Victoria Whale Watching

Marine Wildlife Sighting Guide for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands

 

 

 

 

 

Each summer Victoria becomes a Mecca for orca whale-watchers from around the world. With some operations setting up shop without regard for the whales, nor for your experience we want to do our part to ensure you are not disappointed. We have 2 options to present for your consideration:

Orca Killer whale breaching in the ocean waters in the BC Gulf Islands

A private 3 to 6 hour personalized marine eco-tour aboard Birds of a Feather Luxury Zodiac. See all the whales a public charter would see and much more in the privacy of your own group. Preferred rates for our B&B guests.

Humpback whales 40 minutes offshore from Victoria, BCHumpback whales 40 minutes offshore from Victoria, BC - Photo Credit Jeff Lorton

Birds of a Feather whale-watching departures can be from Victoria’s inner harbour, from Sidney, or from Sooke. In fact we can even come to Vancouver and pick you up there or just about anywhere on Vancouver Island. We specialize in custom private small-group charters which sail to your convenience and schedule, or …

Birds of a Feather Custom whale watching Victoria BC charters

A booking aboard a regularly scheduled 3 hour whale-watching tour aboard a zodiac or, covered boat with the Orca Spirit Adventures. We have been booking our B&B guests with the Orca Spirit since 1997. They are reputable and make every effort to ensure your trip is to your complete satisfaction. Please allow us to make your booking at no extra charge to you. We can assist you with your choices including the best times to book.  Even if you are not staying with us it would our pleasure to assist you and do our little part to promote responsible whale watching.

Orca Spirit offers three tours daily (9 a.m., 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.) and each tour is three hours long. Tours depart from the marina behind the Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel @ 146 Kingston Street (downtown Victoria). Tours are suitable for persons of all ages, from infants to seniors, and they also have a designated wheelchair accessible area.

Orca breaching during Victoria whale-watching tour

  • The best time of year for Orca (killer whale) watching is April through October. The Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to three Resident Orca pods, called J, K and L pods, which total nearly 100 Orcas. In addition to the Orcas, we often see Minke, Gray and Humpback whales, porpoise, Stellar and California sea lions, harbour seals, elephant seals, river & sea otters and a large variety of sea birds such as cormorants, bald eagles and puffins, to name only a few. Sighting success rates during this peak season can range up to 99 % !!
  • wmv movie of Orcas with audio .89 MB
  • mpeg Orca breaching amongst kayakers 1.95 MB … a good reason to book one of our boats :-)

Orca breaching during whale watching tour from Victoria

Orca Killer whale

Orca Killer whale watching off Vancouver Island

 

Below: A Humpback whale flukes his tail in the ocean waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca just off southern Vancouver Island

Humpback Whale

You might also like to check out some of our excellent BC Fishing!

 


Victoria bed and breakfast availability calendar

Click here to check for Last Minute 25% off Deals

July 14 - Rm 2

July 6, 10, 15
Rm 1

25% Discount
Fine Print

 

No rest for saviour of Race Rocks

Story Credit: 
By Edward Hill - Goldstream News Gazette
Date Published: 
12 May 2009

For a guy supposedly retired, Garry Fletcher can’t seem to sit still.

At Race Rocks off Metchosin, Fletcher is spearheading projects in alternative energy sources and undersea scientific research — not much different from when he was a teacher at Lester Pearson College of the Pacific.

First elephant seal born at Race Rocks

Story Credit: 
Sarah Petrescu Times Colonist
Date Published: 
1 Feb 2009

A baby elephant seal born at Race Rocks a few nights ago is the ecological reserve’s first, and might be the most northerly birth of the mammal recorded, say the area’s guardians.

Mattick’s Farm Victoria BC

matticks_farm.jpg

Come for a relaxing visit in a stylish atmosphere, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, or an intriguing browse through unique shops to pick up fresh flowers and produce, fine foods and wines to go. If you have time, stop by for a game of mini golf. Just remember to stop by Matticks Farm!

5325 Cordova Bay Road,
Victoria BC V8Y 2L3
Phone: 
(250) 658-4700
Fax: 
(250) 658-4716