Its a popular destination for british columbians, pacific northwesterners, and other travelers, as its an easy ferry ride or luxurious seaplane ride from vancouver and seattle. Combine 2 popular local attractions into one and go on a whale watching safari from vancouver to victoria. Bc whale tours victoria aktuelle 2020 lohnt es sich. Only adding to the allure is the fact that there are a variety of whale types that visitors to the regions coast can expect to see. Cruise into the harbor from fishermans wharf with your guide as the sun starts sinking on the horizon. Southern british columbia is one of the premier areas in the world for whale watching. From the commencement of our tour you will see the snow crowned olympic mountains virtually soar from the sea bed. Take your seat on board or stand out on deck, and head out onto the waves with your guide. Victoria, located on vancouver island, is the beautiful capital city of british columbia. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us.
Our company utilizes stateoftheart, custom designed, locally built vessels that are leading in the industry for safety. The rugged beauty of the west coast is something that should be experienced with victorias boutique whale watching company. Majestic mammals and marine wildlife abound in the waters surrounding victoria, including the orca, or killer whale, and gray, humpback, and minke whales. The romans called it orca, meaning demon from hell. All of our tours in victoria are 3 hours in duration, departing from two locations.
Go during the peak season of julyaugust for the best chance of spotting humpback and fin whales. The season also seems to be extended so you have a really good chance of seeing them this winter, peters says. Looking for the best whale watching on vancouver island. Please note conditions apply for more details check out our whale guarantee page. Whale watching victoria adventures prince of whales. Watch whales and other diverse marine species on the salish sea on this 3. When putting together the plan and itinerary for our 20 canada trip, one of the things that were on top of the priority list right from the start was whale watching. The area around victoria is well known for their southern resident killer whale orca populations. Here are 12 reasons why you should definitely visit victoria now. From may to early october, whales migrate from antarctica along the victorian coastline to the north, to warmer waters near queensland. Victoria has more boats departing for whale watching than any place on vancouver island and most companies guarantee whale sightings. This is the best place in the world to see orcas, the mr. Come aboard one of our two 40passenger expedition catamarans, each of which combines comfort, speed, safety, and your choice of 3 viewing platforms. I assume youre hoping to go whale watching out of victoria.
In fact we can even come to vancouver and pick you up there, or just about anywhere on vancouver island. Our whale watching tours located off the southern coast of victoria, british columbia consist of viewing transient orca pods, migrating humpback whales, grey whales and other marine animals that reside in our coastal waters. With over 70 whales belonging to these families, transient orcas, and humpback whales youll have plenty of opportunities for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. British columbia whale watching is something that any and all outdoor enthusiasts should enjoy, and there is plenty of time to enjoy it in this region known for its excellent wildlife. Thus far, nothing has been confirmed about future seasons of the itv and pbs. Ive heard that in early summer probably during the whole summer and fall is a good time. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island. Birds of a feather whalewatching departures can be from victorias inner harbour, from sidney, metchosin, sooke, salt spring island, or anywhere we can trailer the boat. This cruise is covered by the whale guarantee program whale sightings are guaranteed during peak season. Prince of whales is focused on sharing the beautiful and breathtaking coastal waters of british columbia, its vibrant wildlife, and its rich history.
While the pods may be out there 247, you have a better chance of your boat actually finding orcas if you go out later in the day. The best season to go whale watching in canada varies per species. There are about 90 whales in the group consisting of 3 pods. 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. Wharf street inner harbor and coast harbourside hotel and marina. Its common name, recognized by many people, is killer whale originally called whale killer by spanish whalers. April to october join our comfortable 61 ft covered. Killer whales are best observed from mid july through the first week of september. Choose your victoria whale watching adventure just a short cruise from downtown victoria, an ocean wilderness awaits. Catamaran excursions launch from victorias inner harbour. Although wildlife is the focus of our trip, the scenery along the way is not to be forgotten. There are three orca pods totaling over 80 whales in victoria s waters alone. Humpback whales 40 minutes offshore from victoria, bc photo credit jeff lorton.
A typical 3 hour tour takes you along the waterfront of oak bay and the chain islets allowing you to see harbor seals and sea birds. See whales and other marine wildlife on a whalewatching tour in vancouver. Join five star whale watching for the adventure of a lifetime an experience that you will never forget. Whale watching in july and august vancouver island, british. Wild whales 2020 eggbeater creative vancouver whale watching. Whale watching dates in the fall, vancouver island, bc. Frequently asked questions about whale watching in bc. Take an express cruiser boat through the gulf islands, keeping your eyes peeled for orca whales, and then spend the day exploring victoria before catching a seaplane back to vancouver. Some even come in the winter months for an uncrowded adventure. Whale watching vancouver island is a onceinalifetime exerience.
Theres something to be said about the peace and quiet of a tourist town in the offseason, and the beauty of victoria from the water on a crisp winters day is unrivaled. If winter whale watching doesnt quite sound like your thing, the summer season is just a few months away. The best whale watching place anywhere on the planet these are the words of captain ian roberts, who has led these unforgettable trips for the. Victoria, bc is the best place on earth to view whales in the wild. Victoria whale watching tours sea king adventures inc. This family owned and operated company is sure to deliver a. Setting the bar high for the local whale watching industry we have been inspiring and educating guests. And the best time to see them is often julyseptember, although tours run as early as may and as late as october. Tollfree 18007089488 local 12503848008 1 dallas road view map victoria bc, canada. Check out some touroperaters at the victoria harbour. Its whale watching season visit victoria media hub.
Whales choose to give birth and raise their calves just off the victoria coast. Whale watching from victoria british columbia, canada. The whales have been spotted out the front of roro cafe just near the searoad ferries terminal and the research director from the dolphin research institute confirmed they are the first whales spotted in the bay. Click through our online calendar booking service to choose your summer daytrip dates. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whalewatching tours, with several types of vessels.
British columbia california coast cape cod dominican republic japan madagascar mexico new zealand norway south africa accommodation facts about whales whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us british columbia. Youll see orca whales, migrating humpback whales and much more. Whale watching victoria bc book your whale watching. As we move into mid september we see fewer resident killer whales however with the abundant sea lion population that moves into the area, we see more transients as sea lions are a favorite food source for his subspecies of orca. If this does occur we have a whale guarantee program, which means that if you do not see whales on your first trip with us then you will receive a 20% cash refund and free trip via standby on your next adventure with us. About bc whale tours leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Hop aboard your cruise boat in vancouvers coal harbour. This is your chance to sea kayak with killer orca whales or watch them from our boat, the. Nov 01, 2016 the best whale watching place anywhere on the planet these are the words of captain ian roberts, who has led these unforgettable trips for the last 5 years. In victoria, there are numerous companies that offer whale watching tours. Make multiple wildlife stops and enjoy worldclass interpretation and personalized service from your naturalist guide and expert crew. Victoria is a very convenient place to go whale watching from, as it is a hub of tourism for vancouver island. Whale watching tours from vancouver island tourism victoria. If thats the case, then only orcas killer whales can be seen out of victoria.
It sounds like you had incredible encounters with both killer whales and humpback whales and with other local marine wildlife. Marvel at canadas marine wildlife in its natural habitat on this 3hour sunset whalewatching experience from victoria. Five star whale watching is the fairmont empress hotel inhouse whale watching company, and as a guest of the hotel we have a special offer for you. If youre eager to get on the water, tour companies in cape breton highlands also offers zodiac and catamaran excursions.
We offer world class tours in the gulf islands with a focus on marine conservation and sustainability in the salish sea. Eagle wing whale watching in victoria british columbia canada at fishermans wharf. Ethical and sustainable whale watching departing from nanaimo, british columbia, canada. Continue reading to find out when the different species inhabit canadian waters. Call or click to make a reservation now and mention you are staying at the empress hotel to get a special rate. Cruise from vancouver to victoria and discover native canadian wildlife in its natural habitat on this 4hour oneway whalewatching cruise. Dec 14, 2009 join david roberts and james rogers, as they guide a group through the waters off of victoria, british columbia, to experience the thrill of whale watching. As victorias longest running family owned and operated whale watching company and first catamaran company, we have built up victoria as a world class destination for whale watching. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 guests at a time. Most whales spend the canadian winter in warm southern waters.
The rugged beauty of the west coast is something that should be experienced with victoria s boutique whale watching company. Whale watching in the west coast of canada is both easy to do, and very accessible too. Leave the crowds behind on our custom made vessels specifically designed for comfort, speed and safety that carry only 12 privileged guests at a time. If seeing orcas is a priority, please keep these dates in mind when you book your tour with us. Orca dreams offers fourday allinclusive tours from our luxury island camp site in the wildlife rich area of northern vancouver island, british columbia, canada. Every trip is different, as we follow reports of the whales location. Prince of whales adventures bcs best whale watching. F all is the time of year where the wildlife is very active particularily the humpback whales and sea lions. Other aquatic neighbours include sea lions, seals, porpoise and many marine birds.
Whale watching british columbia vancouver islands watching. Whale watching is a popular activity for residents and visitors to victoria, canada. We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in victoria. Canada has an abundance of wildlife on land and just as much variety along its coastlines. In this season, all major cruise companies begin to offer boat trips to see the migr. Where and how to see whales in victoria this winter. Catamaran excursions launch from victoria s inner harbour. Through the internet, we found several companies offering whale watching tours, with several types of ve. If reserving on line please use the promotion code emp1. Join david roberts and james rogers, as they guide a group through the waters off of victoria, british columbia, to experience the thrill of whale watching. By then all the operators have been out since morning and have figured out where the pods are clustering that day. Whales are majestic and impressive creatures that will take your breath away. The best whale watching on the planet victoria, bc, canada.
Theres simply nothing better than a whale watching tour in bc with orca spirit, some prefer viewing beneath the summer sun, while others prefer cooler spring and fall viewings. For a large part of the year this applies to the killer whale, but tour companies only operate during the late spring to early fall time period. Hang in there, the flowers will be out in bloom soon enough. Why victoria has the best whale watching on vancouver island vancouver island is worldrenowned for its whale watching, and at the heart of the action is the city of victoria. Aug, 20 combine hiking with whale watching in one of the best locations in the country to watch whales from the shore. Jun 15, 2018 humpback whale numbers have increased substantially since hunting was banned in the late 1970s, with more than 30,000 expected to travel up the australian coast from the antarctic through to october. Victoria bc whale watching is just one of the options on vancouver island, and if you find yourself on the mainland, virtually anywhere along the coast can make a prime viewing base. From our downtown departure locations, we offer industryleading whale watching tours in vancouver, victoria, telegraph cove, and seattle. Chances are youve travelled a long way or youre about to and you want nothing more than to fulfill your dream of seeing whales. During our busy summer season juneseptember we do recommend you book a week head of time. Five star whale watching helps you discover the picturesque southern vancouver island, victoria, and the gulf islands, home to the largest population of killer whales orcas in the world. As such, visitors to the province capital will find it easy to add a whale watching experience to the itinerary, at least during the.
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