See whales and all manner of marine life on this whale-watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out into the Salish Sea on a semi-covered vessel. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and many more species. Your marine naturalist guide is there to answer any questions you have about what you see.

This tour guarantees whale sightings. If you don’t, come back for free
The seating area of the boat is covered, with an open deck on the back
During the summer months, choose from a morning or afternoon departure
You'll cruise through the Salish Sea in comfort and style onboard Kula, our 12-passenger vessel

What's Included

Professional guide with academic background in marine biology
Captain is certified by Transport Canada
Toilets onboard
Sunscreen available
Binoculars onboard (shared between guests)

The listed price does not include parking, which costs around 5-7 dollars CAD for the day.
Lunch is not included.
Gratuities
Transportation to/from office

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

90 Front St #5, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7, Canada
Our office is located on Front Street on downtown Nanaimo's seawall.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not wheelchair accessible
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Not suitable for pregnant women.

Minimum numbers apply. If there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation, in which case an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience 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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Melissa_B

Had a fantastic afternoon following a few orca whale pods. Wonderful experience seeing them in their natural habitat. We even saw a breech! Was a fabulous experience and I’d recommend without hesitation.

Reviews

4.5

41 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-6 of 41 reviews

Orcas everywhere!!

Kelly_J, Mar 2024

This was an excellent tour. The staff was amazing and safety was front and centre. We saw 4 pods of orcas. They were very knowledgeable and told us the names and the antics of some of the whales. It was a day we will always remember. We ended the day meeting some sea lions also. Thank you

Very nice experience

Mattis_M, Oct 2023

You really felt comfortable right from the start. All the employees were very nice and tried to make the customers as pleasant as possible. The guide in this case, a woman, was very well informed and you could tell that she loves the animals and that it is her passion. Therefore, respect for the animals was always observed and there was always a good distance. All in all, a great experience and highly recommended. We see a lot Orcas and other whales. Dolphins too.

Really good team lots of fun

Dwayne_T, Apr 2023

Staff were amazing saw the elusive grey whale gave us a good tail flip. The ride started a bit bumpy but the captain knew what he was doing. Very knowledgeable and tried their best on a stormy type day. Travelled a long way but it was a weird day for sure as we were one of only 2 boats to actually see whales that day. Very good team for sure

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Dwayn, we are happy to hear you enjoyed your trip! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review!

Great Time!

Melissa_B, Jun 2022

2 orcas in sight.

Line_L, May 2022

We saw 2 orcas within 20 minutes and we stay with them for more than hour. Rebeka was very knowledgeable about marine life environment and the captain was very friendly.

We were able to see about 3 or 4 different humpback whales.

Sarah_B, Jul 2020

The guide was very knowledgeable and we saw a number of humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, porpoise and birds. The trip definitely did not disappoint!

Nanaimo Whale Watching in a Semi-Covered Boat

From $178.71

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Overview

What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

End point

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Reviews

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