5 Wildlife & Bear Viewing in Victoria Worth Booking

1.Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a three-hour Zodiac ride led by a captain and certified marine naturalist. You’ll wear a full flotation suit, scan for humpback and Bigg’s killer whales, and listen to whale calls through a hydrophone.

“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”

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2.Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $125

Search Victoria’s Salish Sea for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds aboard a heated coastal explorer. A marine biologist guide explains the wildlife and coastline. The small group is limited to 12, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

“it hard to find the whales, every other boat is doing the same thing. However, it was educational in other aspects and she was very knowledgable, fun and interesting.”

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3.Victoria Ultimate Marine Whale & Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Join Five Star Whale Watching at 645 Humboldt Street for a three-hour Salish Sea trip led by a captain and marine guide. Routes shift with wildlife activity. You may see orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and birds from indoor or outdoor decks, with live commentary throughout.

“We ended up not taking this cruise because of ADA issues but they were able to call a competitor and get us on a bigger boat that could accommodate an ADA person. They did all of the leg work so it was easy peasy to make the transition. They were no extra fees and the new company, Orcas Spirit Adventures were great to help get my sister on and off the boat, as well as other passengers came to our aid. We saw a lot of whales, sea lions and birds to make our adventure awesome.”

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4.Grizzly Bear Expedition

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $626

Join Big Animal Encounters for a nine-hour boat trip from Campbell River into Bute Inlet. Look for whales, meet Homalco First Nations guides, and watch grizzlies feed on salmon. Jason, Stewart, and Tony have been praised for sharp spotting and warm guiding, though staff may vary.

“Jason was a great skipper and tour guide on the boat always looking for whales. He was also a good bear guide. Stewart and Tony know their bears. I think Stewart even speaks bear. Learned some First People's history and bear behaviors. Felt safe at all times. Tony and Stewart had good jokes. A great day!”

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5.Whale Watching Marine Wildlife Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 19 reviews · from $113Best value

Join a biology-certified marine naturalist on a small Zodiac from Victoria’s Wharf Street for three hours around Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait. The open boat reaches wildlife quickly, with chances to see humpback and killer whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and marine birds. Tyler has recently guided several well-liked trips.

“We had a really great guide in Tyler, who responded very quickly to new situations and kept us informed. We were very lucky and were able to see a humpback whale.”

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