Can’t find your date, tour, or enough seats? We run tours all year—click here to see more options. Want a private trip? Call us to book a charter.
Overview
Embark on the ultimate birdwatching adventures of 2026!
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world where the sky meets the sea and the air is filled with the sounds of some of the planet’s most extraordinary bird species? Whether you’re an experienced birder, an avid photographer seeking elusive pelagic species, or just beginning your birding journey, 2026 brings the perfect opportunity for you to explore the incredible avian life of the Salish Sea—one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth!
In partnership with the Rocky Point Bird Observatory (RPBO), we’re thrilled to offer five exclusive birdwatching tours that will take you to the heart of the Salish Sea’s most coveted birding hotspots. These unforgettable excursions offer you unparalleled access to a thriving world of seabirds, marine life and jaw-dropping vistas.
Feel good! 5% of gross revenue is donated back to the RPBO to help support the great work they do in and around the Greater Victoria region and the Salish Sea.
Why the Salish Sea?
A coastal wonderland, the Salish Sea is an ecological treasure where nutrient-rich tidal waters create a dynamic feeding ground for over 170 species of birds. From windswept rocky reefs and lush kelp forests to sheltered estuaries, these diverse habitats provide a home for migratory birds, nesting seabirds, and pelagic species. This is birdwatching at its wildest—with opportunities to witness feeding frenzies, rare migratory species, and the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Join us for a tour in 2026!
Get ready for an adventure like no other aboard our luxury semi-covered catamaran, 4 Ever Wild, as we take you on epic birdwatching journeys. With an RPBO expert onboard for each tour, you’ll learn about bird identification, conservation challenges, and the fascinating life histories of the species we encounter. And because birding is all about flexibility, we’ll follow the birds, ensuring an experience that’s full of surprises! We’ll go where the birds are!
Spaces are limited, so book your adventure today and make 2026 the year you experience the Salish Sea like never before!
- We are committed to providing a supportive, safe and welcoming environment that ensures respect and dignity for all employees and guests. Please see our Code of Conduct, which outlines our expectations from guests to help us meet our high standard of service.
- We welcome explorers of all abilities and backgrounds. As a proud supporter of Indigenous tourism and committed to DEIA and accessibility, we strive to create barrier-free, inclusive journeys that honour both nature and culture.
Upcoming tours
Active Pass and Islands to the East
- When: April 11th, 2026
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 6+ hours
- Cost: $225
- Target Species: Bonaparte’s Gull, Pacific Loon, Surfbird, Brandt’s Cormorant
Prepare for a breathtaking adventure as we cruise through Active Pass—a globally recognized Important Bird Area for the Bonaparte’s Gull, Pacific Loon and Brandt’s Cormorant. Get up close to tidal upwellings that bring marine organisms to the surface, attracting hundreds and sometimes thousands of hungry seabirds. We hope to explore rugged, rarely birded spots like the Belle Chain Islets and Tumbo Island, known for hosting large numbers of migratory shorebirds. Time permitting, we’ll make several other birding stops on our way back to Victoria. This is a wild, dynamic tour packed with action!
Select the April 11th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
Here are the E-bird checklists from this tour in 2025:
Race Rocks & Surrounding Area (Spring)
- When: May 12th & 17th, 2026
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 4+ hours
- Cost: $159
- Target Species: Caspian Tern, Harlequin Duck, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone
Get ready for a seabird safari as we cruise west past the Esquimalt Migratory Bird Sanctuary and cruise the waters near historic Race Rocks Lighthouse—a hub for marine birds, seals and sea lions! To help mark Victoria Bird Week, you’ll have the chance to spot iconic species and experience a true wild place. We’ll also explore the waters of nearby Whirl and Becher Bays, known for attracting flocks of migratory birds. Then if sea conditions permit, we’ll move further out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca to search for deeper-water birds or head east toward Trial island and Oak Bay, crossing Constance Bank.
Select the May 17th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
Here are the E-bird checklists from this tour in 2025:
Islands of Northern Haro Strait
- When: June 14th, 2026
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 4+ hours
- Cost: $179
- Target Species: Nesting cormorants (3 species), Pigeon Guillemot, gulls
Let the birding action unfold as we explore the sheltered northern waters of Haro Strait. This tour is ideal for birders wanting to hone their ID skills on breeding plumage seabirds. With stops at key feeding, resting and breeding areas like Oak Bay, Sidney Spit and Mandarte Island—the largest seabird nesting colony in the Canadian Salish Sea—this is an unparalleled chance to see and learn about some of our region’s most fascinating bird populations!
Select the June 14th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
Here are the E-bird checklists from this tour in 2025:
Smith Island & Surrounding Banks
- When: August 16th, 23rd, & 30th plus September 6th, 13th & 20th (6 options available) 2026
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 6+ hours
- Cost: $249
- Target Species: Tufted Puffin, Horned Puffin, Manx Shearwater
Looking for puffins and pelagic species? Join us as we head southeast to Smith Island in Washington State—a secluded breeding ground for Tufted Puffins and (rarely) Horned Puffins. As we scan the shallow waters of nearby Hein, Partridge, Eastern or Coyote Banks, you’ll get the chance to witness the thrilling spectacle of seabirds foraging in the nutrient-rich waters. Keep your eyes peeled for swirling clouds of feeding seabirds, known as baitballs. You may even spot a minke whale or two!
Select the August 16, 23, 30th or September 6, 13, 20th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
Here are the E-bird checklists from this tour in 2025:
Swiftsure Bank /ƛ ̓ušiiʔaaʔaq (Fall)
- When: September 26th
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 10+ hours
- Cost: $575
- Target Species: Black-footed Albatross, Pink-footed Shearwater, Northern Fulmar, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Sabine’s Gull, South Polar Skua
- “Wildcat 4” our open boat is being used NOT our covered boat
Explore with us farther than we’ve ever gone before as we venture far west from Victoria at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and search for some of the most oceanic birds on the planet. Many incredible birds are drawn to these food-rich waters, including some of the highest densities of Pink-footed Shearwater in the country, and nearly the entire Pacific population of Sabine’s Gull. We’ll also be looking to catch up to pelagic species such as Black-footed Albatross (while also looking for Laysan and Short-tailed!). If you’re looking for more than just birds, this bank has also hosted species such as humpback whale, killer whale, fin whale, and Risso’s dolphin, as well as on rare occasions Hubb’s beaked whale (2018), sperm whale (2007, 2023-2024), and North Pacific right whale (2013), and at least five species of shark.
Special Note: This is unlike any of our other trips in length, distance from shore, and conditions. We will be out toward the continental shelf in an open top vessel subject to rain, waves and rocking motion. Individuals who are susceptible to seasickness should take this into consideration. Barring a medical emergency, we cannot turn back for seasickness. Additionally, due to unpredictable weather, the trip may be rescheduled or cancelled. We have tentatively blocked off September 27 (Sunday) and October 3 (the following Saturday) if weather on the proposed date makes it unsafe for us to go to ƛ ̓ušiiʔaaʔaq / Swiftsure. In the event of cancellation we will contact you as soon as possible. We will be reviewing and watching the weather closely several days leading up to this tour.
Select the September 26th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
WATCH FOR E-BIRD CHECKLISTS FOLLOWING THE TOUR
Race Rocks & Juan de Fuca Strait (Fall)
- When: NEW – due to popular demand – Sunday October 4th
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC
- Time: 8:00 a.m. departure, 6+ hours
- Cost: $249
- Target Species: Red-necked Phalarope, Parasitic Jaeger, Short-tailed Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater
Experience the fall migration in full swing! As we cruise the waters near historic Race Rocks Lighthouse, prepare for swirling clouds of feeding seabirds and—further offshore—the chance to spot some of the region’s rarest pelagic species. Along the way, we may encounter lunge-feeding humpback whales, hundreds of seals and sea lions, huge flocks of migrating seabirds, and the beauty of fall on the Salish Sea—an experience that is as unforgettable as it is awe-inspiring!
Select the October 4th on the calendar (upper right on page) and BOOK this tour – very limited space
*COMPLETED TOURS:
Here are the E-bird checklists from this tour in 2025:
Why choose our tours?
Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most spectacular birding regions, with expert guidance and an adventurous spirit.
We go where the birds are, ensuring an unpredictable and thrilling experience.
We keep tours intimate, providing you with personal, up-close views of our feathered friends.
The RPBO is a non-profit Victoria-based organization dedicated to the conservation of migratory birds through monitoring, scientific research and public education. As a member of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network, the RPBO collects vital data on bird populations and trends across southern Vancouver Island and beyond—giving you access to the best birding expertise in the region!
FAQ
Our marine-based guided expeditions explore the Salish Sea in search of whales and other marine wildlife. Located in Victoria on southern Vancouver Island, BC, we’re a locally owned and family-operated company offering an exclusive, educational, eco-friendly experience for the discerning traveller. We offer you the chance to witness some of nature’s most majestic and awe-inspiring creatures in one of the most impressive settings on Earth. A treasure trove of diverse marine wildlife awaits you!
We’re located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth—Victoria! Our floating office is located at historic Fisherman’s Wharf. Look for the colourful mural of whales and wildlife wrapped around our floating building! We’re close to the entrance ramp to the wharf, just take a right at the bottom by Barb’s Fish & Chips. We’re on the other side of Smoke & Anchor, across from Jackson’s Ice Cream. There are several other great eateries on the wharf too. Don’t worry, whale watching builds a healthy appetite! Historic Fisherman’s Wharf is located near the entrance to Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 12 Erie Street, Pier #2.
We use two different versions of an “offshore hull design” (scarab) and two high-performance twin-hull catamarans. These styles of vessels have been used all over the world for search and rescue operations, high-performance offshore racing and military applications because of their ability to blend safety and comfort with stability and speed. We’re the originators of these vessel styles within the whale watching industry. They’re comfortable, exciting and safe! Learn more about our boats here.
Please be aware that we’ll do our best to accommodate your choice of vessel, but reserve the right to consolidate tours and vessels if we don’t get minimum numbers.
It’s smooth, dry (mostly) and exhilarating! But as we all know, Mother Nature can sometimes kick it up a notch and when she does it’s crucial that you’re prepared for your whale watching experience. Comfort is a prime directive at Eagle Wing. Simply stated: if you aren’t comfortable you’ll not enjoy yourself, and that’s not acceptable with us. Tours are cancelled when sea conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable.
If you would like to support our business, please consider booking a tour or buy a gift card for later use! You can also donate to our not-for-profit Wild 4 Whales Foundation.
Included in the Specialty Birdwatching Tours
What to bring
Private charters
Are you looking for a wildlife experience without the crowds? For the discerning traveler we offer private charters, with the option of setting your own agenda. Contact us and we’ll begin personalizing your West Coast experience today!
Your purchase matters!
$6 of every ticket supports local wildlife
First introduced in 2013, our Wildlife Fee raises money to directly support the southern resident killer whales and conservation in the Salish Sea. All of the money raised is donated directly to the Wild 4 Whales Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, The Center for Whale Research, and over 25 other local marine research and educational organizations.
Industry leaders since 2011 for environment protection
As Victoria’s first whale watching tour operator to become a proud business member of 1% For the Planet, we happily contribute one percent of our gross revenues to non-profit groups dedicated to the pursuit of sustainability and environmental protection.
Company of Many Firsts
We set the standard for responsible whale watching and ecotourism, leading with
conservation, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to marine stewardship. This drives positive change!
Important Information
Accessibility
This is an inclusive experience open to people of all abilities. We can accommodate a wheelchair on 4 Ever Wild, if you have accessibility or mobility challenges, please contact our customer service representatives. They will do everything in their power to help you safely and comfortably enjoy your adventure with us!
Cancellation policy
Our usual cancellation policy is 48 hours before your tour. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can pop up. If this happens, we kindly request that you communicate with us via phone or email as soon as possible!
- minimum numbers are required to confirm this departure time
Reviews
Specialty Birdwatching Tours
Can’t find the date or tour product you’re looking for? We operate year-round – CLICK HERE for additional availability.
