Vancouver Island Birding Tours

A great tour of local wildlife! I took the 6hr tour from 10-4 and it was great. I don't expect any guides to produce wildlife for guests. I just expect that they put us in a position to see wildlife using their knowledge of the area. In this case our guide fully delivered. We saw a large pod of orcas, sea otters, 5-6 humpback whales, pacific... read moreI took the 6hr tour from 10-4 and it was great. I don't expect any guides to produce wildlife for guests. I just expect that they put us in a position to see wildlife using their knowledge of the area. In this case our guide fully delivered. We saw a large pod of orcas, sea otters, 5-6 humpback whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, bald eagles and a sea lions. Everything you could want in 6hrs. Also very knowledgeable about the indigenous cultures and traditions in the area. The boat ride was really smooth as well and a great lunch was provided. read less

Brilliant day out Had an unbelievable tour with Andrew! We were so fortunate to see a few whales breaching and all the animals we had seen along the way were just amazing! Andrew and his team run these tours incredibly and his genuine love for these tours makes it all the better! I would definitely recommend this tour if your looking for... read moreHad an unbelievable tour with Andrew! We were so fortunate to see a few whales breaching and all the animals we had seen along the way were just amazing! Andrew and his team run these tours incredibly and his genuine love for these tours makes it all the better! I would definitely recommend this tour if your looking for a more detailed and personal adventure. … read less

Fun, informative and professional We had a wonderful time today with Andrew our guide, visiting the islands, coves and waters around Port Hardy. Andrew (one of the owners of the company) was a terrific host and guide, as he was very safety oriented, respectful of the wildlife and knowledgeable about the area. We saw Humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles... read moreWe had a wonderful time today with Andrew our guide, visiting the islands, coves and waters around Port Hardy. Andrew (one of the owners of the company) was a terrific host and guide, as he was very safety oriented, respectful of the wildlife and knowledgeable about the area. We saw Humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and many birds, as well as breathtaking scenery. Lunch was a bonus, with a healthy salad, well made sandwich and home baked cookie, with your choice of hot beverage. This was one of the highlights of our three week Island tour - highly recommend. Great value for the money spent. A shout out to Zoe in the office as well - she was very friendly and helpful. Thanks! … read less

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

Exciting!!! This day trip was so much fun! William was able to keep us safe & calm amid rough water while still looking out for mammals for us to see! we were lucky enough to see humpbacks, orcas, otters and more. we appreciated that once we had been around an animal for a bit, we drove off and didn’t overstay... read moreThis day trip was so much fun! William was able to keep us safe & calm amid rough water while still looking out for mammals for us to see! we were lucky enough to see humpbacks, orcas, otters and more. we appreciated that once we had been around an animal for a bit, we drove off and didn’t overstay our welcome. Anna back at the shop was super friendly and helpful. we felt grateful that Andrew, one of the owners, came along and shared his knowledge and stories with us. Special thanks to Zoe, who was absolutely incredible over email and helped me book everything that made our trip special, offering her advice and knowledge along the way. thank you for having us. … read less

Beautiful sea life adventure and tour! The experience was first class all the way. Captain William, guides Tyler and Ann were great hosts and knowledgeable. The flora, fauna and sea life unbeatable. We had great weather too! Thank you Coastal Rainforest Safaris.

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

Spectacular wildlife experience Wow, did this trip deliver! Although the weather did not fully co-operate, we saw 2 black bears, hundreds of sea lions, 20+ sea otters, 2 minke whales, 28 northern resident orcas, 4 humpback whales, and Dall porpoises . Organization of the trip was very good and their equipment excellent. Covid-19 practices were also very good.... read moreWow, did this trip deliver! Although the weather did not fully co-operate, we saw 2 black bears, hundreds of sea lions, 20+ sea otters, 2 minke whales, 28 northern resident orcas, 4 humpback whales, and Dall porpoises . Organization of the trip was very good and their equipment excellent. Covid-19 practices were also very good. Spectacular trip! … read less

Incredible day on the water! Loved the small boat experience, only 8 of us passengers and it was perfect - we all had prime seating, and the ability to move around and to chat with the guide. Our guide (/owner) Andrew was incredibly knowledgable about the area, the wildlife, the history, and daily life. He led us on a 6-hour tour through open channels and... read moreLoved the small boat experience, only 8 of us passengers and it was perfect - we all had prime seating, and the ability to move around and to chat with the guide. Our guide (/owner) Andrew was incredibly knowledgable about the area, the wildlife, the history, and daily life. He led us on a 6-hour tour through open channels and small inlets, checking in regularly to make sure the experience was tailored to us. We ended up seeing 15+ orcas rubbing on the beach (so rare to see!), and with Andrew's hydrophone in the water, we had such a surreal experience as we stood in awe for almost an hour while listening to their noises and the sound of the stones. We also saw a lot of sea otters, and a couple of humpbacks from the distance. Lunch was more delicious than I could have expected - it was all fresh and healthy, with homemade cookies for dessert, and with nearly zero waste which was impressive. The weather wasn't great but it didn't matter - it's a west coast experience and these guys do it right! read less

Lifetime experience I highly recommend doing a tour with Coastal Rainforest Safaris! They obey the Covid-19 rules and It was a pleasure to listen to Mike. Beside the tour he also told us more about life in the sea and Indigenous history. We really enjoyed and Mike made sure we took great photos!

Amazing!! We had a great afternoon trip with CRS, and would highly recommend it to all of our family and friends. We saw sea lions, porpoises, eagles and lots of Sea Otters which were what we were most hoping to see! The boat was comfortable and our driver was awesome!!

Incredible day on the water! Loved the small boat experience, only 8 of us passengers and it was perfect - we all had prime seating, and the ability to move around and to chat with the guide. Our guide (/owner) Andrew was incredibly knowledgable about the area, the wildlife, the history, and daily life. He led us on a 6-hour tour through open channels... read moreLoved the small boat experience, only 8 of us passengers and it was perfect - we all had prime seating, and the ability to move around and to chat with the guide. Our guide (/owner) Andrew was incredibly knowledgable about the area, the wildlife, the history, and daily life. He led us on a 6-hour tour through open channels and small inlets, checking in regularly to make sure the experience was tailored to us. We ended up seeing 15+ orcas rubbing on the beach (so rare to see!), and with Andrew's hydrophone in the water, we had such a surreal experience as we stood in awe for almost an hour while listening to their noises and the sound of the stones. We also saw a lot of sea otters, and a couple of humpbacks from the distance. Lunch was more delicious than I could have expected - it was all fresh and healthy, with homemade cookies for dessert, and with nearly zero waste which was impressive. The weather wasn't great but it didn't matter - it's a west coast experience and these guys do it right! … read less

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

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

An amazing birthday present! I had an incredible day on the water viewing wildlife with Coastal Rainforest Safaris! I enjoyed the scenery and all the amazing wildlife, especially the whales. The staff were knowledgeable and followed all the recommendations for COVID-19 protocol. Lunch was delicious and I felt comfortable and safe on the water. It was a wonderful day and I highly recommend... read moreI had an incredible day on the water viewing wildlife with Coastal Rainforest Safaris! I enjoyed the scenery and all the amazing wildlife, especially the whales. The staff were knowledgeable and followed all the recommendations for COVID-19 protocol. Lunch was delicious and I felt comfortable and safe on the water. It was a wonderful day and I highly recommend this trip! read less