The Whale Centre
Tofino Whale Watching, Bear Watching & Wildlife Tours
-
TOFINO HOT SPRINGS TOUR - CABIN CRUISER
Year-Round | 6 Hours | $239 Adult | Ages 5+
Cruise through the stunning waters of Clayoquot Sound to reach the natural geothermal pools at Hot Springs Cove. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way and a scenic rainforest boardwalk leading to the oceanfront hot springs. Pack your lunch and water.
Highlights: Hot Springs • Wildlife Viewing • Coastal Cruise • Rainforest Boardwalk
-
TOFINO WHALE WATCHING - CABIN CRUISER
March – November | 2.5 Hours | $169 Adult | All Ages
Explore the rich waters of Clayoquot Sound on a guided whale watching adventure from Tofino. Watch for humpback whales, grey whales, killer whales, sea lions, sea otters and more while cruising aboard a spacious heated cabin cruiser with expert local guides.
Highlights: Heated Cabin • Outdoor Viewing Deck • Whale Sightings • Wildlife Guarantee
-
WHALE WATCHING – OPEN BOAT
Year-Round | 2.5 Hours | $169 Adult | Ages 5+
Experience the thrill of whale watching on an open boat designed for maximum wildlife range and an incredible close-to-the-water perspective. Explore the rich waters around Tofino while searching for humpback whales, grey whales, and killer whales, along with sea lions, sea otters, seals, and seabirds.
Highlights: Whales • High-Speed Coastal Cruise • Sea Lions & Sea Otters • Seabirds • Flotation Suits Provided
-
BEAR WATCHING - CABIN CRUISER
April – October | 2.5 Hours | $169 Adult | All Ages
Cruise through the calm, protected bays of Clayoquot Sound aboard a comfortable cabin cruiser while searching for coastal black bears along the shoreline. At low tide, bears often emerge to forage on the beaches, creating incredible wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Highlights: Black Bears • Calm Coastal Cruise • Eagles & Herons • Harbour Seals • Heated Cabin
-
BEAR WATCHING TOUR - OPEN BOAT
April – October | 2.5 Hours | $169 Adult | Ages 5+
Travel along the rugged coastline of Clayoquot Sound on a high-speed open boat while searching for coastal black bears. At low tide, bears often emerge from the forest to forage along the shoreline, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Highlights: Black Bears • High-Speed Coastal Cruise • Eagles & Seabirds • Harbour Seals • Flotation Suits Provided
-
BEAR WATCHING - BROWNING PASSAGE
May – October | 4 Hours | $169 Adult | All Ages
Travel aboard the Browning Passage, a covered yacht cruiser designed for comfort and excellent wildlife viewing, as you explore the sheltered bays of Clayoquot Sound. View black bears on the upper and lower decks while they forage on the shoreline.
Highlights: Black Bears • Calm Coastal Cruise • Eagles & Seabirds • Harbour Seals • Washroom
-
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR - CABIN CRUISER
April – October | 4 Hours | $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Experience two of Tofino’s most iconic wildlife tours in one unforgettable trip. Cruise through the sheltered waters of Clayoquot Sound aboard a comfortable cabin cruiser while searching for grey whales, humpback whales, and killer whales, then explore quiet coastal inlets where black bears forage along the shoreline at low tide.
Highlights: Whales • Black Bears • Scenic Coastal Cruise • Eagles & Seabirds • Heated Cabin
-
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR - OPEN BOAT
April – October | 4 Hours | $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Experience two of Tofino’s most iconic wildlife adventures on a high-speed open boat. This 4 hour Tofino whale watching and bear watching tour searches the rugged coastline for whales, sea otters, and sea lions, then explores sheltered inlets where black bears forage along the shoreline at low tide for crabs and fish.
Highlights: Whales • Black Bears • High-Speed Coastal Cruise • Eagles & Seabirds • Flotation Suits Provided
-
TOFINO BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May-September | 2.5 Hours | $169 Adult | Ages 8+
Explore the rich coastal waters and rugged shorelines around Tofino on a high-speed open boat while searching for seabirds and coastal wildlife. This tour offers incredible opportunities to spot bald eagles, cormorants, murres, auklets, and other seabirds that thrive along the wild Pacific coast.
Highlights: Bald Eagles • Seabird Colonies • Coastal Wildlife • High-Speed Coastal Cruise • Flotation Suits Provided
-
TOFINO SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-Round | 2.5 Hours | $139 Adult | All Ages
Cruise through the sheltered waters of Clayoquot Sound aboard a comfortable cabin cruiser while searching for playful sea otters resting and feeding in the kelp forests. Along the way, enjoy scenic coastal views and the chance to see other marine wildlife and seabirds.
Highlights: Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Scenic Coastal Cruise • Seabirds • Heated Cabin • Whales if they are in the area
The Whale Centre
The Whale Centre has been locally owned and operated for over 40 years, proudly sharing the beauty and wildlife of our coast since 1982. Our experienced guides, small group tours, and deep local knowledge make for safe, personal, and unforgettable adventures. Book with us and experience the coast like a local.
Why Choose The Whale Centre:
Over 40 years of experience in responsible wildlife tours.
Locally owned and family-run enterprise.
Expert guides providing in-depth insights into marine life behavior and ecology.
Commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
Small group experiences
Ethical wildlife viewing practices
We don’t just take you on a tour - we share the story of this coast!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Need to cancel or reschedule – no problem! Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your adventure’s departure to reschedule or to cancel (and receive a full refund), no questions asked.
MORE DETAILS:
For independent travel bookings of 9 passengers or less: 48 hours before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be completed within a 48-hour window. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
Private tours require 72 hours notice to cancel for a full refund.
Promotional or discounted bookings are non refundable.
BEST WAY TO CANCEL:
Call our office at 1-888-474-2288
Meet Our Fleet
Our fleet at The Whale Centre is specially designed for unforgettable whale watching and wildlife tours in Clayoquot Sound. Guests can choose between our heated cabin cruiser boats, offering comfort, shelter, and panoramic views, or our open zodiac-style boats for a fast-paced adventure on the ocean.
Both options provide incredible opportunities to see whales, bears, sea lions, sea otters, seabirds, and other marine wildlife along the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island. Every trip is led by knowledgeable captains and guides who are passionate about sharing the rich ecosystems and coastal beauty of this remarkable region.
Whether you prefer a warm, comfortable ride or the thrill of an open-air expedition, our fleet ensures a safe and memorable whale watching experience in Tofino.
SIGHTING GUARANTEE
Wildlife Sighting Guarantee – Whales & Bears
At The Whale Centre, we’re committed to giving you an unforgettable wildlife experience. That’s why we offer a Sighting Guarantee on all our whale and bear watching tours. If you don’t see a whale or a black bear on your trip, we’ll invite you back for a second tour, free of charge.
Nature is unpredictable—but we’ll always do our best to connect you with the incredible wildlife of Clayoquot Sound.
Come back as our guest if you miss a sighting—we want you to experience the magic.
Raincheck Terms:
Valid for the tour you had originally booked on
Can be used on our cruiser or open vessel tours from Tofino
Stand-by basis only (subject to availability)
Seats confirmed 60 minutes before departure
This offer is not transferable to another guest or tour and must be used by the guest that purchased the original tour
This offer is valid for life and does not expire
If you have any questions regarding the Raincheck policy please speak to any of our team members and we will do our very best to help.
