4.9 (457) · Vancouver · By Wild Whales Vancouver Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Granville Island's original whale watching company, we offer intimate tours led by passionate marine naturalists dedicated to wildlife and conservation.
We observe animals in their natural habitat without interfering with their behavior, ensuring they are never prompted to perform.
Our collected data contributes to marine research and conservation efforts.
As an authorized whale watching vessel, we can legally approach wildlife closer than others, while maintaining a safe and respectful distance.
✓ Sunscreen is provided.✓ Field guides, whale identification guides, and learning materials are available for use on board.✓ We encourage guests to bring refillable water bottles, but extra bottled water is available.✓ A full-length, one-piece anti-exposure flotation suit (to be worn over clothing) is provided.✓ Single-use earplugs can be offered upon request.✓ Ginger candy is available for those experiencing motion sickness.✕ Optional gratuities for the guide and captain are highly appreciated.✕ As the tour can last up to 5 hours depending on whale sightings, guests are advised to bring their own snacks.Activity Schedule
5 h
Your 3 to 5-hour journey begins from historic Granville Island, providing exceptional views of Vancouver from the water.
As we venture from English Bay into the Strait of Georgia, we'll search for orca (killer whales), humpback, minke, and grey whales.
During the cruise, we'll also look for Steller and California sea lions, harbour or Dall's porpoises, harbour seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and various other seabird species.
This adventure is guided by a professional marine naturalist who will share insights into animal behavior, offering a fun and educational experience.
You will gain knowledge about the local waters' wildlife, ecology, history, and geography, with a strong focus on marine conservation.
This tour takes place on the Eagle Eyes, our open-air vessel, offering unobstructed 360° views of the surrounding water and wildlife.
Guests on the Eagle Eyes will be provided with a full-length anti-exposure suit for protection against the elements.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Please arrive at our office for check-in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
Please arrive at our office for check-in 45 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. The activity is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. This tour is not recommended for individuals with neck problems. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted on this tour. Wild Whale Watching Experience - Open Air Vessel
Arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in. Bring your own snacks as the tour can last up to 5 hours. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for layering. Consider bringing binoculars for better wildlife viewing. Be prepared for potential motion sickness; ginger candy is available. Listen carefully to the marine naturalist's insights. For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 43744P4
Activity offered by Wild Whales Vancouver via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Wildlife lovers Families Tourists Intimate tours with marine naturalists Observe wildlife in its natural habitat Contribute to conservation efforts Authorized vessel for closer wildlife approach Open-air vessel for 360° views Anti-exposure suits provided
Population 662,248 (2021)
Elevation 2 m
Currency Canadian dollar
Official languages English, French
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Ottawa Average temperatures -1° Jan -1° Feb 2° Mar 5° Apr 10° May 13° Jun 16° Jul 16° Aug 13° Sept 8° Oct 2° Nov -1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What types of whales can I expect to see? + You can expect to see orca (killer whales), humpback, minke, and grey whales.
What other wildlife might I encounter? + You may also see Steller and California sea lions, harbour or Dall's porpoises, harbour seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, and various seabird species.
What should I wear on the boat? + You will be provided with a full-length anti-exposure suit to wear over your clothing for protection against the elements.
How long is the tour? + The journey typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours.
Can I bring food and drinks? + We encourage guests to bring refillable water bottles. While we have extra bottled water, guests are advised to bring their own snacks as the tour can last up to 5 hours.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour is subject to cancellation due to bad weather, in which case you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great whale watching tour in Vancouver
johnsY9874HV, October 2026
We had a great tour with our guide Nicole and captain Darko. Checkin and briefing was really helpful and informative. Nicole gave us lots of information about the humpbacks and orcas that we saw and answered all our questions. Highly recommend this outfit.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience for whale watching
mariliap396, October 2026
Great experience, saw many humpbacks whales but not as lu fly with orcas. Overall, the guide was super fun and knowledgeable and captain made it a fun ride. Definitely would recommend it!!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Well worth the trip!
W0rldTravellerFamily, October 2026
Very glad we booked this trip! Saw several whales and an Orca dorsal fin from a distance. Spectacular to see the whales tails against the Vancouver skyline! Very efficient tour, appreciated the very warm body suits which were provided. The guide was friendly and informative, though would have appreciated perhaps a little more information / facts and figures on the marine animals.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
The best!
dionvanoort, October 2026
We had the best time! Yas was very kind and enthousiastic and knew a lot about the animals. We saw whales breaching and in took our breath away. The boat was also very comfortable.
Response from the operator · WildWhalesVan Thank you very much for the review! We are thrilled that you had a good time on your trip.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale Watching
laurarG8428UG, October 2026
We had a great whale watching tour with Yaz as our guide. Saw two humpbacks breaching and lots of seals!
Response from the operator · WildWhalesVan Thank you very much for the review! We really appreciate it!
Show more reviews