Vancouver's Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the waters off the coast of British Columbia on this whale watching tour to see killer whales, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, marine birds and more. A marine naturalist will guide your tour helping to point out areas of interest and provide tips for seeing wildlife. Your journey will offer you unparalleled views of downtown Vancouver as you maneuver along the Strait of Georgia and beyond in your search for wildlife.
Please note: Tour may last anywhere between 3 and 5 hours, depending on when you see wildlife, though tours are typically around 4 hours in length.
Available options
Whale Watching - Zodiac
What's included
Sunscreen
Professional guide with marine biology background on board
Bottled water available on board, but reusable bottles are encouraged
Toilet on all vessels
What's not included
Lunch (food is available for purchase at Granville Island's Public Market, just outside the meeting point)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
85 reviews
5★
77
4★
3
3★
3
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.6
612 reviews
5★
504
4★
54
3★
14
2★
23
1★
17
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour duration is 3-5 hours depending on whales' location
Height restriction of 5ft/152cm to participate
Tours can be cancelled based on sea conditions
If no whales are found, your next trip is free. These vouchers are non-transferable and have no expiration date
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
Vessels cannot carry wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers
Meeting point
Turn right off Duranleau Street, you'll find us across from the Lobster Man!
Important notes
Important: Check-in is 45 minutes before your departure time and is mandatory for all passengers.
Please send us your email address as soon as possible so we can contact you directly if there are any trip delays or cancellations due to rough sea conditions. Our contact information can be found below.
If you will not have access to your email while you are in Vancouver, please call our office anytime after 8:00am on the morning of your trip in order to confirm your departure. We reserve the right to cancel tours due to rough sea conditions or other unforeseen circumstance.
We recommend that you bring the following:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes. We suggest at least a few layers, and recommend a rain jacket if you have one. Guests on the zodiac or open air vessel will be provided with an full bodied anti-exposure suit.
- A lunch (this can also be purchased nearby). Complimentary bottled water and a small snack are provided on board.
- Help us achieve our goals of running an environmentally friendly organization by bringing your own reusable water bottle. We have a cooler of filtered water in our office which you are welcome to use to fill your bottle before the trip.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Cameras and/or video equipment (we can provide plastic bags to help keep your equipment dry).
- Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness. Seasickness is generally not an issue on our tours as we travel in an inland sea and are within sight of land the entire tour.
- Cash if you feel inspired to tip your naturalist and captain at the end of your tour. You may also leave a gratuity by card.
- Photo ID
We are located at 1806 Mast Tower Rd. on Granville Island
Please visit this site for information about transportation and parking: http://granvilleisland.com/granville-island/maps-island
If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
Wild Whales Team
info@whalesvancouver.com
604-699-2011
www.whalesvancouver.com
@wildwhalesvan
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and outdoor activities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and wilderness adventures.
Top Attractions
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 400-hectare public park that boasts stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America and offers a variety of recreational activities.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (Vancouver Aquarium has an admission fee)
Granville Island
Granville Island is a bustling hub of activity, known for its public market, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. It is a great place to sample local food, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy live performances.
Market/Entertainment
Half day
Free to explore, costs vary for food and shopping
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffwalk. It provides a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and offers educational programs about the local ecosystem.
Adventure/Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $55 CAD for adults)
Gastown
Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to explore the city's history, shop for unique items, and enjoy a variety of dining options.
Historical/Shopping
Half day
Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining
MuseuM of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a world-renowned museum that showcases the art and culture of the First Nations peoples. It features an impressive collection of totem poles, carvings, and artifacts.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $18 CAD for adults)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Vancouver is renowned for its high-quality sushi, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a large Japanese community. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used to create delicious sushi rolls and sashimi.
Dinner
Contains fish, seafood, and sometimes raw ingredients
Poutine
A Canadian classic, poutine consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Vancouver.
Snack
Contains dairy and often meat-based gravy
Japadog
A Vancouver street food staple, Japadog is a hot dog with Japanese-inspired toppings such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and bonito flakes. It's a unique and delicious snack to try while exploring the city.
Snack
Contains meat and sometimes seafood
Bubble Tea
Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a popular beverage in Vancouver. It consists of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, served either hot or cold. There are many flavors and variations to choose from.
Drink
Varies by flavor, often contains dairy and sugar
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Snowboarding
Rock climbing
Kayaking
Spa
Beach
Picnic
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches and parks. It's also the peak tourist season with the most crowds.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Punjabi, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vancouver is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Vancouver International Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Pacific Central Station
By bus
Pacific Central Station, Greyhound Bus Depot
Getting around
Public transport
The SkyTrain is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get around Vancouver. It consists of three lines: the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
West End
Kitsilano
Gastown
Mount Pleasant
Day trips
Whistler
120 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight
Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering stunning mountain views and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Victoria
100 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, known for its historic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Steveston Village
25 km from Vancouver • Half day to full day
Steveston Village is a historic fishing village located in Richmond, known for its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and charming shops. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a taste of coastal life and local flavors.
Festivals
Vancouver International Film Festival • Late September to mid-October
Celebration of Light • July to August
Vancouver Folk Music Festival • Mid-July
Pro tips
- Use the SkyTrain and other public transportation options to get around the city efficiently and affordably
- Visit Granville Island Public Market for a taste of local flavors and unique gifts
- Explore Stanley Park by bike or on foot to enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty
- Try local specialties, such as sushi, poutine, and Japadog, for an authentic Vancouver experience
- Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons and events
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
