where you’re most likely to see them, so be sure to check the details of the boat’s itinerary before choosing your tour if seeing orcas is high on your list.
They are seen less frequently than the more popular species like humpbacks, but you may just get lucky!
Can You See Dolphins in Victoria?
You can absolutely see dolphins in Victoria, B.C.!
Pacific white-sided dolphins are commonly spotted in addition to other ocean mammals, including Dall’s Porpoises and harbor porpoises.
Is Whale Watching Better in Juneau or Victoria BC?
Due to their proximities along the Gulf of Alaska, both Juneau and Victoria provide exceptional whale watching tours of equal value.
The whale watching tours in Juneau take place in the heart of the Inside Passage, surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers. Victoria, on the other hand, hosts most of its marine tours and activities around Vancouver Island with similar scenery.
Thus, both destinations are fantastic options, and the one you choose can simply depend on your itinerary.
** BOOK NOW because spots fill up FAST!
Skip to the bottom of the post? No worries!
The Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure from Victoria is BY FAR the #1 whale watching tour in Victoria, British Columbia!
Inclusive of an expert guide and skipper, a 12-person Zodiac boat for intimate viewing, and plenty of time with the whales, this is one tour you won’t want to miss!
With knowledgeable guides onboard ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort while you explore this stunning part of Canada, there really is no better addition to your visit.
With the chance to spot a variety of different species from humpbacks to minkes and even orcas, Victoria BC whale watching is at the top of its game!
