Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Eagle Wing Tours?
- What kind of boats do you use?
- What is the ride like?
- What marine life is there to see?
- What else is there to see?
- Why are you more expensive than most other companies?
- What are your rates and departure times?
- How can we make reservations?
- Who takes care of us on the boats?
- When is the best time of year to see killer whales?
- Is there any 'better time' of day to see the whales?
- Are killer whales seen on every trip?
- Can we hear the whales under water?
- How do you guarantee your sightings?
- How do you find the whales?
- Where do you go to see the whales?
- How close do you get to the whales?
- What equipment do you supply?
- How should I dress?
- Do I need to bring anything?
- How many passengers go on each boat?
- What about sea sickness?
- Can anyone go on your trips?
- Is there parking close by?
- Are there washrooms on the boats?
- Where are you located?
- What is Eagle Wing Tours?
Eagle Wing Tours is a locally owned and family operated company on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in Victoria's Inner Harbour that offers an exclusive, educational, eco-friendly experience, for the discriminating traveler!. We offer guided expeditions that take you through the San Juan/Gulf Islands in search of Killer Whales and other marine wildlife. Eagle Wing Tours offers you a chance to bear witness to one of nature's most majestic & awe inspiring creatures in one of the most impressive settings on earth, the Pacific Northwest. A 'treasure chest' of diverse marine wildlife awaits you.
- What kind of boats do you use? We use a unique vessel style which is referred to as an 'offshore hull design' (Scarab). This style of vessel has typically been utilized all over the world for search and rescue operations, high performance offshore racing, and military applications because of its unique ability in blending safety and comfort with stability and speed. We are the originator's of this vessel style within the whale watching industry. They are simply more comfortable, more exciting, more safe, and allow us to see and do more than other whale watching companies.
- What is the ride like? Like traveling first class! The ride is drier, smoother and more exhilarating! As you may know 'Mother Nature' can certainly kick it up a notch, and when she does it is absolutely crucial that you are as comfortable as possible during your personalized whale watching experience. If you are not comfortable, your memories of the wildlife will most certainly be over-shadowed by how uncomfortable you were. It does not matter how much you see or experience, if you are not comfortable you will not enjoy yourself. Trips are cancelled when sea conditions are unsafe.
- What marine life is there to see? Every tour is an 'original experience! It is very much like purchasing an original work of art, going home, and knowing that it is 'just yours'! The anticipation of not knowing what you are going to experience is a major reason why this is so magical. Nature is forever changing and unveils a movement and rhythm that is captivating. The wildlife around Victoria is spectacular, diverse, enchanting, and memorable. The possibilities are endless: Orca, Gray whales, Humpback whales, Minke whales, Fin whale (rare), Dall's porpoise, Harbour porpoise, Seals & Sea-lions, birds-> Eagles, Falcon, Osprey, Common Murre, Cormorant and a whole variety of diving and shore birds, inter tidal life: sea stars, urchins, fish, krill, dragon flies, kelp forests, and much, much, more!
- What else is there to see? Here are a few examples: Lighthouses, swift currents, active commercial shipping lanes with freighters, wind surfers, shallow water environments, secluded coves, rocky outcrops, channels of water carving a meandering path through the Gulf/San Juan islands, diverse vegetation, snow capped mountains/valleys, sunsets, estuaries/lagoons, ecological reserves, old leper colonies, buoys, tide lines, Tall ships under sail in the straits, tide rips, feeding frenzies (birds), and much, much more!
- Why are you more expensive than most other companies? Pay a bit more, get a lot more! We are a tour company that 'lives & operates' with both passion & education. We are a company for those who like to explore “off the beaten path” in style and comfort, for those who want to observe marine birds/mammals undisturbed in their natural habitat. Every departure we recognize and acknowledge that most of our guests have travelled afar to experience what we have the privilege of doing on a daily basis. We respect this, and strive to go above and beyond every single time. All tours are not created equal
- What are your rates and departure times? There are several departures throughout the day for your convenience and the rates vary according to the time of year and which vessel, please see rates & schedule.
- How can we make reservations? Eagle Wing customer service agents are ready to assist by phone or you may reserve directly online by completing the secure reservations form. Advanced reservations are recommended so that you are assured a seat aboard one of our vessels. The peak whale watching season brings many people from all over the world who share the same desire...to be one of the few that can see the now endangered local Southern Resident Killer Whales in their own habitat.
- Who takes care of us on the boats? Passionate conservationists, biologists, captains and family are the ones responsible for creating your world class memorable west coast experience. We pride ourselves on sharing our knowledge and experiences with all of our guests in such a way that you will leave having truly had a heartfelt experience. We all are 'friendly ambassadors' on behalf of the wildlife. Education & passion can be infectious.
- When is the best time of year to see killer whales? Killer whales are commonly seen April through October however the absolute best months are May, June, July, August and September.
- Is there any 'better time' of day to see the whales? In general there is no best time of day for sighting success! Our vessel style has the greatest range which allows us to confidently Guarantee our sightings. It boils down to what time best suites your schedule while you are here in Victoria. Sometimes it is windier in the late afternoon, yet the whales can be perhaps more playful in rougher water conditions. In late August/early September we do contend with Fog as the sun rises, but it usually 'burns off' by late morning.
- Are killer whales seen on every trip? No, but the odds are definitely in your favor. Victoria (Pacific Northwest), globally is becoming renown for the success in sighting Orca (Killer Whales). If averaged over the entire season from May-October our success has been a staggering 85-90% (species specific-Orca). If you calculate sightings not being species specific (Orca & Grays, Humpbacks, Minke) our companies success is over 98%. Over the past years 5 years, Humpback Whales have been sighted very consistently May through October.
- Can we hear the whales under water? Yes, both of our boats are equipped with scientific grade under water microphones which are dropped into the water when within the vicinity of whales. Their sounds are then amplified and broadcast over a surround sound system. If we are fortunate enough to hear them as a result, you will be transported beneath the waves into their environment and truly be living in the moment.
- How do you guarantee your sightings? It is our greatest hope that all of our passengers enjoy the time they spend with us. A combination of our fast boat style, local knowledge, educated guesswork, experience, and luck, allows most of our customers a chance to see whales. If the whales are around we will know, because of our joint affiliation with an extensive ‘spotting network’. We will travel great distances to show you both the Southern Resident Killer Whale Community and many more beautiful creatures. However, unpredictability is a part of our business. Our success at Eaglewing Tours in sighting whales is an industry leading 95-98% from May - October. Guarantee program.
- How do you find the whales? This is a very intricate process which involves casting a very large 'spotting web' of information. This web includes: being a member of a professional spotting network that employs people with high powered scopes who search the surrounding areas, shore based informants, seaplane connections, sport and commercial fisherman, and constant communication with boats actively on the water.
- Where do you go to see the whales? The entire Pacific Northwest is our 'playground'. This area stretches from Victoria, to Vancouver, to Seattle, and out to Port Renfrew (west coast Vancouver Island). Often the location of the whales is determined by the whales prey availability (food), which is delicately intertwined and linked with the natural spawning cycles of this food source (salmon).
- How close do you get to the whales? We are proud members of the Whale Watching Operators Association Northwest and follow a strict set of whale watching guidelines which require us to maintain a healthy buffer zone of approx. 100 yards/meters (see 'Be Whale Wise'). 100 yards is a very realistic expectation of viewing these magnificent animals. However, sometimes in certain situations we do have close encounters when the boat is shut down and the whales approach us. One must remember that we are viewing one of the most intelligent animals in the world in it's own habitat, and a big habitat it is. From our experience they can quickly alter course of travel, out of sheer curiosity, and approach the boats because they can.
- What equipment do you supply? We supply many items so that you remember the experience, and not how uncomfortable you could be if not prepared. So we help you out a little by offering complimentary usage of: sunglasses, 45 spf. sunscreen, toques (hats), binoculars, gloves, disposable ear plugs (for those that might be wind sensitive), on board wildlife identification cards, transport Canada certified 'optional' waterproof gear->3/4 length jackets with polar fleece lined pockets/hood, and waterproof pants, (all sizes: including children).
- How should I dress? Please remember to dress warmly and be prepared for all weather conditions. Keeping in mind that the ocean air will always be cool relative to what you may be experiencing on land in the harbour. On a hot day wear pants or shorts, a T-shirt or light sweater, soft soled shoes or sandals. On a cold day dress warm with long pants, long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt or jacket. Remember that we will provide 'optional' water proof gear as well.
- Do I need to bring anything? Bring cameras, lots of film, extra clothing, water and perhaps something to snack on. Dry storage is available on-board all the boats to keep equipment extra safe on wet days. Feel free to bring additional protection for your camera equipment, i.e. dry bag or plastic bag. We also provide lots of extras.
- How many passengers go on each boat? We have two boats and each offers a first class personable experience. Our 38' Eaglewing carries 12 passengers (1 crew), while our 60' Goldwing carries 26 passengers (two crew). Both vessels offer unobstructed views of the wildlife providing unbelievable photographic opportunities.
- What about sea sickness? Generally this is not a problem on our boats. On our competitor's larger vessels people are more prone to sea sickness because your center of gravity is much higher off the surface of the water. As a result, your inner ear and brain have a much more challenging time trying to equalize (work as a team). Our boats are very stable in comparison and you have an unobstructed view of the horizon, and plenty of fresh air. As a precaution for those that are susceptible to this ailment, we would recommend that you take your favorite motion sickness medicine at least 1 hour before your journey.
- Can anyone go on your trips? Yes, almost everyone can embark on a journey of a lifetime when 'conditions' are perfect (weather, distance to whales, a persons boating experience, etc.) We have taken guests ranging from 3 months-90 years in age, pregnant women, and those with back/neck discomfort. In all cases such as these the decision is one that is made at the time of the departure with the best interest of the guest comfort in mind. But in general terms tours are not recommended for pregnant women and persons with serious neck and back problems or frail health.
- Is there parking close by? Yes, there are lots of parking options in either parkade structures or 'pay parking on the street' during business hours 7am-6pm and after 6pm parking is free. We do also for our guests convenience offer a FREE shuttle to and from your location (within city limits).
- Are there washrooms on the boats? Yes, there are full private washrooms on board both 'Eaglewing' (sports car) & 'Goldwing' (limousine).
- Where are you located? We are located in one of the most beautiful places on earth: Victoria, B.C. Our office is located at Fisherman's Wharf, by Barb's fish & chips, Grilligan's BBQ, & Jackson's Ice Cream. Down the ramp and to the right. 12 Erie Street Pier #1
