Whale Watching - Open Boat
Tofino Whale Watching Tour - Open Boat
Experience the thrill of the ocean on our Tofino Whale Watching Tour – Open Boat, the ultimate wildlife adventure on the wild West Coast of Tofino. Designed for adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers, this exhilarating tour takes you deep into the rich waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of whales and other incredible marine wildlife. Located on the edge of the Pacific Rim, Tofino is one of the best places in Canada for whale watching tours. The nutrient-rich waters off Vancouver Island attract migrating and resident whales throughout the season, making sightings frequent and unforgettable.
Our open open-style Boston Whaler vessel gets you closer to the action, allowing for unobstructed views and an immersive ocean experience. Feel the ocean spray and fresh Pacific air as you travel quickly and safely to prime whale-watching areas along Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline.
WHALE WATCHING TOUR - OPEN BOAT
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Season: March – October
Ages: 5+ Recommended
Tour Rates:
Adult $169 CAD
Senior (65+) & Youth (13–18): $159 CAD
Children (2–12): $139 CAD
Private Charter (up to 12 guests): $1,800 CAD
Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees.
What to Expect:
30-foot open Boston Whaler
Maximum 12 passengers for a personalized experience
Mustang floater suits provided
We recommend wearing warm layers
Check-in 30 minutes prior to departure
This boat does not allow infants.
Whale Watching Tour Details
Grey Whales are the highlight of our tours, and can be seen from early March through late November. We also spot Humpback Whales and Killer Whales, though sightings aren’t guaranteed—Killer Whales are unpredictable, with mostly Transient pods in Clayoquot Sound.
Our tours are led by experienced, qualified, and passionate skippers who are happy to answer all your questions.
Best time to see whales: March – November.
What to expect:
Open ocean conditions; some swell is normal.
Stunning views of Clayoquot Sound’s wildlife and scenery.
Tours follow Whale Wise Viewing Guidelines to protect marine mammals and respect their space.
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR:
Dress warmly in layers for the open boat (long sleeves, pants, fleece or sweater)
Rain gear (if it is raining)
Enclosed shoes (sandals not recommended)
Winter hat and gloves (early Spring / late Fall)
Binoculars
Camera
Drinking water
Sunglasses / sunscreen
Your sense of adventure!
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Open Boat: Full Mustang Floater Suits (XS to XXXL) for your safety and protection from ocean spray & cool air.
WHAT WILL WE SEE ON THE TOFINO WHALE TOUR:
Whales - grey whales, humpback whales, killer whales plus other marine wildlife such as sea otters, sea lions, harbour seals, bald eagles and more!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a waiver. At the office our team will provide a safety briefing plus an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short one minute walk from our office.
Make sure you read & understand our booking policies and waiver terms before processing your reservation.
Read our cancellation policy and note we have a 48 hour policy to cancel.
These trips may not be suitable for people who are pregnant or with serious back or neck problems - please let us know at time of booking of any such conditions.
Each passenger is required to sign a Release of Liability at check-in. Participants must be 19 years of age or require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.
An eco wildlife conservation fee of $3 will be added to each fare in support of maintaining the ecosystem in Clayoquot Sound.
Multi-tour discounts, $15 off second and additional tours, contact us to book your tours so you receive the discount.
Prices are subject to change.
Our vessels do not have washrooms on board.
We reserve the right to delay or cancel a departure if there are fewer than 4 guests reserved at the time of departure.
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.
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
