Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Encounter majestic wildlife of the Salish Sea onboard our Ocean Cruiser departing from downtown Victoria's scenic inner harbour. No matter the time of day, be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!
The 61-foot comfortable Ocean Cruiser - Marauder IV is fast, quiet, stable and suitable for all ages. Relax as you sit inside, outside, or on the top deck with the Captain – the viewing options are all terrific! Especially unique are the side decks running the whole length of the boat. There is lots of room to move around, view wildlife and take that perfect picture.
Your expert naturalists are on board to ensure a memorable and educational experience. Sit back and tune into our narration about wildlife and the natural history of the Vancouver Island Coast. Keep on the lookout for whales and other marine life like porpoises, elephant seals, harbour seals, sea lions and a variety of marine birds!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For any additional information regarding accessibility, please contact us
Must meet minimum passenger requirements to confirm.
What To Expect
SpringTide Whale Watching & Charters
As you cruise, our experienced crew will help you spot a variety of whales and other marine wildlife that live in the Salish Sea, including orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, seal, otters and eagles. Throughout the tour, our crew will share fascinating insights into the whales’ biology and their ocean habitat. Curious about something? Feel free to ask questions along the way! If you start to feel chilly, step inside the spacious, heated cabin and warm up with a complimentary cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You’ll still be able to enjoy the view through large windows as you continue your search for marine life. Your adventure concludes back at Victoria's inner harbour.
Options
Victoria Whale Watch Tour
What‘s Included
Expert marine naturalists
Complimentary coffee, tea & hot chocolate
Washroom
All Fees and Taxes
Photo package
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
489 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dress warm and wear...
Diane W,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared to see some beautiful scenery. We were lucky enough to see 12 whales.
Whale spotting at its best.
Har64,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very lucky tour while we saw a number of humpback whales, amongst them 2 mothers with calfs. Beautiful seeing them play in the seaweed. Very informative host Cathy, who’s passion for marine life was very clear. Lots of pics and video’s and free access to Cathies pics on flickr next week. On thr boat out on the water it hets chilly so be prepared. The boat is covered but best views are outside.
Awe-Inspiring
Kristin K,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip!!! Many humpbacks, including Lorax, Divot, and many others!! Thanks, Katie!!! Fantastic!
the crew staffs were...
Arthur A,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00the crew staffs were amazing 👏 she really good with the kids and all the people in the boat, Our ferry was late (~20 minutes) but they communicated with us. and we were able to still arrive & go on the scheduled tour time. We were able to see humpback whales🐋 and Harbour seals, and sea lions. they are really good group to work with and I will definitely recommend.
There are better options available.
26michelag,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The experience was not very positive. Unfortunately, the staff makes a big difference on these excursions. The captain was very kind. The girl who managed the group was very, very annoyed. We excluded two girls who could not do anything inside the boat. We even put the little girl in the stroller who was sleeping in the covered part of the boat; we were 10 meters away from her and, of course, we could see her, and she scolded us that we could not! I understand the safety concerns, but this is really excessive. At this point, you cannot state that it is a tour suitable for all ages! More flexibility is needed. In addition to this, the included photos are truly useless... 4 poorly taken photos that are even better with a phone! The captain of the boat was very kind... the girl might need to change jobs and not be in contact with the public! It is not for her!
Orcas! Camaraderie! Ocean Vistas! Marine life Information!
necie123,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Professional staff provided interesting information about the habitat and behaviors of the orca pod we came upon. Epic. Wonderful support in offering extra layers of clothing and warm drinks. Great safety overview. Staff was very congenial and approachable.
Must do experience!
Alexandra B,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The captain and naturalists are great and explain things really well/are very friendly. It can we cold/windy on the water even if it’s warm in the city so definitely bring layers (they have extras if needed too). Free hot drinks was lovely. Saw Orca mom and baby/2 others for a good 30 mins and a bald eagle on my trip.
Very good
Dorset71,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful team. We didn’t actually see any whales on this day but this happens, that’s nature, but the staff were still amazing with lots of knowledge on the wildlife. We saw seals and eagles. Staff very informative and answered any questions we had. Also have been offered to go back at a reduced price.
Great experience
Robert B,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our skipper Ian, plus naturalists Ally and co were great. We saw lots of harbour seals, sea lions plus a beautiful house hump back whale, the scenery was lovely and our time on the water was very good. Comfortable, safe boat, with plenty of room
Great experience!
Jannette M,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
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Operated by SpringTide Whale Watching Tours