Vancouver's Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience
Overview
Explore the waters off the coast of British Columbia on this whale watching tour to see killer whales, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, marine birds and more. A marine naturalist will guide your tour helping to point out areas of interest and provide tips for seeing wildlife. Your journey will offer you unparalleled views of downtown Vancouver as you maneuver along the Strait of Georgia and beyond in your search for wildlife.
Please note: Tour may last anywhere between 3 and 5 hours, depending on when you see wildlife, though tours are typically around 4 hours in length.
PLEASE NOTE: Height restriction of 5ft/152cm to participate.
What's Included
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water available on board, but reusable bottles are encouraged
- Toilet on all vessels
- Professional guide with marine biology background on board
- Lunch (food is available for purchase at Granville Island's Public Market, just outside the meeting point)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
1806 Mast Tower Lane
Vancouver, BC V6H 4B6, Canada
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Departing from historic Granville Island, join Vancouver’s Original Whale Watchers on an intimate west coast adventure. Every tour is different as we explore the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, the Canadian Gulf Islands, and beyond in search of killer whales, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more! Sightings guaranteed or your next trip is free. Your adventure is professionally guided by a marine naturalist who will share insight on animal behaviour and provide you with a personalized educational experience. You will learn about the wildlife, ecology, history, and geography of our coast with particular emphasis on marine conservation. Tours vary between 3-5 hours depending on where the whales are on the day of your adventure. PLEASE NOTE: Height restriction of 5ft/152cm to participate.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour duration is 3-5 hours depending on whales' location
- Height restriction of 5ft/152cm to participate
- Tours can be cancelled based on sea conditions
- If no whales are found, your next trip is free. These vouchers are non-transferable and have no expiration date
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
- Vessels cannot carry wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-43744P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 735 traveler reviews collected by Cool Vancouver and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Vancouver customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Sunscreen.
- Bottled water available on board, but reusable bottles are encouraged.
- Toilet on all vessels.
- Professional guide with marine biology background on board.
- Lunch (food is available for purchase at Granville Island's Public Market, just outside the meeting point).
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 9. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Vancouver's Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Vancouver’s Intimate West Coast Whale Watching Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Vancouver. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water available on board, but reusable bottles are encouraged
- Toilet on all vessels
- Professional guide with marine biology background on board
- Lunch (food is available for purchase at Granville Island's Public Market, just outside the meeting point)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour duration is 3-5 hours depending on whales' location
- Height restriction of 5ft/152cm to participate
- Tours can be cancelled based on sea conditions
- If no whales are found, your next trip is free. These vouchers are non-transferable and have no expiration date
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not recommended for participants with back or neck problems
- Vessels cannot carry wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
