May 18
What a way to start the season.
Our regular season does not fully begin until May 30, but we have the occasional trip running before then — and last week’s first official trip of the season delivered a true coastal safari.
Within the first 15 minutes, we came across two coastal wolves foraging along the tide line. Not long after, we found the first of three humpback whales seen that day, including one that breached and tail slapped repeatedly.
As the day continued, we visited Steller sea lions, watched rafts of sea otters — many with young pups — and saw seabirds, bald eagles, and harbour seals along the way.
And just when it felt like the day could not offer much more, we ended with a black bear feeding along the rocks at low tide.
Coastal wolves, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, seals, and a black bear — all on our first trip of the season.
Our next trip runs May 23, followed by the start of our regular season day trips on May 30.
Learn more or book online using the links in our bio.
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#CoastalWolves #SeaOtters #HumpbackWhales #SeaWolves #Wolves #WhaleWatching #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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May 14
Most people picture dolphins in warm tropical waters, but here on the BC coast we often encounter Pacific white-sided dolphins. Fast, playful, and full of energy in their natural northern habitat.
Often travelling in social groups and moving swiftly through the waves, they bring an incredible energy to every encounter and are always a memorable sight out on the water.
Join us on the water and experience these incredible animals where they belong, wild, free, and right here in British Columbia.
#PacificWhitesidedDolphins #SeaOtters #WhaleWatching #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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May 13
Eagles are a common and quite memorable sight on our tours. Our skippers keep a close eye out for congregations of eagles, as they’re often drawn to schools of herring... and where there’s feeding activity, whales are frequently not far behind! 🐋
Watching it unfold is a truly lively and exciting spectacle: the eagles circling and diving, the water coming alive with bait fish, and the anticipation of what might appear next.
Summer is almost here, send us a DM or check out the link in our bio to secure your spot today!
#baldeagles #eagles #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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May 1
In three weeks, we`ll be back on the water, doing what we love most 🐋 🦦
We can`t wait to welcome you all for another amazing season on the water. It`s been an exciting winter working on refining our trips, updating our boats, and adding a new multi-day experience to the lineup!
We are so excited about our September Wildlife Spectacular, is it is the ultimate way to maximize your opportunities of seeing a wide range of coastal wildlife. Whether you`re a wildlife photographer or a nature enthusiast, this trip has it all and we`re lucky to be able to offer it to you!
Here’s to the 2026 season, see you out there. 🌊
#SeaOtters #WhaleWatching #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 30
Join us on the BC coast during peak wildlife season, when the ocean is alive with movement and possibility. From humpback whales and orcas to sea otters and coastal wolves, every moment offers something extraordinary, and no two days are ever the same.
We’ll explore remote inlets, ancient rainforest shorelines, and the open Pacific, with long days on the water designed for those who want to truly immerse themselves in nature. And if conditions align, an offshore pelagic adventure could bring us face-to-face with some of the ocean’s rarest and most awe-inspiring species, such as fin whales, northern fur seals & more.
This is more than a trip, it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
📸 Limited to just 8 guests
🐋 Peak wildlife activity
🌲 Intimate, immersive, and wild
Ready to experience it for yourself? Click the link in our bio to secure your spot!
#SeaOtters #WhaleWatching #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 29
Sea otters have a pretty specialized (and impressive) way of eating sea urchins.
They’re one of the few animals that can consistently crack them open, and they do it using tools and technique:
🌊 They pick them up from the seafloor using their front paws and sensitive whiskers to locate them in kelp beds.
🦦 They bring them to the surface, often floating on their backs.
🪨 They use a rock as a “hammer” or anvil, either resting it on their chest or on their belly.
💔 Then they smash the urchin open against the rock until it breaks apart.
🍴 Finally, they eat the soft, nutrient-rich parts inside.
Their loose skin under the arms actually helps here, it acts like a built-in pocket so they can carry food and their favourite rock while floating.
It’s one of the reasons sea otters are considered a keystone species: by eating urchins, they help protect kelp forests from being overgrazed.
Join us on our Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching Tour for your chance to witness this incredible wildlife spectacle firsthand (link in bio)!
#SeaOtters #WhaleWatching #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 28
Ever wondered what a rock concert sounds like in the wild?
Meet the Steller sea lions, and yes, they are very vocal about their day. 🦭
Those open-mouthed “yells” aren’t yawns… they’re calls, barks, and roars carrying across the shoreline. It’s their way of checking in, staking out space, and keeping the whole colony in the loop (whether everyone asked for it or not).
Next time you see a haul-out like this, imagine a very salty, very opinionated neighbourhood group chat, just considerably louder and with better views.
Have you ever been to a Steller sea lion rock concert? Swipe to the end of the post to listen in (make sure your sound is on!).
👀 Spotted on one of our Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching Tours.
#WhaleWatching #SeaOtters #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 25
Friendly PSA: our tour prices increase on May 1st.
If you’ve been thinking about a summer wildlife adventure, this is your nudge to lock in current rates and secure your spot now.
Join us on the water for unforgettable encounters with sea otters, whales, puffins, pelagic birds, and more in the coastal rainforest.
Book via the link in our bio 🐋 🦦
#WhaleWatching #SeaOtters #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 20
Our Puffin and Seabird Tours are filling fast.
We only offer a limited number of these special birding departures each summer, and several dates are already full or nearly full.
Prices increase on May 1, so book before then to secure your spot at the current rate.
*UPDATED
2026 departures:
June 6 — Full
June 20 — Full
July 4 — Full
July 18 — Full
July 25 — 2 spots available
August 1 — Full
Join us as we travel through the traditional territories of the T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation on a full day exploring remote waters and islands off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island in search of puffins, seabirds, and incredible offshore scenery.
Book through the link in our bio.
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#Puffins #HornedPuffin #TuftedPuffin #Seabirds #BCBirdTrail #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #indigenousbc
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Apr 15
We can’t wait to get back on the water for our regular season starting May 30.
We’re so excited, in fact, that we’ve opened up an extra Sea Otter and Whale Watching tour a week early.
You can now book a special early-season departure on Saturday, May 23.
If there’s enough interest, we may open a couple more early-season dates too.
Come join us for a spring day on the water with the chance to see sea otters, sea lions, whales, seabirds, and more along the wild northern Vancouver Island coast.
#WhaleWatching #SeaOtters #HumpbackWhales #SeaLions #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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Apr 11
We’re excited to be donating a Sea Otter Viewing & Whale Watching Tour for 2 (valued at $756) to the @mersociety auction 🐋🦦,
The link to bid on the auction item is in our bio. Bidding closes at 7:00pm PDT, Apr 12, 2026.
Join us on the waters of northern Vancouver Island as we search for humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, and other incredible marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
By supporting the MERS auction, you’re helping fund vital research, education, and conservation efforts that protect marine mammals along the BC coast and beyond 💙
Place your bid for a chance to win this unforgettable experience and help make a difference for the ocean we all share.
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#SeaOtter #HumpbackWhale #Sealion #Auction #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #indigenousbc
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Apr 10
Did you know humpback whales have the longest pectoral fins of any whale?
These long flippers can reach about one-third of their body length, making them one of the humpback’s most distinctive features. They help with steering and maneuvering, may also help humpbacks corral prey while feeding, and are sometimes used in dramatic surface displays.
Clusters of barnacles are often visible along the edges of these impressive fins, and humpbacks can also carry whale lice, tiny crustaceans that live among the barnacles.
Out on the water with Coastal Rainforest Safaris, details like these are part of what make every humpback encounter so memorable. Powerful, graceful, and full of fascinating adaptations, humpbacks are always a highlight of our season..
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#humpbackwhale #WhaleWatching #WhaleFacts #visitporthardy #GoNorthIsland #vancouverisland #indigenousbc
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