Prince of Whales: Victoria Whale Watching

Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures812 Wharf StreetVictoria, BC V8W 1T3
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Starting at
$199.00
Total Price: $212.69 (CAD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION

Overview

Experience the majestic beauty of Salish Sea with Prince of Whales Whale Watching in Victoria, BC. Embark on an adventure aboard a custom-built catamaran to see orcas, humpbacks, and more. With over 30 years of experience and expert guides, these eco-friendly whale-watching tours offer an unforgettable journey on the water, showcasing diverse marine wildlife.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Embark on a 4-hour whale-watching adventure on the Salish Sea to witness the majestic whales of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Witness stunning orcas, humpbacks, minkes, and/or gray whales in their natural habitat.
  • Tours depart from the Inner Harbour in Downtown Victoria. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
  • Sail aboard a high-speed, custom-built catamaran equipped with two airline-style restrooms.
  • This sightseeing tour is recommended for all ages. Infants (age 0–1) join free!
  • Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate on board.
  • Bring a credit or debit card with you for onboard snack purchases, as cash is no longer accepted.
  • Wear a windbreaker jacket, sweater, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the cold.

Description

Prince of Whales offers unparalleled year-round whale watching tours departing conveniently from downtown Victoria. Their exceptional crew, including passionate marine biologists and seasoned tour guides, provides an educational and thrilling experience. This combined expertise ensures breathtaking whale encounters and fascinating insights into marine life, conservation, and the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. Prince of Whales is committed to responsible tourism, prioritizing whale well-being and environmental preservation, making your adventure exciting, educational, and ethically sound.

Set out from Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour on a Half-Day Whale Watching tour led by certified marine naturalists. These eco-certified excursions explore the rich waters of the Salish Sea, offering guests the chance to encounter orcas, humpbacks, and gray and minke whales, along with seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles. Comfortable, all-weather vessels feature indoor seating, heated cabins, open-air decks, and hydrophones to capture live whale vocalizations. Each tour combines expert narration with stunning natural scenery, making it a popular choice for families, photographers, and wildlife lovers.

For a more intimate and exhilarating experience, the Zodiac Whale Watching option brings passengers closer to the action aboard a high-speed, open-air vessel. Ideal for adventurous travelers, this tour accesses remote areas where whales are frequently sighted. Small group sizes and 360-degree views ensure unobstructed photo opportunities, while full-body flotation suits provide warmth and safety.

As daylight fades, the Sunset Whale Watching tour offers a dramatic perspective of marine life under the golden glow of a Pacific Northwest sunset. Fewer vessels on the water and extended daylight hours in peak season create optimal conditions for sightings. The soft evening light, calm seas, and cooling temperatures set a tranquil tone, perfect for couples or travelers seeking a more relaxed pace.

With multiple departure times, vessel styles, and tour formats, guests can choose the experience that best matches their comfort and curiosity.
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Victoria Whale Watching Tours is located at Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures812 Wharf StreetVictoria, BC V8W 1T3
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Frequently Asked Questions about Victoria Whale Watching Tours

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Prince of Whales Whale Watching, located below the Visitor Information Centre in the Inner Harbour (812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3).

How long is the Victoria Whale Watching Tour?

This experience lasts approximately 4 hours.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to check in.

Is the whale-watching tour recommended for children?

Absolutely! All ages can enjoy this sightseeing tour. Plus, infants one year old and below join free!

What I should wear?

It gets cold out on the water, so wear windbreaker jackets, sweaters, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a tight-fitting hat, a camera for pictures, and a credit or debit card for onboard purchases and snacks (cash is no longer accepted).

Does the boat have restrooms?

Yes, Prince of Whales' catamaran has two convenient restrooms on board. There are also restrooms for public use in the check-in lobby. Guests are encouraged to use the restroom before boarding the boat.

What happens if it rains?

Tours operate rain or shine. However, in extreme weather conditions or high winds, adventures may be canceled at the discretion of the crew to ensure the safety of all guests. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What happens if I don’t see a whale?

There’s an approximately 95% chance of whale sightings all year round. In the unlikely case that you did not see whales on your scheduled tour, you will have the opportunity to join an equivalent whale-watching tour (subject to availability).

When is the best time for whale sightseeing?

Whale species exhibit varied activity patterns. Killer whales are active in the morning, whereas humpback whales are more active in the afternoon. Activity can also be influenced by the time of year due to migration and mating. Victoria's whale watching season spans from April to October, peaking between May and September.

Which whale species are we likely to encounter?

Guests often see orcas/killer whales and humpback whales with occasional sightings of minke and gray whales on the whale-watching cruise. You’ll also see otters, sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, dolphins, and other local wildlife.