4 Unmissable Campbell River Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 143 reviews · 4 hours · from $175Our pick

Cruise from Campbell River into Discovery Passage, the Salish Sea, or Johnstone Strait for four hours of wildlife watching. You may spot humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, bears, sea lions, seals, and eagles while an English-speaking guide explains the area and uses hydrophones to listen for whales. Choose a covered boat or an open zodiac.

“We saw seals, sea lions, and black bears. No whales, but the boat trip was in such a beautiful area that didn't matter. Our guide was so knowledgeable as she grew up in the area. HIGHLY recommend this excursion.”

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2.4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 4 hours · from $216

Set out from Campbell River with an English-speaking naturalist or biologist guide for four hours among the Discovery Islands. Look for orcas, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, bears, seals, and sea lions, then listen through a hydrophone before racing through Devils Hole and Aaron Rapids. Guides such as Gibson and Nova add strong local knowledge.

“It was fantastic, I don’t think they need to change anything.”

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3.Salish Sea Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 64 reviews · 4 hours · from $200

Depart downtown Campbell River with Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours for four hours among the Discovery Islands. Guides such as Guy and Janet share wildlife facts, local stories, and Homalco culture while you search for humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, birds, and perhaps bears or otters. Boats are heated, covered, and fitted with toilets.

“Fantastic whale watching experience. Small group, lots of whales. The naturalist was quite informative.”

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4.6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 6 hours · from $245Top rated

From Campbell River, cruise the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait in a Zodiac or covered 12-passenger boat. Your naturalist guide may point out humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, bears, sea lions, and eagles. The day includes onboard washrooms, hydrophone listening when possible, homemade lunch, and hot drinks.

“Amazing trip, Steve was very knowledgeable. Great boat, ideal for the job. Had to wear the float suits, but a small price to pay. We had the pleasure of seeing at least 12 separate Humpbacks during our trip, including one breaching. Seals and sessions too. A small point, but for me one that makes the difference, lunch. It could have been easy to have bought in something commercial. No, we were treated to a "homemade" wrap, granola bar, dried fruit and cookies.”

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