Victoria: Zodiac Whale Watching Tour & Salish Sea Wildlife

Summary

Whale watching from Victoria’s harbour on a zodiac boat with local guides

You’ll zip across Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a zodiac boat with a local guide, bundled in your flotation suit as you search for whales and other wildlife in the Salish Sea. Expect salty air, maybe some laughter at your outfit, and real moments of quiet awe when you spot an orca or sea lion up close. You might leave with messy hair but also with something you can’t quite shake off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cold — not biting, but sharp enough that I zipped my flotation suit all the way up before we even left Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Our guide, Jamie, handed out these bright orange suits and grinned like he knew what was coming. The zodiac felt smaller than I’d pictured, just twelve of us perched along the sides, legs dangling. Someone behind me joked about “feeling like astronauts” in the suits. I could smell salt and fuel mixed together — not unpleasant, just very real.

We set off past Ogden Point and the Empress Hotel slipped by on our left, looking almost too grand for such a gritty morning. Jamie pointed out Fisherman’s Wharf (I caught a flash of someone waving from a food stall) and then we picked up speed. The wind hit hard; my cheeks stung and I had to squint against it. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the engine and gulls overhead — I realized how far we’d come from shore already. It felt like we were chasing something just beyond sight.

About an hour in, Jamie slowed the boat and started scanning the horizon. He’d been doing this for years — you could tell by how calm he was, even when someone shouted “there!” before it was actually anything. When we finally spotted a fin breaking the surface (an orca, he said), there was this hush over everyone. No one reached for their phones right away; it was just us and this huge animal moving through grey water. I remember thinking how cold my hands were but not wanting to tuck them away in case I missed something.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, honestly. The Salish Sea is wide open and rough around the edges — sea lions barking somewhere off in the distance, spray hitting my face every time Jamie turned us into the wind. On the ride back, someone asked about conservation efforts and Jamie explained where our fee goes (I think he really cares). My hair smelled like salt for hours after but I still think about that orca sometimes — how close it felt, even with all that space between us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching adventure in Victoria

• Meet at Victoria Inner Harbour
• Board the open-air zodiac boat
• Explore Salish Sea for marine wildlife
• Spot whales and pinnipeds
• Cruise past Ogden Point Terminal
• View Legislative Building and Fisherman’s Wharf
• See Empress Hotel and Royal BC Museum
• Disembark at starting point

Top questions

How long is the Victoria whale watching tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Is whale sighting guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, there’s a whale sightings guarantee—if you don’t see whales, you can join another tour at no extra cost (fees may apply).

What should I wear for a zodiac whale watching tour?

You’ll be provided with an all-weather flotation suit; dress warmly underneath and bring gloves if possible.

Is pickup included for this Victoria whale watching tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for departure.

Are children allowed on this zodiac boat tour?

There is a minimum height of 4ft (120cm) and 50 lbs (23kg); children must meet these requirements.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather is unfavorable, you’ll be offered an alternative date/time/vessel or a full refund.

Are pregnant travelers allowed on this tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended due to safety reasons.

How many people fit on each zodiac boat?

The open-air zodiac seats up to 12 passengers per trip.

What’s included

Your day includes expert guidance from a seasoned skipper, all-weather flotation suits to keep you warm out on the water, coverage of your Salish Sea Conservation Fee as part of their 1% For The Planet initiative, and a seat aboard a 12-passenger open-air zodiac boat—with complimentary return tours until you see whales.