Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching Tour
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the wildlife-rich waters, islands, and shores off the northern edge of Vancouver Island. Our Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching tour is more than just a trip; it’s an immersive exploration into the essence of nature’s unmatched splendor, guided by the timeless rhythms of the sea and the gentle whispers of the cedar forests.
Tour Highlights
- Duration: A comprehensive experience lasting 5 ½ to 6 hours, designed to immerse you fully in the wonders of the natural world. Lunch, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided.
- Abundant and Diverse Wildlife: Opportunities to encounter humpback whales, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, orcas, Steller sea lions, bald eagles, and diverse seabirds, each in their natural settings.
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Travel through the territories of numerous Kwakwakaʼwakw First Nations, where the sea meets the rainforest, creating landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
- Cultural Insight and Expert Navigation: Our guides, deeply passionate about wildlife, the local ecosystems, and the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and history, offer unparalleled insights, guiding you to prime locations for wildlife observation.
- Advanced Vessels: Our commitment to comfort is unrivaled. Our custom made vessels are specifically designed with individual shock mitigating seats to traverse vast areas efficiently and comfortably, maximizing your opportunities to encounter the diverse wildlife that thrives in these waters.
Tour Details
- Minimum age of 10 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.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a waiver. At the office, your guide will provide a safety briefing plus an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short one minute walk from our office.
- 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.
- Lunch, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided.
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.
Departs daily at 10:00 am
From June 1 to October 1
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
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Adult: $340
Child (10 to 16): $310
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Private Charter: $3400
Enjoy peace of mind with our all-inclusive tour prices! No additional fees or surprise surcharges at checkout—just a mandatory 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Tour Details
- Minimum age of 10 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.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the tour’s departure time to be outfitted in floater suits and sign a waiver. At the office, your guide will provide a safety briefing plus an overview of the tour and area we will be exploring. The boat is docked a short one minute walk from our office.
- 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.
- Lunch, soft drinks, and hot drinks are provided on our 5 ½ to 6 hour tours.
Port Hardy Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
Whales and landscapes! It’s getting to be about that time where you should be thinking about booking your experiences on the north Island. Check out our website to find different options on how you can get out on the water with us! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #wildlifeplanet #indigenousbc #explorebc
The Humpback we call Celly spotted in the territory this past season. Humpback whales have made leaps towards reestablishing their presence in our traditional areas. The connection to these gentle giants have been made for millennia and we are grateful to keep this going! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #humpbackwhale 🐋 #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #indigenoustourism
Otters, whales, and wolves. Oh my!
Gift certificates are available on our website. Link in bio.
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#whalewatching #seaotter #orca #humpbackwhale #wolf #puffin #wildlife #gonorthisland #indigenousbc
Photography Tours in the Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This remote, lush region offers opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and cultural stories. With its ancient cedars, mist-shrouded fjords, and glassy waters, every frame tells a story of untouched wilderness. Photography tours often focus on intimate encounters with humpback whales, orcas, grizzly bears, and coastal wolves, providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to document these moments.
On a boat-based tour, the interplay of light and water often creates breathtaking compositions as humpbacks breach against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains or glide through calm seas. The silence and serenity of the rainforest amplify the beauty, enabling photographers to connect deeply with the environment.
These experiences aren’t just about capturing images—they’re about fostering a profound appreciation for this unique ecosystem. For many, these tours are transformative, as they combine the thrill of wildlife encounters with a growing understanding of the importance of conservation and stewardship of these precious lands and waters.
With skilled guides, such as those at Sea Wolf Adventures and Coastal Rainforest Safaris, guests not only leave with unforgettable photographs but also with a deeper connection to the natural and cultural heritage of the Great Bear Rainforest. #seawolfadventures #coastalrainforestsafaris #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #indigenousbc #goindigenous
It’s as simple as this: The overall impression is one of peace and tranquility, capturing a moment of serenity in the otter’s natural habitat! #seaotter #cuteness #otter #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverisland #vancouverislandwildlife #indigenousbc #explorebc #explorecanada
The orca, known as max̱’inux̱w in the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw language, holds a profound place in the culture and traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people of the Pacific Northwest. Revered as protectors of the ocean and messengers between realms, orcas are seen as kin to humans, embodying power, unity, and family bonds. Their graceful movements through the waters of the Great Bear Rainforest are a reminder of the interconnectedness between people, land, and sea. For the Kwakwaka’wakw, orcas are not just creatures of the ocean—they are ancestors and teachers, inspiring stories, songs, and art that continue to celebrate their significance. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorth #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc #goindigenous #orca
Bald eagles are significant to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, symbolizing strength, leadership, and connection to the spiritual world. These majestic birds, with their striking white heads and powerful presence, are common in the Great Bear Rainforest. They are often depicted in Kwakwaka’wakw art and stories, embodying wisdom and respect for the natural world. Bald eagles play an essential role in the ecosystem, hunting fish and scavenging, and are viewed as vital to the balance of life in the territory. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #gonorthisland #vancouverislandlife
We are incredibly grateful for all of our friends and allies, both locally and from around the world, who supported us throughout this season. Sharing our traditional territories and the abundant wildlife that calls it home has been an honor. This year, we had the privilege of connecting with people from all walks of life, building lasting bonds while showcasing the beauty and significance of our land and waters. It was also a year of growth, as we focused on building capacity through training and empowering our local Indigenous community members. As we look back on this successful season, we reflect on the many memorable moments and look forward to continuing this journey together. Here are a few pictures that capture the spirit and adventure of this remarkable year and past years!
Humpback whales are a spectacular sight along the northern coast of Vancouver Island, where they are often seen feeding and breaching in the nutrient-rich waters. These majestic giants migrate to the region during the summer and fall months, drawn by the abundance of small fish and krill. Known for their acrobatic displays and distinctive tail flukes, humpbacks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. Their presence in these waters is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the area, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of one of the ocean’s most charismatic creatures. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #indigenousbc
Our beautiful scenery on the North Island is a testament to the deep connection and stewardship of the local First Nations. Each landscape tells a story, and our tours offer a unique opportunity to experience these landscapes through our paradigm. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #explorebc #explorecanada 📸 @westcoastlife
Living and working in rainforesty territory! The biodiversity of our area is beautiful that deserves our love and attention! If we look after the land and waters; the land and waters will look after us. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #rainforests #biodiversity
It’s going to be humpback city pretty soon; there’s already been amazing sightings! Looking forward to hosting you all this season. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #humpbackwhales #humpbackwhale 📸 @taylormichaelburk