September Wildlife Spectacular
Join us for an immersive four-day marine wildlife expedition during what is typically one of the most active times of the year for coastal wildlife. This special small-group departure — limited to just 8 participants — provides more space on board our 12 passenger vessels and outstanding opportunities for photography.
Our journey will take us through stunning island passages, ancient rainforests, remote inlets, and the open Pacific, exploring a variety of marine habitats. We’ll search for sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, Steller sea lions, and — if we’re fortunate — rarer marine species and even coastal wolves along the shoreline. Early September often offers the most diverse wildlife viewing of the season, as many species are actively feeding, migrating, or preparing for seasonal transitions.
To make the most of each day, we’ll depart early in the morning and may spend up to 10 hours on the water, covering a wide range of coastal habitats. Weather permitting, one day will be dedicated to an offshore pelagic adventure, exploring deep underwater canyons where nutrient-rich upwellings attract rare and remarkable marine life. Past highlights have included fin whales, northern fur seals, a rare sperm whale sighting, mola molas (ocean sunfish), and pelagic seabirds such as albatrosses, shearwaters, and storm-petrels.
Tour Highlights
- Exclusive Small Group – Limited to just 8 participants for more space, comfort, and exceptional photography opportunities
- Peak Wildlife Season – September often offers the most diverse sightings of the year
- Full Days on the Water – Depart early and explore for up to 10 hours each day, covering a wide range of habitats
- Diverse Wildlife – Search for sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, and possibly coastal wolves
- Rarely Visited Areas – One full day offshore pelagic adventure (weather permitting) to explore deep underwater canyons
- Rare Wildlife Encounters – Potential sightings of fin whales, northern fur seals, and even sperm whales
- Seabird Spectacle – If we go offshore, spot pelagic species such as albatrosses, shearwaters, and storm-petrels
- Accommodation Included – Five nights at the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy, plus snacks, drinks, and light lunches each day (dinners are not included)
- Advanced Vessels – Purpose-built for comfort and range, our custom-designed boats feature individual shock-mitigating seats, allowing us to traverse vast areas efficiently and comfortably, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities
Dates: 2026 dates to be determined
Prices: $3,950 CAD per person (based on double occupancy) / $4,650 CAD per person (single occupancy)
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Tour Details
- Minimum age of 17 years old. Passengers 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Tours depart from Coastal Rainforest Safari’s office at 7185 Market Street in Port Hardy, BC on Northern Vancouver Island.
- We have an orientation meeting on August 31 at 7:00 pm at our office to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a waiver.
- Our open RHIB vessels have comfortable seats on shock mitigating platforms and an on-board toilet.
- RHIBs are not suitable for people with a history of back or neck injuries, recent surgery, or are pregnant.
- Please dress warmly. You will be provided with two-piece flotation suits, warm hats, goggles, and binoculars.
- Plenty of wildlife photography opportunities are available but please do not bring tripods on board.
What Sets Us Apart?
The natural world is a tapestry of awe-inspiring wonders, requiring a unique approach to truly bring its essence to life. Our tours are crafted not only for observation but for connection, comprehension, and conservation of the intricate ecosystems we explore. We pledge an expedition that honors the natural world, offering a close encounter with the wildlife that dwells within it.
While we aim to showcase the richness of wildlife in every tour, the unpredictability of nature means sightings can vary. Nevertheless, we guarantee moments of wonder, be it through the playful frolics of sea otters, the collective might of sea lions, or the spectacular breaches of humpback whales.
A portion of revenue from each tour goes to Conservation and Cultural Stewardship programs on and around northern Vancouver Island. These include the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) conservation fund, salmon restoration projects, Indigenous cultural programs, and Indigenous tourism training programs.
