Top 10 Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver

1.Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,000 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Vancouver half-day whale watching from Granville Island on a heated catamaran, with free wildlife photos and expert naturalists.

“Luxury compared to the small boats plus you’re a bit more above sea level so you can see the whales quite well. Our favorite was seeing and learning about the Humpbacks. Spotting their blowhole sprays and then watching the Tail flap at the end before they dive was great. Saw our first whales, a couple sets of Orcas, within 37 mins of leaving the dock. So, not a long boat ride at all while you’re seeking out the whales and seals n A little rainy at first but didn’t matter on these big catamaran ships. Very comfy and once the crew spotted wildlife they’d stop the boat so you always…”

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2.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,260 reviews · 5 hours · from $188

Join a guided whale-watching cruise from Granville Island for orcas, humpbacks, and more, plus free high-res photos.

“Very knowledgeable & excellent idea giving us their photos via email.”

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3.Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $157

3 to 5 hour whale watch from Vancouver, sailing from Steveston for orcas and humpbacks, with seals and eagles, plus shuttle option.

“We were able to see a humpback up close, seals and a pod of orcas. My wife and I had a great time. Would recommend!”

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4.Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 698 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $177

Small-group whale watching from Granville Island with marine biologist facts, flexible viewing time, and chances to spot orcas and humpbacks.

“amazing day. lifelong dream came true saw an unbelievable amount of orcas! it was a fun adventure. had a great time.”

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5.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Ride a Salish Sea catamaran from Granville Island for a whale-first adventure, plus free emailed photos and warm drinks.

“Amazing experience! A superbly organized tour with a professional and knowledgeable team. Sebastian, Tom, Luke, Ashley and Jonathan were welcoming and passionate about what they were doing as well as looking after us and sharing their deep knowledge of the wildlife. Highlight was seeing the humpback whales and even more impressive was how they identified the names of the whales! Highly recommend this trip - one of our best experiences. Thank you Prince of Whales team !”

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6.Vancouver, BC: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 270 reviews · 5 hours · from $152Best value

Vancouver whale watching with a naturalist guide, windbreaker jackets, and a whale guarantee. Cruise the Gulf Islands in comfort.

“Amazing tour. We've got to see 4 humpback whales, sea lions and bold eagles. Our guides were super knowledgeable and took great care of us. Just be aware that if you get sea sick easily, this might not be the 4 most enjoyable hours 😅”

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7.Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel

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

Open-air Eagle Eyes whale watching from Granville Island with anti-exposure suits, a marine naturalist, and a real chance at orcas and humpbacks.

“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.”

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

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

Fly seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria, then whale watch for orcas and humpbacks from a small group boat with seals and sea lions.

“I enjoyed the seaplane rides coming and going the best. The whale watch was just Ok. No breaching whales but the crew was remarkable and informative. I did expect to be on a pontoon boat but this covered one was ok. They said they would switch the people from Up stairs to down stairs but that never happened. Walk between boat and plane was long. They should have shuttled people.”

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9.Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver BC

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

4-hour whale watching from Steveston, Vancouver. Search Georgia Strait and Gulf Islands for orcas, humpbacks, seals, and birds.

“Four hours total, saw over a dozen humpback whales and juvenile male seals. Great information provided by our naturalist guide.”

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10.Intimate West Coast Whale Watching – Partly-Sheltered

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

Intimate partly-sheltered whale watching in Vancouver, with wildlife experts, onboard restroom, and a Granville Island Market snack stop.

“Very knowledgeable staff and captain re wildlife seen. Kept in touch with others for locations of whales. Shout out to Jasmine & Kevin also Julia & David for 2 fab trips out.”

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