The 15 Best Vancouver Whale Watching Tours

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

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

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, outdoor decks, hot drinks, and wildlife photographers. Guides such as Petra, Ashley, Wilma, and Megan share facts about whales, seabirds, geology, and local ecosystems. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and porpoises.

“Amazing experience! Friendly and knowledgeable guides, we were amazed they could identify the whales we saw withina few minutes and give us some of their family history. It was great that there was a warm inside space and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate as it was a little drizzly and cold. Our 7 year-old loved everything about the trip as well!”

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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 aboard a fast, covered catamaran for a 3 to 5-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals and seabirds. Guides such as Ashley, Wilma and Victor share marine facts while the crew photographs the action and emails high-resolution images. Choose a half-day or sunset departure, with heated indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks.

“Very knowledgeable & excellent idea giving us their photos via email.”

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3.Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

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

Cruise from Steveston into the Gulf and San Juan Islands in search of orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. The 3 to 5-hour trip runs aboard a modern whale-watching vessel, with guides such as James D. and Rhiannon sharing wildlife details. Choose hotel shuttle service or meet at the marina.

“Great people from starting with booking to heading home. The trip was excellent good sightings and informative commentary.”

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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 such as Julia, Yaz, or Honour, then search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. The small group has a maximum of 12 people. Expect 3 to 5 hours on the water, open-air views, possible rough seas, and a free return trip if no whales are found.

“If you sit in the back, you will get VERY wet. The guides will tell you infinite facts if you let them know you're really interested and ask questions. We saw two humpbacks on our excursion, breaching many times. we had the open air boat (not the zodiac) and it was perfect. Some reviews complain about getting bored- I'd say that's only a concern if you don't enjoy being outside, taking in the incredible views, and riding on a boat. We enjoyed the travel out to the location of the whales and back as much as the whale watching.”

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5.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

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

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger Salish Sea Catamaran with naturalists such as Jill, Ashley, Jake, and Victor. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles while guides explain local wildlife and geology. The boat has heated indoor seating, open decks, washrooms, hot drinks, and free wildlife photos sent by email.

“The reviews were glowing which made me suspicious. But the reviews were spot on and I’ll echo the compliments. Being out on the water in the late day sun was gloriously beautiful. Seeing humpback whales nearby in the open waters felt so sublime. Then seeing the pod of Orcas near Gambier Island was the ultimate. Jill provided very informative narration throughout the trip. She knew so much, even the names, ages and personalities of the Orcas. In addition, the fast catamaran ride was thrilling on its own. To top it off, they sent us the closeup photos of the whales just a few hours after the ride was done. I…”

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6.Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

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

Set out from Richmond’s Steveston village on a 3 to 5 hour whale watching cruise with Vancouver Whale Watch. Naturalists such as James and Kai explain the marine life while the captain searches for orcas and humpbacks. Modern boats, warm windbreakers, bathrooms, bottled water, and a whale sighting guarantee make this a well-equipped outing.

“10/10 - Amazing experience from start to finish! Levi picked us up right on time and was super friendly. On the water, Captain Ryan and naturalist Kai made the trip outstanding — we felt safe, learned so much, and got to see incredible whales up close. The whole team was professional, enthusiastic, and truly made the experience unforgettable. Highly recommend!”

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7.Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel

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

Set out from Granville Island aboard Eagle Eyes, an open-air boat with 360-degree views and a full-length flotation suit. A marine naturalist guides the search for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and seabirds. Plan on three to five hours, bring snacks, and expect a brisk ride into the Strait of Georgia.

“Great experience! Before leaving there was a problem with the booking and I was offered a free upgrade to the zodiac ride. The guide is the captain were incredibly professional and engaging. We saw killer whales, seals, sea lions and humpback whales. Tour absolutely recommended!Auto-translated”

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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

Trade Vancouver traffic for a 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight to Victoria, then spend three hours on the Salish Sea with Orca Spirit Adventures. Guides such as Shannon, Josh, Luke, and Liam have led highly praised trips, but wildlife sightings vary. Choose a covered vessel or, if age and height rules fit, an open Zodiac.

“Great trip, great team, it was just perfect , respectful of the whales, very pleasant flight trip, well done”

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9.Day Trip to Victoria Seaplane with Whale Watching

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

Fly 35 minutes from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria with views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Gulf Islands. Then join Orca Spirit Adventures for a three-hour whale-watching trip with expert guides such as Jeff and Shannon, followed by free time in Victoria before your return flight.

“need to a A LOT CLEARER about meeting points as almost missed trip due to grossly inaccurate map pin and lack of detail in meeting point info. SORT THIS OUT.”

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

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

Join Vancouver Whale Watch for a 3 to 5 hour zodiac trip from Richmond through the Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands. A guide such as Kai explains local marine life while the skipper searches for orcas and humpbacks. You wear a supplied full-body mustang suit, with a whale-sighting guarantee if the first trip comes up empty.

“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

Set out from Steveston Village with a captain and naturalist guide, such as Grace, for a 3 to 5-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and seabirds. Expect open water, Gulf Islands scenery, snacks, and a group of up to 35 people.

“We had the great fortune to see many Orcas, even close up as well as a few Humpback whales. The Naturalist, Grace, was enthusiastic and informative. Additionally we saw a Sea Lion and many Harbor Seals. Our only preference would have been to go a little slower on the boat ride as the speed seemed to create a bone jarring ride and the Naturalist be mike’d up so we could hear her if we weren’t able to be right in front of her. In the end this is a DO NOT MISS adventure from a great company!”

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12.Open-air Whale Watching Tour, Granville Island

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

Join Wild Whales Eco Tours aboard Eagle Eyes, an open-air catamaran from Granville Island. Spend 3 to 5 hours in the Salish Sea looking for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. A captain and marine naturalist explain what you see. Naturalist Julia has earned praise for her clear lessons on humpback behavior.

“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

Join Wild Whales Vancouver aboard the semi-covered catamaran Jing Yu for a 3 to 5 hour trip from Granville Island. A captain and marine naturalist explain local wildlife and conservation while you look for orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals. The cabin, front deck, and rear deck make it a comfortable choice for families.

“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

Set out from 1806 Mast Tower Lane near Granville Island for a 3 to 5 hour whale-watching trip on a partly sheltered boat. Guides such as Britt, Julia, and Nicole explain whale behavior while the captain tracks reports from other boats. You may see humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, and dramatic surface action.

“This was truly one of the most exhilarating adventures I’ve ever experienced! We not only saw humpback whales, but thanks to the captain’s communication with other local whale-watching boats, he took us quite a distance so we could also see a pod of orcas. It was absolutely magical—a once-in-a-lifetime memory for sure. Julia, our wildlife expert, was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the journey, making the experience even more special. I HIGHLY recommend this company if you want to see whales!”

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15.Zodiac Whale Watching Tour from Granville Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6 reviews · 5 hours · from $179

Join Wild Whales Vancouver for a 3 to 5 hour open-air Zodiac trip from Granville Island. You’ll wear a full-body flotation suit, ride in individual shock-absorbing seats, and learn from an onboard marine naturalist while looking for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Captains Honour and Rodrigo have been praised for making the ride exciting and personal.

“J’aurais bien aimé y participer mais j’ai été malade et le suis encore et je n’ai pas pu y aller. J’aurais aimé un remboursement mais on ne me l’a pas accordé.”

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