Coastal Rainforest Safaris - Whale Watching and Wildife Viewing Tours
Coastal Rainforest Safaris delivers exciting wilderness experiences rooted in the culturally rich territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Hop aboard our rigid hull inflatable (RHIB) wildlife viewing boats and explore the diverse wildlife of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the wild West Coast of Canada.
Departing from Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, we offer guests an immersive nature experience that explores our connection to the land and sea, the wildlife, and the First Nations people who have lived here since time immemorial.
Climb aboard our vessels and step into a world of rugged and untamed coastal waters and shorelines. Under the surface or around the next cove, nature awaits to inspire and amaze. Experience and connect with the diverse species of wildlife that inspired the myths and legends of the local First Nations, from the giant humpback whale to the vast rookeries of Stellar sea lions.
We are unique in our vision of building a team of people from the territory that we are guiding in. We share our local history and culture with adventurous visitors.. Authenticity is at the heart of our company and is present in everything that we do.

Departs daily at 10:00 am
From June 1 to October 1
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour

Two night packages
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Sea Otter and Whale Watching
Grizzly Bears of the Wild
Two nights at the Kwa’lilas Hotel

Departs at 7:30 am
9 to 10 Hour Tour
Scheduled Saturday departures in June and July
Private charters available throughout June, July on request
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Wildlife, Knowledge and Skill!!! Thank you again for the wonderful experience first hand to observe wildlife in their element. Andrew led a wonderful trip and shared his abundant knowledge of the area. We witnessed Sea Otters cleaning, feeding and relaxing with hands behind head, mama Humpback and calf diving deep, showing tail fins again and again, hearing each blow... Many Sheerwater... read moreThank you again for the wonderful experience first hand to observe wildlife in their element. Andrew led a wonderful trip and shared his abundant knowledge of the area. We witnessed Sea Otters cleaning, feeding and relaxing with hands behind head, mama Humpback and calf diving deep, showing tail fins again and again, hearing each blow... Many Sheerwater birds, Rhinosoraus Aucklets, and more, and Stellar Sealions on haul outs! We even had Dalls Porpoise join us at the end. What I loved most was that the animals weren't disturbed by us, that I was super warm in the outfit attire provided by CRS, and the abundance of skill and knowledge by the guide! Can't wait for my next visit!!! This is must up here! read less
Wild R. -
Outstanding sea otter and wildlife tour with Coastal Rainforest Safaris! We had a fabulous wildlife tour with Andrew! We saw dozens of sea otters, Dall's porpoises, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, seals, and orcas! Andrew is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, who went the extra mile (many miles, actually!) to locate a large pod of orcas that had been spotted in the area. It was such as bonus to see... read moreWe had a fabulous wildlife tour with Andrew! We saw dozens of sea otters, Dall's porpoises, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, seals, and orcas! Andrew is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, who went the extra mile (many miles, actually!) to locate a large pod of orcas that had been spotted in the area. It was such as bonus to see them as part of this tour. Thank you - we heartily recommend this tour! read less
debr832 -
Outstanding sea otter and wildlife tour with Coastal Rainforest Safaris! We had a fabulous wildlife tour with Andrew! We saw dozens of sea otters, Dall's porpoises, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, seals, and orcas! Andrew is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, who went the extra mile (many miles, actually!) to locate a large pod of orcas that had been spotted in the area. It was such as bonus to... read moreWe had a fabulous wildlife tour with Andrew! We saw dozens of sea otters, Dall's porpoises, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, seals, and orcas! Andrew is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, who went the extra mile (many miles, actually!) to locate a large pod of orcas that had been spotted in the area. It was such as bonus to see them as part of this tour. Thank you - we heartily recommend this tour! … read less
Deb R. -
DELIGHTFUL Evening!!! I took the three hour evening tour and it was just perfect. We saw four humpback whales, at least a dozen Dall's porpoise, many sea otters, lots of bald eagles and other birds. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The moon peaked out between the clouds on our way back into the harbour and that... read moreI took the three hour evening tour and it was just perfect. We saw four humpback whales, at least a dozen Dall's porpoise, many sea otters, lots of bald eagles and other birds. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The moon peaked out between the clouds on our way back into the harbour and that put a lovely ending to a very enjoyable trip. I highly recommend the experience. … read less
Iwannagetoff -
Trip of a lifetime! Hubby and I went on this trip last week and it's one of our new best memories! We saw humpbacks, sea lions, sea otters, porpoise, orcas and a sea wolf! Mike and Mayumi were great; Mike knows so much about his area and its history. Lunch was yummy and healthy!
Can't say enough good things about this tour, if you have... read moreHubby and I went on this trip last week and it's one of our new best memories! We saw humpbacks, sea lions, sea otters, porpoise, orcas and a sea wolf! Mike and Mayumi were great; Mike knows so much about his area and its history. Lunch was yummy and healthy!
Can't say enough good things about this tour, if you have the chance, go! read lessRachelD1977 -
Otters Everywhere!! Our day on the water with guide Tommy Child was amazing - his professionalism, traditional knowledge, and the abundance of wildlife made for an epic day. We set out of Port Hardy in a fog bank but were quickly clear of it and learning about ancient First Nations use of all that the land and waters had to offer.... read moreOur day on the water with guide Tommy Child was amazing - his professionalism, traditional knowledge, and the abundance of wildlife made for an epic day. We set out of Port Hardy in a fog bank but were quickly clear of it and learning about ancient First Nations use of all that the land and waters had to offer. We were mesmerized by Dall and Harbour porpoises, sea lions, large numbers of sea otters (our main attraction) and we finished off the day being entertained by humpback whales. I really appreciated that Tom ensured that we were leaving ample room between the boat and the animals and at no point did I feel like we were harassing them. The open zodiac tour was a lot of fun and by providing us all with buffs it ensured that we all wore masks when we weren't able to keep distant from each other. Just a stunning trip that I look forward to taking in again in the future. I strongly recommend this company. … read less
AJWheel
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
Many great sightings of whales, while on our safaris. If you’d like to check out our website, please click the link in the bio! ...
Hanging out in the Great Bear Rainforest can be exhilarating! 🎥 - @taylormichaelburk ...
Capturing Magical Moments! Hanging out with the brothers was absolutely amazing! @downtofilm @noahshumka @seawolfadventures ...
Water is life for wildlife ~ Memories is life ~ Energy is life! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #wildlife #water #ocean #healing ...
Now that #7vsWild season 3 is hitting the screens on Amazon Freevee, we're thrilled to spill the beans on our behind-the-scenes involvement this past summer. Starting at the end of November the series will also begin airing full episodes on YouTube.
Day one for the contestants kicked off with breathtaking encounters for many of the #7vsWildTeams - eagles, snakes, and wolves, oh my! 🐺 But what's in store for the contestants on the second day? 🤔 Share your guesses in the comments below!
Here are just some of the wildlife the teams may encounter. All of these photos are taken during our day trips throughout the traditional territory of the T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation, where the series was filmed.
As the series unfolds, we're eager to hear what you're hoping the teams may encounter. This season, each team is armed with video cameras equipped with impressive zoom capabilities, hopefully they will get some great wildlife shots that will leave you in awe!
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#whales #otters #sealions #seals #orcas #humpbackwhale #bears #blackbear #wolf #coastalwolf #deer #dolphins @baldeagle
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A Sea Nettle jelly seen in the shallows during one of our tours this past summer. Beautiful to watch, but their sting can be painful. While our gueats often join us looking for larger marine mammals, it is often the small surprises that really make the trip memorable.
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#jelly #seanettle #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #explorevancouverisland @explorebc #indigenoustourismbc #vancouverisland
#7vswild ...
🐋🦦🐻 Exciting News! 🐻🦦🐋
Our 2024 "Whales, Otter, and Grizzly Bears" package is now available to book online! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure like never before.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as you encounter majestic whales, playful otters, and awe-inspiring grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
🗓️ Book your spot now. Spaces are limited, so don't wait too long!
👉 Click the link in our bio to learn more. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!
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#whalewatching #bearviewing #wildlifephotography #whales #otters #humpbackwhale #grizzlybears #visitporthardy #vancouverisland #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #explorevancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada ...
Kwikw - bald eagle. Did you know that there are many traditional governances amongst the First Nations, on the BC Coast, that attribute to the iconic bald eagle? #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada #baldeagle ...
This has to be it! These moments never get old! #humpbackwhale #whale #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada ...
Sunset viewing, a rare but amazing experience! Paying tribute to what brings us life, the T̕łisa̱la. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #sunset #sun #life ...
Ever see a humpback catch juvenile herring? Many many magical days with Coastal Rainforest safaris! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #humpbackwhale #gonorthisland #indigenoustourism #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada ...
Nice to get visited by our ancestor G̱wa̱'ya̱m! #humpback #humpbackwhale #whale #tlatlasikwalaterritory ...