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
What to expect on your summer whale watching tour...
We’re proud to lead the industry in whale sightings with a 98% success rate on our summer whale watching tours!
Choose from our OPEN BOAT tour options, both with onboard washrooms. Our summer day tours are 3.5 to 4 hours—the most comprehensive whale and wildlife tour available in the industry! We provide you with more than just a “look at the whales.” Many of you have travelled a great distance, and we look forward to exceeding your high expectations!
Our team is excited to share everything our natural treasure chest has to offer. With every departure we go above and beyond, maximizing guest satisfaction and overall comfort. We deliver the WOW factor by making multiple wildlife stops, and providing world-class interpretation and personalized service!
- 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.
- We operate two exceptional open boats—Wildcat 4 and Goldwing. The vessel for your tour will depend on the day’s weather and guest numbers to provide a safe, comfortable, and memorable adventure.
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
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!
Whale viewing guidelines
Please understand that when we’re viewing the whales and other marine wildlife we’re guests in their home. It’s our responsibility to follow a strict set of viewing guidelines to respect their natural life processes. Yes, the whales can get close occasionally because they don’t know the rules, but they can also be far away in some instances.
- We’re asked to maintain 200 metres in Canadian waters / 200 yards in American waters from Bigg’s killer whales; 100 metres for baleen whales such as humpback, minke and grey whales. We don’t view the endangered southern resident killer whales.
- If the whales are along the San Juan Island shoreline then we maintain either 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile around Lime Kiln Park.
- There are two vessel no-go zones near Pender and Saturna Islands.
- For all other islands in the Salish Sea (over 419 of them!) we maintain at least 200 metres (220 yards) if whales are inshore of us.
- Most of the time, the whales are out far enough from shore for us to view them at the minimum regulatory distances.
- Bring a good camera with a telephoto lens!
Reviews
Half Day Whale Watching Open Boat
Can’t find the date or tour product you’re looking for? We operate year-round – CLICK HERE for additional availability.
