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Whale Watching Open Boat Tour in Nanaimo
wildlife

Whale Watching Open Boat Tour in Nanaimo

by Vancouver Island Whale Watch

4 hours
Nanaimo
C$225C$250 on ViatorSave 10%/person
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C$225C$250 on ViatorSave 10%per person

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4 hours
Starting time
Monday 26 October 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 25 Oct 2026.
C$450C$500Save 10%
2 adults × C$225
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.C$500

Overview

This four-hour whale watching open boat tour departs from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Passengers travel on a 12-passenger zodiac-style vessel through the Gulf Islands archipelago to observe whales and other marine animals. The tour focuses on spotting killer whales (orcas), humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles. A professional guide with an academic background in marine biology provides information about the wildlife throughout the trip. Before departure, passengers are fitted with anti-exposure suits to stay warm and protected from the elements. The boat includes onboard toilets for convenience. Whale sightings are guaranteed; if no whales are seen, a free return trip is offered. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions and is not suitable for pregnant women. Transportation to and from the departure point, parking, lunch, and gratuities are not included.

Highlights

4-hour open boat tour in Gulf Islands archipelago
12-passenger zodiac vessel with onboard toilets
Anti-exposure suit provided for cold weather protection
Guide with academic marine biology background
Whale sightings guaranteed or free return trip

What's included

Access to onboard toilets
Anti-exposure suit provided
Captain certified by Transport Canada
Professional guide with marine biology training

What's not included

Parking is not included
Lunch is not provided
Gratuities are not included
Transportation to and from the office is not included

Itinerary

1

Your day begins by checking in at our office 45 minutes before your departure time and then you'll head down to the boat as a group. You'll then be introduced to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web. Throughout your adventure, your captain will be in touch with other whale watching companies over VHF radio and will plan your route to maximize the area covered between vessels. You'll spend a full hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviors. Onboard catalogues are used to identify individual whales, and this data will be collected throughout the season and sent to the Centre for Whale Research, Keta Coastal Conservation, and the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. Your tour will wrap up with an educational talk on marine conservation focusing on threats to BC orca, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.

240 min

Meeting point

Our office is located on Front Street, the seawall along downtown Nanaimo's waterfront.

End point

Our office is located on Front Street, the seawall along downtown Nanaimo's waterfront.

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–12 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Not advised for anyone with back or spinal problems
Reachable by public transport
Suitable for all fitness levels
The tour operates only under favorable weather conditions with options for rescheduling or refund if canceled
Not suitable for pregnant women
Minimum passenger numbers required; possible cancellation with refund or rescheduling if numbers not met
Total
C$450Save 10% vs Viator