TOFINO WHALE WATCHING - OPEN BOAT TOUR
Maximum 12 passengers for a personalised, small-group experience
95% whale sighting success rate on our tours
2.5 hour ocean adventure exploring Clayoquot Sound
From $169 per adult
Tofino Whale Watching Open Boat Tour
Book Your Open Boat Adventure
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GEARED UP FOR ADVENTURE
Stay warm, dry, and secure! We provide every guest with a full-body Mustang Survival Suit. These professional-grade flotation suits are designed to cut the ocean chill and keep you comfortable, ensuring you can focus entirely on the horizon—not the weather.
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YOUR FRONT ROW SEAT TO THE WILD
Experience the West Coast at water level. Our fast and agile open boats offer 360-degree, unobstructed views perfect for photography and immersive wildlife watching. With a small group setting, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and exhilarating connection to the ocean.
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THE WHALES
Witness the majestic Grey and Humpback whales in their natural habitat. From powerful spouts to breathtaking breaches, our expert guides know exactly where to find Tofino’s most iconic marine residents. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
What to Expect on Your Open Boat Whale Watching Tour
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.
The Whale Watching Tour on the Open Boat is our most popular experience. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and avoid missing out.
WHALE WATCHING - OPEN BOAT TOUR
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 on board for an exclusive, small-group experience
Mustang floater suits provided
We recommend wearing warm layers
Check-in 30 minutes prior to departure
This boat does not allow infants.
Find Your Date Below and Book
Why Choose a Open Boat Whale Watching Tour in Tofino
Open-air, fully immersive experience
Feel completely connected to the ocean on an open boat in Tofino, with no windows or barriers between you and the wildlife.360° viewing for wildlife & photography
Move freely around the vessel for unobstructed views and incredible photo opportunities in Clayoquot Sound.Fast, agile Zodiac-style ride
Cover more ground and respond quickly to sightings, maximizing your time with whales and wildlife.Ideal for adventure seekers
Perfect for those looking for a more exciting, up-close whale watching experience on Vancouver Island.
Whales You Can See in Tofino
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 in Tofino: March – November.
What to expect:
Open ocean conditions; some swell is normal.
Stunning views of Clayoquot Sound’s wildlife and scenery.
We find view whales along the coast at Long Beach, Vargas Island, Flores Island and in outer coastal waters.
Tours follow Whale Wise Viewing Guidelines to protect marine mammals and respect their space.
Whale Watching Sighting Guarantee
At The Whale Centre, we’re committed to an unforgettable wildlife experience. If you don’t see a whale on your tour, come back for a second trip—free of charge.
Nature is unpredictable, but we’ll always do our best to connect you with the wildlife of Clayoquot Sound.
Raincheck Details:
Valid for your original tour type
Standby only, subject to availability
Seats confirmed 60 minutes before departure
Non-transferable and must be used by the original guest
No expiry
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:
Expert onboard narration by experienced local guides
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.
Tofino Whale Watching Tour FAQs
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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.
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In addition to whales, you may see sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions, bald eagles and seabirds along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.
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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.
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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.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
Plans changed? We’ve got you covered.
We understand that travel plans can shift. Contact us at least 48 hours before your departure to cancel or reschedule your tour for a full refund — no questions asked.More Details:
Public Tours
• Full refund with 48+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 48 hours of departure
• Changes not permitted within 48 hoursPrivate Tours
• Full refund with 72+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 72 hoursOperator Cancellations
• Full refund if we cancel due to weather or sea conditions
Pair It With Other Wildlife Tours
Bear Watching Tours — Explore calm, protected waters for black bears and harbour seals.
Hot Springs Tour — Our signature 6 hour tour up to Hot Springs Cove includes a scenic boat ride, rainforest hike and 2 hours to soak in the hot springs pools.
Bird Watching Tours — Explore the coastal wildlife and marine birds of Clayoquot Sound
Booking & Online Discounts
How to Book:
Booking your whale watching tour is easy — simply reserve your spot online or call us at 1‑888‑474‑2288. Online booking ensures you get the best available dates and times for your preferred vessel.
Exclusive Online Discount:
Book a second tour online with us (e.g., whale watching or another wildlife tour) and receive a special discount — the more you explore, the more you save! When you book online the system will prompt you to book a second tour with that discount before you check-out.
Looking for more wildlife adventures? Explore our Bear Watching Tours, Hot Springs Tour and Bird Watching Tours
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![Black bear on bear watching tour in Tofino]()
BEAR WATCHING TOURS
April–October | 2.5–3 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Bald Eagles • Herons • Shorebirds -
![Tofino Hot Springs Tour Boat]()
HOT SPRINGS COVE TOUR
Year-round | 6 Hours | From $239 Adult | Ages 3+ | Boardwalk Hike
Experience:
Scenic Boat Ride • Hike • Soak • Wildlife Sightings -
![Tufted puffins on a bird watching tour in Tofino]()
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May–September | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | Ages 8+
Wildlife:
Tufted Puffins • Surf Birds -
![Black bear on a Tofino & Whale Combo Tour]()
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOURS
March–November | 4 Hours | From $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Whales • Sea Otters • Seals -
![A sea otter eating a crab on a tour in Tofino]()
SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-round | 2 Hours | From $139 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Harbor Seals • Bald Eagles • Shorebirds
