Top 9 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $169

From Granville Island, you’ll ride Eagle Eyes, an open-air vessel with 360-degree views while a marine naturalist searches for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. Bring snacks, dress for a long ride, and use the supplied anti-exposure suit when wind and spray arrive.

“Fresh air, high-speed boat. Ship’s captain knew when to slow down or stop when whales were near. We all hushed, then gasped at the sight of a fin.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Victoria Day Trip by Seaplane + Whale Watching by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $546

You’ll fly Harbour Air from downtown Vancouver to Victoria in about 35 minutes, then join Orca Spirit for a three-hour whale-watching trip. Guides such as Shannon, Josh, and Luke explain the Salish Sea as you look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and otters.

“Prior communication to flight very good and well organised! The dock to get the zodiac boat was right beside where we landed. Luke our guide knew his stuff! Seen some orcas and seals!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver BC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $184

Set out from Steveston Village with Steveston Seabreeze Adventures for a four-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and sea birds. The route may cross Georgia Strait and reach the Canadian Gulf Islands. Naturalist Grace has been praised for clear, lively commentary.

“The length of the tour was perfect at four hours, very organized, prompt and educational. We were fortunate to have a very knowledgeable tour guide. Our captain tried very hard to get us as close as possible to the whales while respecting their space and took us to see other wildlife in the area. In addition, the weather was spectacular and we had an amazing day! Time and money well spent. I'd highly recommend this tour to someone that wants to do a whale-watching excursion.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Intimate West Coast Whale Watching – Partly-Sheltered

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $169

Join Wild Whales Vancouver near Granville Island for a 3 to 5-hour whale-watching trip in English. The partly sheltered boat holds up to 32 people, with guides such as Julia, Britt, Nicole, and Jasmine sharing wildlife facts while the captain tracks whales and orcas with nearby boats.

“Great captain! And Britt was very knowledgeable! We saw multiple pods. They truly did what it took to provide a fantastic afternoon.”

Check availability →Read our full review