TOFINO WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Grey whales are the most common species seen on tours from March to November. Humpback whales and killer whales are also frequently spotted in the waters around Clayoquot Sound. Sightings vary throughout the season, but every trip offers the chance to encounter a variety of marine wildlife.

In addition to whales, you may see sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions, bald eagles and seabirds along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.

We follow all regulations set by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Our vessels must remain at least 100 metres away from most whales, and 200 metres away from Transient (Bigg’s) Killer Whales.

We are also committed to not viewing the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population if they appear in our area. This voluntary measure helps protect these whales during a critical time for their population.

Occasionally, when our vessels are stationary with engines turned off, curious whales may approach us on their own. If this happens, we will carefully move away and return to the required viewing distances as soon as it is safe to do so.

Heated Cabin Cruiser
Our cabin cruiser is a larger vessel with a heated indoor cabin and large viewing windows, offering a warm and comfortable ride in all weather conditions. Guests can move between the indoor seating area and the outdoor viewing deck, making it a great option for families, photographers, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed tour. Heated cabin boats are typically smoother and provide more protection from wind and sea spray.

Open Boat with Mustang Floater Suits
Our open Boston Whaler Boats offer an adventurous wildlife experience closer to the water. Guests wear full Mustang Floater Suits to stay warm and dry. These boats are maneuverable, allowing you to travel quickly and reach wildlife viewing areas efficiently. The open design also provides unobstructed views and an exciting, immersive ride making it a great option for photographers and adventure seekers.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the heated cabin cruiser for comfort, shelter from the elements, and a smoother ride.

• Choose the open boat for a faster, more adventurous experience with incredible eye-level wildlife viewing.

Both vessels are guided by experienced captains and offer the same opportunity to see whales and other marine wildlife in Clayoquot Sound.

In our experience, there isn’t any better time of day for whale sightings. Whales are actively feeding throughout the day which gives us lots of opportunities to watch them in their natural habitat.

If you are prone to motion sickness while in a car or have experienced seasickness in the past, we recommend being prepared by visiting a pharmacy to discuss the best option for you. Fortunately, there are many options to reduce the risk of becoming seasick. We recommend taking any over-the-counter seasickness remedies a few hours prior to your departure to allow you to see the best results. Hot Tip: there is a pharmacy a few doors down from us.