Victoria: Sunset Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

Summary

Sunset whales near Victoria with local guides on a semi-covered catamaran

You’ll board a comfy semi-covered catamaran in Victoria just after dinner for a sunset whale watching tour led by local guides. Feel the sea air as you spot orcas up close with fewer crowds around. Listen to live commentary from onboard naturalists and return to harbor with city lights twinkling—there’s something quietly moving about seeing whales at dusk.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Wild 4 Whales catamaran just after dinner — I remember because I was still thinking about dessert, but then the salty air sort of swept that away. The boat felt solid and honestly, way comfier than I’d pictured. Our guide, Ben, handed out these big jackets and gloves (I took both, no shame), and joked about how you can always spot the locals because they never wear them. He pointed out the Inner Harbor lights flickering as we pulled away, which looked almost like someone had dropped gold coins in the water.

The sun was already sliding down behind some low clouds, making everything kind of coppery. It got quiet for a bit — except for this one kid who kept asking when we’d see whales (felt that). Then suddenly there was this shout from up front and everyone shuffled to one side, bumping elbows and laughing. There they were: orcas, way closer than I expected. You could hear them exhale — this deep whoosh that felt bigger than the boat somehow. Ben whispered facts about resident pods and migration patterns but honestly I was just trying to take it all in without dropping my phone overboard.

I didn’t expect to care so much about the light changing on the water or how cold my nose would get even with all those layers. The catamaran moved smooth enough that even my friend who gets seasick was fine (she said it’s all about staring at the horizon). On the way back to Victoria, people were quieter — not in a bad way, more like everyone was replaying what just happened. I still think about those silhouettes against the last bit of daylight. So yeah, if you’re looking for a sunset whale watching tour from Victoria that feels less crowded and more… real? This is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset whale-watching on catamaran

• Depart Victoria's Inner Harbor after dinner
• Travel straight to the whales
• Enjoy smooth ride on semi-covered catamaran
• View whales with fewer boats and people
• Learn about wildlife from biologists and naturalists
• Return to harbor as sun sets

Top questions

What time does the sunset whale watching tour depart?

The tour departs shortly after dinner time in the evening.

Is there a restroom on board during the Victoria whale watching tour?

Yes, there are washrooms available on board for your convenience.

Are jackets or blankets provided on the catamaran?

Yes, complimentary jackets, blankets, sunglasses, toques, gloves, and sunscreen are provided.

How long does the sunset whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is this Victoria sunset whale watching tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is wheelchair access available on this catamaran tour?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible.

Will we definitely see whales during this sunset tour?

The company guarantees whale sightings on this tour.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 3-hour cruise aboard a high-performance semi-covered catamaran with live commentary from local biologists and naturalists. All gear—jackets, blankets, sunglasses, gloves—is provided along with onboard restrooms and accessibility options so you can focus entirely on spotting whales as you glide across the Salish Sea at sunset before returning to Victoria’s harbor lights.