Wildlife Tours in Victoria: Book These 5 First

1.Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,729 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146Our pick

Set out from 1 Dallas Road in Victoria with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours for a 3.5-hour Salish Sea cruise. Your naturalist guide explains whales, seabirds, and local history while the crew searches for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Choose from a fast open boat or a semi-covered catamaran, with whale sightings guaranteed or your next tour free.

“This experience was excellent! The staff incredibly knowledgeable and the captain fantastic. We were lucky enough to see many humpbacks, sea lions and other wildlife. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Victoria!”

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2.Victoria Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 267 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Set out from 1 Dallas Road in Victoria for a three-hour marine wildlife cruise with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours. Choose from a fast open boat or semi-covered catamaran, depending on conditions and group size. Your guide searches for humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, and other west coast wildlife. The trip returns to the same harbor.

“Dedicated captain doing his best to find whales. After 5 hours we did not but did see a lot of other sea animals.”

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3.Winter Victoria Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Join Orca Spirit Adventures in Victoria for a three-hour winter Zodiac ride through the waters near southern Vancouver Island. A marine naturalist helps you watch for humpback whales, Bigg’s killer whales, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. You get a cruiser suit, hat, gloves, and access to a hydrophone for whale calls.

“This tour was fun and enjoyable, even in the rain! We walked around town, taste tested a range of food and, learnt so much about the history of the area. It felt good to support local businesses.”

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4.Victoria, BC: 3-Hour Ultimate Whale & Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 191 reviews · 3 hours · from $125

Join a small group of up to 12 at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a three-hour search for orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds. Marine biologists such as Nour, Alexa, Mark, and Andrew guide the trip, with heated indoor seating, two outdoor viewing areas, jackets, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“it hard to find the whales, every other boat is doing the same thing. However, it was educational in other aspects and she was very knowledgable, fun and interesting.”

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5.Whale Watching Marine Wildlife Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 19 reviews · from $113Best value

Join Orca Spirit Adventures for a three-hour Zodiac trip from Victoria’s 950 Wharf Street. A biology-certified guide such as Tyler leads up to 12 people through Juan de Fuca and Haro Strait, with possible sightings of humpback and killer whales, sea lions, seals, otters, and marine birds. Full flotation suits are provided.

“We had a really great guide in Tyler, who responded very quickly to new situations and kept us informed. We were very lucky and were able to see a humpback whale.”

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