Best of · VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING TOURS

15 Standout Victoria Whale Watching Tours

26 tours  ·  from $112 a head

The 15 best victoria whale watching tours you can book today, with the price on the ticket, how long the crossing runs and which animal you are going out for. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Searching the Strait of Juan de Fuca
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Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,259 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154Our pick

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with open decks, a heated cabin, washrooms, and complimentary drinks. Naturalists such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the Salish Sea as you search for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and eagles. Free wildlife photos arrive after the trip.

“This was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. I was hoping to see Humpback Whales and Prince of Whales did not disappoint. We saw many Humpbacks and then an Orca (Janet Nielson) showed up and it was like a Christmas miracle (he's rarely seen). The crew (Megan and Janae) were informative and knowledgable and Michael provided fabulous pictures afterward (included with the price of the trip). A must see and do when visiting Victoria. PS Captain Richard and First Mate Sandy did a great job too.”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - What the Zodiac ride feels like in real conditions
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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

2.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154

Set out from Victoria Harbour with a captain such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan on a three-hour, 12-passenger Zodiac ride. Expect an open-air seat close to the water, all-weather flotation gear, changing sea conditions, and the chance to see humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles.

“I loved the tour. The staff was super friendly, and our captain had years of experience and was fantastic. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale and orcas. I would definitely take a tour with Prince of Whales again.”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - Leaving 950 Wharf Street for the Salish Sea
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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

3.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip guided by a certified marine naturalist. Search the Salish Sea for Bigg’s orcas, humpbacks, minke and gray whales, then listen to whale calls through onboard hydrophones. Full flotation suits help with the cool, wet ride.

“Skipper G did a great job. It was very fun and we had an awesome experience. Had the chance to see 4 humpback whales and some sealions”

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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel - The wildlife search, from humpbacks to orcas
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Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

4.Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 482 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $136

Set out from Victoria’s 146 Kingston Street for about three hours aboard a covered whale-watching boat. You get indoor seating, washrooms, an outdoor 360-degree deck, and marine guides such as Ryan, Briar, Liam, and Olivia. Expect possible humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds, with morning and afternoon departures.

“We had a nice day whale watching in Victoria! The boat was the perfect amount of time and our guides were informative. We saw humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, and sea lions”

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Victoria Whale Watch Tour - The best places to watch from the Ocean Cruiser
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Victoria Whale Watch Tour

5.Victoria Whale Watch Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $126

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard SpringTide’s 60-foot Ocean Cruiser for about three hours on the Salish Sea. Naturalists such as Katie and Aly share details about whales and ocean life, while Captain Jasper or Ian handles the boat. You can watch from open decks or warm up inside with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

“We saw an Orca breach! At like 50-75 yards away in full sunlight. What an amazing experience. Ian, Aly, Marty, and Heather did an amazing job finding and explaining the wildlife to us.”

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From Victoria: Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat - Searching the Salish Sea for orcas and humpbacks
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From Victoria: Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat

6.Whale Watching Trip on Covered Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 427 reviews · 3 hours · from $132

Set out from Victoria on a three-hour covered-boat cruise with Orca Spirit Adventures. Marine naturalists such as Jake, Sophia, Briar, and Ryan explain the Salish Sea as you search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and eagles. Enjoy tea, coffee, indoor seating, outdoor viewing, hotel transfers, and complimentary photos.

“Jake and Sophia were great guides, and gave us a funny, laidback trip with a lot of informations too. We were very lucky and managed to see a lot of humpbacks in full activity!”

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Victoria: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos - Watching orcas with room to move
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Victoria: Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

7.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 387 reviews · 4 hours · from $149

From Victoria’s Wharf Street, you’ll spend about four hours aboard a purpose-built Salish Sea catamaran, guided by marine naturalists such as Algebra, Michael, and Reid. Search for orcas and humpbacks in Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with heated indoor seating, open decks, hot drinks, and free high-resolution photos included.

“Seating wasn’t comfortable but expected for a tour boat. Crew was fantastic”

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Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria - What You Might See Beyond Whales
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Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria

8.Summer Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 342 reviews · 3 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a three-hour Zodiac tour with a professional skipper and survival suit. Search for orcas and humpbacks, then visit Race Rocks and Fisgard Lighthouse. Guides such as Shannon, Tyler, Phoenix, Gareth, and Vicky are praised for strong wildlife knowledge and boat handling, though rough water can make the ride demanding.

“It was wonderful to see 4 humpback whales and the sea lions. I really enjoyed being in the front seat of the zodiac. I cried afterwards thinking of the whales and what they have suffered”

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Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists - Why two naturalists make a difference
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Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

9.Victoria Whale Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalists

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 305 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

From Five Star Whale Watching in downtown Victoria, you’ll spend about three hours exploring the Salish Sea with two onboard naturalists. Guides such as Sam, Brianna, Sophie, Mika, and Genevieve have been praised for clear explanations and patient answers. Expect cool air, possible spray, and wildlife sightings that may include orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles.

“The reservation was cancelled due to mechanical problems with the vessel. Short notice was given and we were unable to book with another whale watching company”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - The first search: birds, seals, and the shape of the coast
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Victoria: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

10.3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 288 reviews · 3 hours · from $123

Set out from Victoria aboard SpringTide’s Marauder IV for 3 to 3.5 hours on the Salish Sea. Naturalists such as Katie, Morgan, Jasper, and Heather explain whales, birds, marine mammals, and coastal history while you watch from heated indoor seating or open 360-degree decks. Hot drinks, weather gear, and a photo package are included.

“amazing trip, they made sure we saw everything possible, managed to see orcas, humpacks, seals and sea otters. also, boat not that big and lots of room to move about. recommended 100%”

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From Victoria: Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat - Why the Zodiac changes the whale-watching experience
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From Victoria: Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat

11.Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 233 reviews · 3 hours · from $138

Set out from Victoria’s Wharf Street in an open-air Zodiac for 3 to 3.5 hours on the Salish Sea. You’ll wear a complimentary flotation suit, learn about whales and coastal ecology from an English-speaking skipper, and search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds. Expect fast travel, frequent stops, and a bumpy ride.

“It was awesome. Totally worth it especially when we saw the sea lions. Our guide was very knowledgeable about where and how to find the whales. I would highly recommend grabbing the gloves and hat they provide because the wind makes it cold.”

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Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour - Leaving the Inner Harbour for open water
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Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

12.Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Join Orca Spirit Adventures in Victoria for a three-hour winter Zodiac ride along southern Vancouver Island. A captain and certified marine naturalist guide look for humpback whales, Bigg’s killer whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and seabirds. Cruiser suits, hats, gloves, and a hydrophone are provided. The tour runs rain or shine, with a maximum of 12 people.

“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”

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Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour - Three Hours of Wildlife Searching
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Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

13.Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $125

Set out from Victoria’s Fairmont Empress area for three hours on the Salish Sea with a marine biologist and up to 11 other guests. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, and marine birds from two outdoor decks or a heated cabin. Guides such as Andrew, Mark, Alexa, and Nour are praised for clear wildlife commentary.

“it hard to find the whales, every other boat is doing the same thing. However, it was educational in other aspects and she was very knowledgable, fun and interesting.”

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Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour - Humpbacks, orcas, and the luck factor
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Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour

14.Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Set out from downtown Victoria with Five Star Whale Watching for about three hours on the Salish Sea. Guides such as Gordon, Sam, Meaghan, and Howard have helped lead memorable trips, with routes adjusted for recent whale activity. Choose indoor or outdoor viewing while looking for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, and marine birds.

“Great customer service and comfortable boat. I stayed in the cabin and my family rode on the top deck. Everyone enjoyed and the guides on board were top notch!!”

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Victoria Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac - The ride into the Salish Sea
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Victoria Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac

15.Victoria Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $111Best value

From Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you’ll board a small Zodiac with up to 12 passengers and head into the Salish Sea with guides such as Ian, Cam, Tyler, or Kate. Expect a fast, chilly ride, expert wildlife commentary, and possible sightings of orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and otters. Warm layers, gloves, and a hat matter.

“We went out on a zodiac for a watch December 2nd. The other people who booked never showed up so it was our incredible guide Tyler and my wife and I. The zodiac boats are so fast and fun. The boats are close to the water and can get to the best sightings quickly. It's is a different experience from a traditional big craft. Tyler, our guide, was so happy to spend the afternoon with us(it was our anniversary). He was very knowledgeable in the area and its ecosystem, as well as species of wildlife available to see. We went out in the high hopes of seeing orcas in the…”

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New in Victoria Whale Watching Tours

★ 4.8Sunset Whale Watching Tour on Semi-Covered BoatFrom $1288 reviews
★ 4.9Victoria Waterfall, Skywalk, Beach Picnic, Castle and WhalesFrom $2197 reviews
★ 4.9Morning Whale-Watching Tour in Scarab BoatFrom $13639 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watching Marine Wildlife ExcursionFrom $11319 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Whale Watching Tour on an Open Scarab BoatFrom $12811 reviews

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