Wild Whale Watching Experience - Open Air Vessel
Overview
We are Granville Island's pioneer (original) whale watching company. We offer intimate tours guided by marine naturalists who are passionate about wildlife and conservation. We do not attempt to influence the behaviours of the wildlife we encounter. Instead, we are able to observe animals behaving naturally and in their natural environment. The animals are never asked to perform. We contribute the data we collect toward marine based research and conservation initiatives. We are accredited as an authorized whale watching vessel and can legally approach wildlife closer than other vessels can, while still maintaining a respectful and safe distance.
What's Included
- Bottled water We prefer that our guests bring a refillable water bottle (to save on single use plastics), but we carry extra bottled water on board just in case!
- Sunscreen
- Full length (arms and legs), one piece, anti-exposure flotation suit (to be worn overtop of your clothing)
- Single use ear plugs can be provided upon request
- Ginger candy can be provided upon request for travellers that may be experiencing motion sickness
- Field guides, whale identification guides, and learning materials can be borrowed on board
- Snacks The journey can last up to 5 hours depending on where the whales are, so it is recommended that our guests bring their own snacks on board.
- An optional gratuity for your guide and your captain is greatly appreciated by our staff
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, your 3-5 hour journey starts by offering unparalleled views of Vancouver from the water. As you head out of English Bay and into the Strait of Georgia, we will be on the search for orca (killer whales), humpback, minke, and/or grey whales. Along your cruise, we are also looking for a variety of additional wildlife species, including; Steller and California sea lions, harbour or Dall's porpoises, harbour seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and many other seabird species. Your adventure is professionally guided by a marine naturalist. They will share insight on animal behaviour, providing you with a fun and educational experience. You will learn about the wildlife, ecology, history, and geography of our local waters, with a particular emphasis on marine conservation.
This tour is on Eagle Eyes, our open-air vessel. This boat offers an unrestricted 360° view of the surrounding water and wildlife. Guests booked on Eagle Eyes will get a full-length anti-exposure suit to provide shelter from any elements you might encounter on your adventure!
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
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
- Not recommended for children under the age of 5
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-43744P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 456 traveler reviews collected by Cool Vancouver and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
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 Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel. 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.
- Bottled water. We prefer that our guests bring a refillable water bottle (to save on single use plastics), but we carry extra bottled water on board just in case!.
- Sunscreen.
- Full length (arms and legs), one piece, anti-exposure flotation suit (to be worn overtop of your clothing).
- Single use ear plugs can be provided upon request.
- Ginger candy can be provided upon request for travellers that may be experiencing motion sickness.
- Field guides, whale identification guides, and learning materials can be borrowed on board.
- Snacks. The journey can last up to 5 hours depending on where the whales are, so it is recommended that our guests bring their own snacks on board.
- An optional gratuity for your guide and your captain is greatly appreciated by our staff.
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 5. 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 Wild Whale Watching Experience - Open Air Vessel is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
- Not recommended for children under the age of 5
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wild Whale Watching Experience – Open Air Vessel 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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bottled waterWe prefer that our guests bring a refillable water bottle (to save on single use plastics), but we carry extra bottled water on board just in case!
- Sunscreen
- Full length (arms and legs), one piece, anti-exposure flotation suit (to be worn overtop of your clothing)
- Single use ear plugs can be provided upon request
- Ginger candy can be provided upon request for travellers that may be experiencing motion sickness
- Field guides, whale identification guides, and learning materials can be borrowed on board
- SnacksThe journey can last up to 5 hours depending on where the whales are, so it is recommended that our guests bring their own snacks on board.
- An optional gratuity for your guide and your captain is greatly appreciated by our staff
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
- Not recommended for travelers with neck problems
- Not recommended for children under the age of 5
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
