Majestic Whales
Vancouver Island Whale Watching Tours
Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure - Full Day Duration 7-8 hours
Deep dive into the Southern Great Bear Rainforest for a full day immersion in an extraordinary setting as we adventure up coastal mountain fjords, through tidal rapids and island archipelagos in search of the great whales of the Pacific Northwest! These whale watching adventures give us the opportunity to really explore the waterways and microhabitats in search of all kinds of cetaceans, i.e. Migratory Humpback Whales, known for their underwater ballads, and Orca Whales, which can be one of two ecotypes in our area, Biggs (mammal eating culture) or Residents (salmon eating culture). Don’t forget the Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoise and many other peripheral species along the way.
Every adventure is different and what we see on tours varies depending on the seasonal migrations of fish and marine mammals. Whales like the Biggs Orca (mammal eating culture) have very erratic patterns, they are always on the move, in and out of the Discovery Islands continually, however a good time to see Biggs is actually in the early spring.
As early as December a trophic cascade ensues in the Northern Salish Sea with top preditors moving in such as Biggs Orca, Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, and Pacific white-side dolphins to name a few. While spring can be cold this is a good time to get out with warm layers and the right guide, weather permitting.
Throughout the winter and summer Biggs & Resident Orca Whales move in and out of range, whereas Humpback Whales, at certain times can be more predictable. Over the last 7 years migrating Humpback Whales from Hawaii and Baja have made a resurgence from extirpation in this area caused by the whaling industry. Over several decades Humpbacks have made a remarkable recovery in BC and specific populations have made the waterways surrounding the Discovery Islands one of their summer feeding grounds.
Make a booking on our whale watching adventure.
Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions and more!
Our full day whale watching adventures give us the opportunity to really explore the waterways in search of all kinds of cetaceans, i.e. Migratory Humpback Whales, known for their underwater ballads, and Orca Whales, which can be one of two ecotypes, Biggs (mammal eating culture) or Residents (salmon eating culture). Don’t forget the Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dalls porpoise!
On this adventure we will see all kinds of peripheral wildlife and beautiful microhabitats along the way. Included on this tour is lunch in a private setting, or at a resort depending on our location.
Biggs (Transient) Orca whales vocalizing
Short film of a baby Biggs Orca whale & acoustics
Rates & Additional Information
Campbell River & Quadra Island Whale Watching Tours
- Adult: $265 each + $2 conservation fee, booking fee and taxes.
- Kids 12 and under: $222, booking fee and taxes.
- Private: $1777 + $11 conservation fee, booking fee and taxes.
- 15% Fuel Surcharge
- Gratuities are customary in Canada, but not included in rates and are at your discretion if you choose to tip your guide.
- Warm layers.
- A reusable water bottle (water provided).
- Rain Gear is a good idea on rainy forecasts, if you have it to wear under floater suits provided. Rain gear is not a requirement.
- Don’t forget your camera and sunscreen!
- Departures can be arranged for groups from Campbell River- Discovery Harbour Marina | Quadra Island – Quathiaski Cove. If you have a private booking we can pick you up at Heriot Bay, Taku Resort or Cortes Island at Manson’s Landing or Gorge Harbour.
- Please arrive 20 mins prior to your departure time.
9am daily
Choose a departure time that works for you, or email us to further discuss departure options.
Boat and Gear sanitation provided by Envirocleanse-A, also known as “Anolite,” is a next gen commercial disinfectant that is non-toxic, organic, biodegradable and EPA approved to kill SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (CleanTerra.ca). For more information on our covid protocols see our covid safety plan in our Health and Safety Policy.
- There are accessible washrooms at the beginning and end of all tours. During tours, we can stop for bathroom breaks, but do not have washrooms on the boat.
- Due to covid we may not have access to public washrooms on lunch breaks. In this case we will offer intertidal and or bush walks for restroom purposes that include toiletries and sanitizer. Welcome to the Great Outdoors!