Why choose this Vancouver Island tour ?

Immerse yourself in BC’s coastal wildlife as you travel through the gulf islands archipelago in search of killer whales (orcas), humpbacks, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and more. Your guide has an academic background in biology and a passion for marine life! Whale sightings are guaranteed or your next trip is FREE. Hop onboard our 12-passenger zodiac style vessel and you’ll experience whales and other marine life right at water level! We’ll fit you for an anti-exposure suits that will keep you warm and help protect you from the elements.



Make the most of your Vancouver Island adventure

Tour Description & Additional Info:

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Not suitable for pregnant women.
  • Minimum numbers apply. If there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation, in which case an alternative date or full refund will be offered.


Options To Choose for Your Trip:

  • Open Boat tour
    Add
    Join our 3-4 hour whale watching cruise professionally guided by a marine naturalist with an academic background in marine biology. See orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more!

Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour Inclusions:

Included with Your Ticket

  • Toilets onboard
  • Binoculars onboard (shared between guests)
  • Anti-exposure suit provided
  • Sunscreen available
  • Captain is certified by Transport Canada
  • Professional guide with academic background in marine biology

Not Included

  • The listed price does not include parking, which costs around 7-8 dollars CAD for the day.
  • Lunch is not included.
  • Transportation to/from office

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Special Instructions:

    Please read the following carefully.

    **Check-in is 45 minutes before your departure time, and is mandatory for all passengers.**

    We require an online waiver form to be filled out prior to departure:

    https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/61e9eab7ebdd2/web/

    1 per guest

    If there are any trip delays or cancellations due to sea conditions, we will email you on the morning of your departure. If you will not have access to your email while you are in Nanaimo, please call 1-250-667-5177 after 8:00 am on the morning of your trip to confirm your departure.

    We recommend that you bring the following:
    – Comfortable clothes and shoes. Please dress appropriately according to the weather (we suggest at least a few layers).
    – Water
    – Sunglasses + sunscreen
    – Cameras and/or video equipment (we can provide dry storage on the boat)
    – Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness. Note: 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.
    – Photo ID

    We are located at the Harbourfront Walkway at 5-90 Front Street, along the seawall in Nanaimo BC.

    [View in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver+Island+Whale+Watch/@49.1674911,-123.9354989,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x8c42cb62777d0ef8!8m2!3d49.1674911!4d-123.9354989)

    If you’re driving to our office you can park at the Harbourfront parkade, or Bastion street parkade.

    If you need detailed directions or any assistance with transportation (including taxi, public transport, or ferry), please contact us once you are in Nanaimo or visit us online at www.vancouverislandwhalewatch.com.

    We’re looking forward to having you aboard! We have a high success rate in finding whales (over 90%!), and most of the whales we find are orca and/or humpbacks. But if you don’t see a whale then your next trip is on us! Your free offer is non-transferable and never expires.

    Please be advised..

  • This Tour is Provided by Vancouver Island Whale Watch.
  • Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Vancouver.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 161 valid reviews on VIATOR.
  • Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
  • Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.