Whale and Wildlife Tour in Campbell River
š March - October | š 4 hour tour, multiple departures daily | š¤ Zodiac and Covered Boats available
Starting from $179* CAD/Adult
*+Taxes & Fees
Departing multiple times daily from Campbell River on Vancouver Island, this 4-hour adventure takes you through the stunning Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Discovery Islands.
Guided by our trained naturalist captains, youāll explore from either a Zodiac (up to 12 guests) or a Covered Boat (up to 12 or 30 guests), with plenty of opportunities to learn about the diverse wildlife we encounter.
Expect to see Humpback Whales, Seals, Sea Lions, and possibly Orcas, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Porpoises, and Bald Eagles. While we canāt guarantee all of these animals on every tour, we take pride in each of our tours and take every opportunity to show our guests everything that is possible during their tour.
Join us for an immersive and educational journey into nature!
What you might see
What's included
- Travelling to see a variety of nature and wildlife in a well maintained, 12 or 30 passenger vessel.
- Nature interpretation by your certified naturalist guide and captain.
- A homemade granola bar snack and water in a reusable bottle.
- Great opportunities to safely use cameras and binoculars (tripods not recommended).
- The vocalizations of Orcas or Humpback Whales through the onboard hydrophones (underwater microphones) if those opportunities arise (Orcas and Humpback Whales do not communicate all day).
- Flotation suits, gloves, hats and goggles on Zodiac tours.
- An onboard bathroom on all Covered Boats, the Zodiac mainly used for this tour does not have a washroom on board.
What to bring
- Camera ā Bring your camera (with a protective case), and a telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance.
- Binoculars ā We have a few pairs on board to share, but feel free to bring your own for a closer look at the wildlife.
- Warm Clothing in Layers ā It can be chilly! Consider a T-shirt, a warm layer (like fleece or a thin puffy jacket), and a rain jacket.
- Beanie & Gloves ā Keep warm and comfortable.
- Sun Protection ā Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Water in a Reusable Bottle ā Fill up at our office station, or grab a reusable water bottle on board if you forget yours!
- Seasickness Medication ā While our waters are typically calm, non-drowsy options like ginger Gravol can offer peace of mind.
- Snacks or Extra Food ā Feel free to bring any additional snacks youād like.
- A Smile and a Sense of Adventure!
You have two options for your adventure
Zodiac
Experience the thrill of the open sea as you feel the West Coast wind in your hair! Our Zodiacs offer an immersive adventure, bringing you closer to the water and the stunning scenery. Theyāre a fun and adventurous choice, and contrary to popular belief, are especially recommended for those concerned about seasickness, as the smooth ride cuts effortlessly through the water.
Each Zodiac accommodates up to 12 passengers, with seating fixed during the tour and limited space to move around. Please note that the Zodiac used for our 4-hour tours does not have a washroom on board.
Covered Boat
Our Covered Boats offer a comfortable and protected experience, featuring a heated cabin that keeps you warm and cozy, no matter the weather. When the boat is stopped, you'll have access to an outdoor viewing deck, perfect for wildlife watching.
The spacious design makes it easy to move around, and each boat is equipped with an onboard washroom for your convenience. We operate 12-passenger and 30-passenger vessels for this tour, depending on demand.
Responsible Whale Watching is our Number One Priority
We love to see whales as much as our guests do! However, viewing these animals in a respectful manner, and maintaining a safe distance that causes as little disturbance to their environment as possible is our number one priority.
We follow a set of whale watching guidelines that has been adapted to go above and beyond Canadaās Marine Mammal Regulations.
- Reduce speed to 7 knots when a whale is within 1 km
- Maintain a distance of 200 m from killer whales, or any whale with a calf
- Maintain a distance of 100 m from all other whales
- If a Killer Whale is identified as a Southern Resident, leave the area entirely
- Maintain a parallel viewing sequence
- Limit time with one group of whales to 30 - 45 minutes
For a comprehensive list of our guidelines please check out our Code of Conduct.
Protecting Old Growth Forest, One Square Meter at a Time
For every guest who joins us on a tour, we protect 1 square meter of old growth forest! Since 2018, weāve partnered with Wilderness International to conserve rainforest on Canadaās West Coast, ensuring its preservation forever. This vital work helps sequester carbon and protect the last of our planetās intact habitats through legally secure land purchases.
You'll receive a personalized certificate featuring an aerial photograph and geocoordinates, so you can see exactly which piece of forest you're helping to protect!
Want to do even more? During checkout, youāll have the option to make an additional donation to Wilderness International, helping protect even more rainforest and expand our conservation efforts.
$5 Of Every Ticket Supports Local Marine Mammal Conservation
As part of every ticket, a $5 conservation fee is donated directly to the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) Conservation Fund.
NIMMSA works tirelessly to protect marine mammals, support the local economy, and preserve the marine environment around northern Vancouver Island. From policy development to hands-on conservation efforts, their work is made possible through the support of association members and initiatives like ours.
By joining our tour, youāre not only experiencing the beauty of these waters but also contributing to vital marine conservation activities that help protect the regionās wildlife for years to come.