Top 5 Whale Watching Cruises in Vancouver

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,000 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Sail from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, open decks, hot drinks, and naturalists such as Ashley and Petra. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds, then receive free wildlife photos after the cruise. Allow about five hours.

“The ship was clean and covered many Km2. Qe saw stellar seals but no whales..rhey told us we can get future excursion for free as long as we show up. We might do that.”

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2.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,260 reviews · 5 hours · from $188

Join Prince of Whales from Granville Island for a 3 to 5-hour cruise aboard a covered luxury catamaran. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and seabirds from three viewing areas, while guides such as Ashley, Victor, or Wilma explain the wildlife. Free photos and hot drinks are included.

“What an amazing experience! We saw 2 humpback whales and 2 groups of orcas!”

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3.Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 698 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $177

Set out from Granville Island with a marine biology guide such as Julia, Yaz, or Sarah, then search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and birds. The small boat carries up to 12 people, and the trip lasts about 3 to 5 hours, depending on wildlife and sea conditions.

“Be prepared for a long bumpy afternoon on the zodiac but worth it ! We were given full body suits which seemed unnecessary when standing in 22 deg heat but we very quickly were thankful for them 20 mins into the trip when the wind and seaspray is causing a chill . Our afternoon was rewarded with a sighting of 5 orcas and a humpback whale along with a few seals and baldy eagle - bring your binoculars to ensure a good view - due to restrictions a certain distance is maintained from the orcas making them harder to see”

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4.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise from Granville Island aboard the 95-passenger Salish Sea Catamaran in search of orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and eagles. Guides such as Jill, Ashley, and Sebastian share wildlife facts while a photographer captures free high-resolution images sent by email.

“It was a 3 hours experience super chilled but filled with information and we got to see some animals!”

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5.Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 270 reviews · 5 hours · from $152Best value

Cruise from Steveston through the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia with a naturalist guide such as Kai or James. Expect a fast, purpose-built vessel, yellow windbreakers, marine-life commentary, and a strong chance of seeing humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.

“It was the perfect day. Weather was warm and sunny. The ocean was calm. We saw a number of humpback whales and a pod of four orcas swimming. The crew were friendly and informative.”

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