Whale Watching

Whale watch with us & let SpringTide’s professional Crew introduce you to our favourite locals!

Whale watching is a an experience many say they will never forget. Whale Watching Excursions in Victoria and around beautiful Vancouver Island provide our visitors with their most wonderful memories of British Columbia. Whale and Marine Wildlife watching expeditions have become one of Victoria’s most popular activities and have been rated the #1 choice for a return activity by those who have visited our city.

The rich marine wildlife of beautiful southern Vancouver Island is world renowned for its abundance and diversity. Killer Whales are magnificent and never fail to impress, but there are many other living treasures that share their waters. Bring your camera and your excitement because we are going to provide you with a trip you will remember forever!

Local Marine Wildlife

Orcas (or Killer Whales) are residents in the local Pacific Ocean Waters around Victoria and Vancouver Island. Whale sightings are particularly spectacular April through October. We also may encounter Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall’s Porpoise and Harbour Porpoise! Pinnipeds such as California Sea Lions, Northern (Stellar) Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Harbour Seals are always a joy to see. Bald Eagles soar above the seas and Sea Birds fly close to the water looking for food. These are but a few of the fascinating mammals and sea birds that inhabit our oceans and beautiful island.

Wealth of Information and Experiences

SpringTide is well known for our emphasis on a Learning Experience. Your naturalist will invite you to listen to a biology lecture while traveling to and from our destination on the Ocean Cruiser. The use of visual aids and an excellent speaker system on board the Marauder IV will ensure that you will leave your tour a little more familiar with our aquatic friends.

Whale, marine mammal and marine bird history are topics of the day! The biology, behaviour and habits of these animals will be discussed at the many stops made during your tour. Photographic opportunities are phenomenal! With the vessel at rest, take out your camera in enjoy the nature around you and listen to the naturalist imparting stories of our Pacific Ocean ecosystems. Orca Whales converse with each other through a series of whistles and clicks. If the conditions are right, you will have the opportunity to listen to their communication. Hydrophones, our onboard acoustic system, can pick up and amplify the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Orcas.

Spotting Networks

Killer whales are the primary focus of all of our tours. Spotting networks are critical for successful sightings, and SpringTide’s is the best! Our extensive system of international land, water, and air-based observation posts are in place even before most of us have had our first cup of tea! Our Spotting network operates throughout the day, ensuring optimal sightings for every trip.

Pacific Whale Watch Association

SpringTide Whale Tours is a proud member and contributor to this distinctive and valuable association. The Pacific Whale Watch Association is an international group of companies dedicated to responsible wildlife viewing. With the help of marine biologists and researchers, we have developed a set of guidelines for operating vessels around the Orcas and other wildlife, for both commercial and recreational boaters.

Stringent polices and guidelines with respect to the operation of vessels in the vicinity of whales and marine mammals, developed and policed by the PWWA are respected and closely followed by all SpringTide personnel.

Respecting the wildlife and following these guidelines will help ensure the safety and happiness of the whales for generations to come.

Safety is Our Priority

All of our Captains and Marine Biologists are Transport Canada Marine Safety Certified and are highly experienced on the waters throughout Southern Vancouver Island. SpringTide vessels are equipped with the latest in satellite technology, communication systems, radar, safety and rescue equipment, and twin engines. Our perfect safety record is part of what has brought us over 16 years of extremely happy customers, some of whom come back year after year to join our tours.

We invite you to join us for a Whale of a Time!

Reservations are so easy! We suggest that you reserve your tickets now. This will ensure your seats are available for you, and if you need to change your plans, no problem! Simply contact us 24 hours (or more) prior to your departure and we will remove your reservation. No worries, no charges!

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