Victoria Whale Watch Tour
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Victoria, Canada
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience an up-close encounter with northern Pacific marine life on this half-day whale-watching cruise off Victoria’s coast. Travel out into the open ocean aboard a comfortable, motorized boat to look for native species like humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, elephant seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Learn about local marine ecology from a naturalist guide, and take in fantastic views of Vancouver Island between animal sightings.
- See whales and other marine life in their natural habitat in the Salish Sea
- Board a 60ft (18m) Ocean Cruiser, and whale-watch from inside or the top deck
- Expert naturalists are on board to ensure an educational experience
- Choose a morning or afternoon departure time to suit your schedule
What's Included
- Expert marine naturalists
- Washroom
- All Fees and Taxes
- Coffee and/or TeaComplimentary coffee, tea & hot chocolate
- Photo package
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1119 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T4, Canada
Check-in 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time. The check in office is located at 1119 Wharf St (at street level ¬t water level).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
SpringTide Whale Watching & Charters
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- For any additional information regarding accessibility, please contact us
- Must meet minimum passenger requirements to confirm.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 65 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kari_H
We had an amazing experience on board the Springtide, watching humpback whales jump and dive. What a spectacular sight!! Katie was our extremely knowledgeable guide. Not only did she know and understand the individual whales, but she also provided history and information on the critical role of whales in the oceans and the important role humans have in preserving their habitat. I wish every person could see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Thank you Katie and Jasper (our Captain).
Reviews
4.8
based on 479 reviews
Jannette_M, May 2026
We were fortunate and were able to see Humpbacks and Orcas. Once spotted we waited around for them to resurface. The crew showed such patience and determination for us to see more than a glimpse.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are glad you had the chance to experience both Humpbacks and Orcas during your tour, those sightings always make for a memorable day on the water. Our crew is passionate about creating the best possible experience for our guests, and they will be happy to hear that their patience and dedication stood out to you. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Connie_R, May 2026
The crew and staff of SpringTide Tours are fantastic! We enjoyed the tour and saw one humpback whale. We appreciate the naturalist onboard taking photos for us so that we could concentrate on watching the whale, and we were later able to download the photos for free.
It was very cold, and we were glad the boat had an indoor seating area to warm up. Also, if you're prone to seasickness, take Dramamine before the trip! It gets rough and bumpy!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us and that you were able to see a humpback whale during your trip. We are especially happy that our our complimentary photo package helped you stay focused on the experience and gave you some great memories to take home afterward.
We are also glad that the heated indoor cabin provided a warm place to escape the colder temperatures out on the water.
We truly appreciate your support and would love to learn more about how we could have made your experience even better. We are always looking for ways to improve and your feedback means a lot.
We hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the future!
Lori_L, May 2026
Bring a hat or scarf and layer! Crew was great.
Got several sittings, including the one with the giant fin! The reason a 4 star? Small children, toddling around and even trying to climb need to be in a life jacket. I would love to see 10 and under, but surely at least 6 and under should wear one. And no children on stairs or upper levels without a guardian! Several of us older mom types were nervous.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience! We are so glad you enjoyed the tour and that our crew helped make the trip memorable.
Thank you as well for your feedback regarding children onboard. Passenger safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we take comments like yours very seriously. We would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your experience directly. Please feel free to contact me at hanna@springtidewhalewatching.com
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Kaan_S, May 2026
What a great trip! Firstly, what a beautiful place.
Then you have a great crew — with a particular shoutout to Katie and Sam — that brings a wealth of information and experience. Katie showed me the big catalogue of transient and resident orcas seen in the area, explaining the rich history of the orcas we were seeing as well as endless details about the complex and interesting lives of orcas in this region. The crew’s passion was on full display and made readily available to us. Also, Katie’s photos were excellent — including of past outings.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are happy you had such a great trip and enjoyed the incredible beauty of the Salish Sea.
Katie and Sam will be especially happy to hear your kind words. Sharing the stories, history, and lives of the orcas we encounter is something our crew is deeply passionate about, so it means a lot to know that enthusiasm came through during your experience.
Thank you again for joining us, we hope to welcome you back out on the water again soon!
Tawnia_D, May 2026
Awesome experience. Katie, Aly and Jasper ensured a wonderful and safe experience. Very knowledgeable and got to see seals, sea lions and an orca family.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review! We are so glad you had an awesome experience out on the water. Katie, Aly, and Jasper will be thrilled to hear your kind words, they are passionate about creating safe, fun, and educational tours for every guest. Seeing seals, sea lions, and an orca family all in one trip is truly unforgettable! We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another wildlife adventure soon.
Sharon_D, May 2026
Amazing day! We were fortunate to see a family of 3 killer whales. The crew made the experience very informative and memorable. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are happy to hear you had such an amazing day on the water and were able to witness a family of three killer whales, what a special experience! Our crew loves sharing their knowledge and passion for marine wildlife, so it means a lot to hear they helped make your trip informative and memorable. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again for another unforgettable adventure!
JoshuaGabriel, May 2026
You're guaranteed to see some wildlife, they really have a good network of boats to nail their locations. Caught a humpback whale and we had a smooth ride out and back with knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the great review! We are glad you enjoyed the experience and got to see a humpback whale, that’s truly a special moment out on the water. Our crew works hard to make every trip informative, and enjoyable, so it means a lot to us to hear your kind words. We really appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Rhona_B, May 2026
Our whale watching trip was amazing, the crew where so knowledgeable and passionate. We spotted a minke whale, humpback whale and sea lions. The boat had plenty of space for all on board and the crew provided hot drinks and warm coats. I recommend this to everyone!
Thanks, Rhona B
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much Rhona for your wonderful review! We are happy to hear that you had such an amazing whale watching experience with us.
Our crew takes great pride in sharing their knowledge and passion, so your kind words mean a lot to them.
Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Kristie_B, Apr 2026
We saw multiple species, which was a function of a great Captain, amazing weather and I’m certain, some luck. What I enjoyed most was Morgan’s passion for her work. She showed us pictures of the Orca pod we were observing and did an amazing job of explaining how they live.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with us. That combination of a skilled crew, great conditions, and a bit of luck really does make for something special.
It’s especially great to hear how much you enjoyed Morgan’s passion and knowledge. She truly loves what she does, and sharing those personal stories and insights about the orcas is something we know makes the experience more meaningful. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to her.
We hope to have you back out on the water with us again soon!
Thomas_H, Apr 2026
We only reserved the tickets over wifi the night before. They were ready when we got there. The trip was the highlight of or train and cruise adventure. However, the two block walk and steep ramp to the boat was unexpected, not the best for my bad knees. Challange accepted. Springtide had naturalists Brittany and Morgan that identified the specific whales from pictures of their markings. The captain was Jasper and Ev was first mate. The 60 foot boat was stable and they ordered a perfectly clear and calm day. Could see Mt. BAKER from Victoria B.C.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review! We are so glad the tour was a highlight of your train and cruise adventure!
It’s great to hear that Bryttni and Morgan were able to identify the whales and add that extra layer of insight to your experience. We will also be sure to pass your kind words along to Captain Jasper and Chief Mate Yves.
Thank you again for joining us, we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
ReGina_O, Apr 2026
Great crew. So friendly. Booking agent Brittany was amazing and so helpful. I barf crew were friendly and made the trip a wonderful experience. Boat is the perfect size to feel safe on the water but have more of a closer experience. Will definitely be back!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We are glad to hear you had such a great experience with Bryttni and the rest of our crew.
It means a lot that you felt comfortable and had a memorable time out on the water, that’s exactly what we aim for. We will be sure to pass along your compliments to the entire team.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another trip!
Gilles_L, Oct 2025
Great staff and well organized. We saw 3 humpback whales and a family of orcas! Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are glad you had such a memorable trip and got to see both humpbacks and orcas, what an incredible day on the water. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
William_B, Oct 2025
Excellent tour with a professional, knowledgeable crew. Loads of whale activity to experience. Loved the tour!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are glad you enjoyed the tour and hope to welcome you back aboard in the future!
Ryan_O, Sep 2025
All crew members were excellent and full of knowledge. Super friendly and the boat was great. Was nice to be able to walk around the boat instead of being stuck on a bench seat like some of the others we seen out there.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are glad to hear you enjoyed the comfort of our boat and the chance to move around during the tour. Our crew will be so happy to know their friendliness and knowledge made the trip even more memorable. We hope to welcome you back on board for another adventure soon!
Kari_H, Sep 2025
We had an amazing experience on board the Springtide, watching humpback whales jump and dive. What a spectacular sight!! Katie was our extremely knowledgeable guide. Not only did she know and understand the individual whales, but she also provided history and information on the critical role of whales in the oceans and the important role humans have in preserving their habitat. I wish every person could see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Thank you Katie and Jasper (our Captain).
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us and that Katie’s knowledge and passion added to your adventure. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable SpringTide adventure soon!
Roy_C, Sep 2025
Trip well organised, knowledgeable staff and crew
boat was good and captained very good, we spotted Orca, humpback and sea lions
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are glad you enjoyed your trip and had the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions. We will be sure to pass your kind words along to the crew, they will be happy to hear you appreciated their knowledge and guidance.
Lina_O, Sep 2025
Dress warmly with a waterproof jacket you will get wet. The crew was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are glad you found our crew helpful and knowledgeable. Great tip about dressing warmly and dressing for the weather, it can make the adventure even more comfortable. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
traci_f, Aug 2025
It was such an amazing experience!! We saw Orcas and a Humpback whale! The crew was amazing and very informative the whole time! Jasper was a great Captain! This was the best part of our trip to Victoria!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Captain Jasper and the crew, they’ll be happy to know they made your tour so memorable. We hope to welcome you back on the water again!
MICHAEL_B, Aug 2025
Thought this would just be a shot in the dark, but ended up seeing two separate Orca pods. I would suggest using whale watching in Victoria over Juneau if you are on a cruise. As you will see plenty of Humpbacks from your ship. In Victoria it seems the ability to see orca is greater.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! We are glad you got to see two different orca pods during your whale watching tour with us. We hope to welcome you back on the water again soon!
Avra_A, Aug 2025
We had such a special experience - good weather, a beautiful whale family and a really great crew! Would definitely do this again!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are glad you enjoyed your tour with us and we would love to welcome you back for another adventure anytime!
Anita_I, Aug 2025
It is a really amazing experience which I advise all to partake in when visiting victoria. The staff are are amazing and take good care of all the tourists, they make you feel comfortable and ease any worries you may have travelling jnti the ocean. One point to make is there are no guarantees of seeing any species of Wales, We did see a few orcas but it was a distance away from our boat, me and my wife had a 3 year old and a 6 year old, 3 year old slept all the way through the 3 hr journey and our 6 year old took pictures for her holiday book, all in all a beautiful experience, give it a go.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are glad you and your family enjoyed the trip and that your child captured memories for her holiday book. That’s wonderful to hear!
Wildlife viewing distances are set by federal wildlife viewing guidelines, and we appreciate you highlighting that there are no guarantees with wild animals. We hope to welcome you aboard again one day!
Scott_S, Aug 2025
We saw an Orca breach! At like 50-75 yards away in full sunlight. What an amazing experience. Ian, Aly, Marty, and Heather did an amazing job finding and explaining the wildlife to us.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We are so glad Ian, Heather, Aly and Marty could be part of making your whale watching experience memorable and share their knowledge along the way. Thank you for joining us and for your wonderful review!
Janelle_L, Aug 2025
grea! Captain Ian was determined to find whales. And we saw whales jumping and playing in the water. The water was very rough and I got a bit queasy but the crew was so sympathetic and helpful. It was worth it.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks so much for your review! We are glad you had a great time out on the water with Captain Ian. We hope to welcome you back again for another adventure soon!
Hilton_H, Jul 2025
We had an awesome time, our grandchildren just loved the experience , we will definitely do it again. We were really impressed with Katie's knowledge of ocean life, and Aly’ s care for every one on board, both the girls were very professional, and of course so was the captain.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so glad to hear your family had a great time, it's always special to share these moments across generations. We will be sure to pass your kind words along to Katie and Aly. We look forward to welcoming you all back for another adventure!
Steve_W, Jul 2025
Dress for all types of conditions. Recommend layering your clothing well and make sure to have rain gear and binoculars!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks so much for your review! Dressing in layers and for the weather really makes all the difference in staying comfortable out on the water. We are glad you came prepared and we hope to welcome you back in the future!
Sandra_T, Jul 2025
Amazing! Good to wear layers! The crew were great! Saw Morsely the humpback! Many seals and elephant seals and eagles!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the kind review! We are glad you had an amazing time on the water and got to see Morsely the humpback whale along with other incredible wildlife - what a great day on the water! Thanks for the tip about wearing layers too, it really does make a difference out there. Hope to see you again for another adventure soon!
Joe_F, Jul 2025
The experience was super well organized with amazing staff! We saw a humpback whale and two orca whales.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your kind review! We are happy to hear that you had a great experience and that you got to see both a humpback and orcas, what an incredible day on the water! We hope to welcome you back again for another adventure soon!
Dawn_L, Jul 2025
It was fun and very relaxing. Ali was very knowledgeable and answered any questions. Captain Ian was spectacular and made the sailing smooth and fun.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We are happy to hear you had a fun and relaxing time on the water with us. Captain Ian and Aly will be happy to hear your kind words. Thank you again for choosing SpringTide!
PAULA_P, Jul 2025
Great time! Crew and staff were excellent! Jake shared beautiful pictures as promised. Leon (forgive me if wrong name) was our tour guide inside the cabin. He was very knowledgeable, great with questions, and showed pure excitement when we saw the whales. We saw a seal near the dock, orca whales and the humpback whales put on a great show! Absolutely loved this experience!
Christina_C, Jul 2025
This was such an amazing experience. The staff was so knowledgeable and accommodating. We saw so many humpbacks!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your review and kind words! We hope to welcome you back aboard in the future.
From $125.70
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Victoria Whale Watch Tour
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