Whale
Watching & other Marine
Wildlife Tours year-round from downtown Victoria,
Vancouver
Island, British Columbia
(also easy access from Sooke)
The waters surrounding the southern tip of Vancouver Island teem
with orcas (killer whales), as well as harbor seals, sea lions,
bald eagles, and harbor and Dall porpoises.
to
make online reservations for a whale watching tour
on either the covered boat, or the large Zodiac
or call Toll Free:1-800-730-4790
 
your
choice of boat - we have them both!
for
more information about the boats and other issues click here
Killer
whales, or orcas, are the largest members of the dolphin family.
Male orcas can reach up to 30 feet in length,
and their large, distinctive dorsal fins can be nearly 6 feet (two
meters) tall. A large male can weigh up to 9 tons.
There
are three different populations of orcas encountered along the
West coast of North America. These three groups are genetically
distinct and do not interact socially - in fact, observed behaviors
indicate that they normally avoid contact with each other. The
three different populations are referred to as residents, transients
and offshores. The resident population is comprised of extended family groups
of orcas. These clans have established territories and fairly predictable
patterns of movement within those territories travelling in pods
and sub-pods. A large pod of 90 resident orcas can be found near
Victoria from April through October with the occasional group of
transients spotted. In the winter months Humpbacks and Grays can
be seen in this area.
Transients have neither established territories nor predictable
patterns of movement. They swim in small groups of two to five
or six, usually in close physical proximity. Researchers have recently
had several encounters with the third known West Coast orca population,
the offshores. These whales have been encountered primarily in
the open ocean, and in large groups of 30 to 60
- For more information about the Orca
Killer Whale, Grey Whales, Sea Lions and other Marine Wildlife
of the Pacific Northwest please visit: www.whalesBC.com
- For Private Charters and sightseeing
tours through the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands please
visit: www.CharterBoatsBC.com
 
A
major whale migration occurs in mid winter off the west coast of
Vancouver Island near Tofino and Ucluelet, when approximately 20,000
Pacific grey whales leave the Baja Peninsula to journey north to
Alaska, cruising past Vancouver Island enroute. Migration is at
its peak in March and April at which time the area hosts the Pacific
Rim Whale Festival.The whales come very close to shore and can
be observed from the Wickaninnish visitor centre at Pacific Rim
National Park. Several pods spend the summer months in Clayoquot
Sound and can be seen on daily boat tours to Hot Springs Cove.
to
make online reservations for a whale watching tour
on either the covered boat, or the large Zodiac
or call Toll Free:1-800-730-4790
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