Whale and Wildlife Tour in Campbell River - 4 Hour Tour

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, you’ll 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 observe.

Expect to see Humpback Whales, Seals, Sea Lions, and possibly Orcas, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Porpoises, and Bald Eagles. While we can’t 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!

Departures:

March - October

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, and most Zodiacs.

What to bring:

• Camera – Bring your camera (with a protective case), and a telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance.
• Binoculars – 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 – It can be chilly! Consider a T-shirt, a warm layer (like fleece or a thin puffy jacket), and a rain jacket.
• Beanie & Gloves – Keep warm and comfortable.
• Sun Protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Water in a Reusable Bottle – Fill up at our office station, or grab a reusable water bottle on board if you forget yours!
• Snacks or Extra Food – Feel free to bring any additional snacks you’d 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. They’re 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.
• 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 Canada’s 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

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, we’ve partnered with Wilderness International to conserve rainforest on Canada’s West Coast, ensuring its preservation forever. This vital work helps sequester carbon and protect the last of our planet’s 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!

$5 Of Every Ticket Supports Local Marine Mammal Conservation

As part of every ticket, a $5 conservation fee is donated to local marine conservation initiatives such as the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) Conservation Fund and other non-profic conservation projects.

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, you’re not only experiencing the beauty of these waters but also contributing to vital marine conservation activities that help protect the region’s wildlife for years to come.

FAQ´S

1. What is your booking and cancellation policy?

Full payment is required at the time of booking. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation up to 4 people (7 day notice required for groups larger than 4 people). Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.  All trips are subject to fees and taxes.

2. What is the minimum age for this tour?

The 4 hour Covered Boat tour has no age limit, for the Zodiac tours the age limit is 4 years old.

3. Is the morning or the afternoon a better time to see wildlife?

Both our AM and PM tours offer unique advantages! The morning tour often has the benefit of being one of the first boats on the water, giving you a peaceful start and the chance to spot wildlife before it moves too quickly.

On the other hand, the afternoon tour sometimes has the advantage of additional sightings, as we’ve had time to track where the wildlife is. Multiple boats on the water allow us to gather valuable information, helping us pinpoint the best spots for wildlife encounters.

The summer evening tour showcases breathtaking low-light and sunset views, making it a dream experience for photography enthusiasts.

Ultimately, it's hard to say which tour is best – it really depends on what fits your schedule! After all, wild animals are unpredictable and always doing their own thing!

4. Do tours run in all types of weather?

Our tours go ahead regardless of the weather, but safety is always our top priority. In the event of extreme weather or high winds, tours may be canceled at the discretion of our qualified crew. If this happens, we’ll reach out to you directly.

If conditions allow, we may offer an alternative, such as rebooking guests from a Zodiac to a Covered Boat. If we’re unable to proceed with your scheduled tour due to weather, you will be contacted and given a full refund.

5. How likely is it that we will see whales? Is there a guarantee?

While we can never guarantee wildlife sightings, we’re proud of our high success rate - especially during the summer months. It's very rare that we don’t see whales on a given day. 

On average, Humpback Whales are more commonly seen on our 4-hour tours, while Orcas are less frequent but still a possibility. If seeing Orcas is a priority, we recommend booking one of our longer whale-watching tours. Orcas tend to be more mobile, so having extra time increases your chances of finding them.

In 2024, we saw Orcas on 60% and Humpback Whales on 84% of our 4-hour tours!