September Wildlife Spectacular
Join us for an unforgettable four-day marine wildlife expedition during one of the most active times of year on the British Columbia coast. This special small-group departure, limited to just eight participants, offers extra space on board our 12-passenger vessel and outstanding opportunities for photography and intimate wildlife encounters.
Our journey explores a dynamic range of coastal ecosystems — from sheltered island passages and ancient rainforest shorelines to remote inlets and the open Pacific. Along the way, we’ll search for sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, Steller sea lions, and, if luck is on our side, rarer species such as northern fur seals or coastal wolves patrolling the shoreline.
Early September is often considered the peak of the season, when wildlife activity is at its highest. Many species are actively feeding, migrating, or preparing for seasonal transitions, creating exceptional viewing opportunities for both photographers and nature enthusiasts.
To make the most of each day, we’ll depart early in the morning and may spend up to ten hours on the water, exploring a wide range of habitats and conditions. Weather permitting, one day will be dedicated to an offshore pelagic adventure, venturing into deep underwater canyons where nutrient-rich upwellings attract remarkable marine life. Past highlights have included fin whales, northern fur seals, mola mola (ocean sunfish), and even a rare sperm whale sighting, as well as pelagic seabirds such as albatrosses, shearwaters, and storm-petrels.
Tour Highlights
- Exclusive Small Group – Limited to just 8 participants for extra space, comfort, and exceptional photography opportunities
- Peak Wildlife Season –September often delivers the most diverse and active wildlife 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 coastal habitats
- Diverse Wildlife – Search for sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, seabirds, and possibly terrestrial mammals
- Rarely Visited Areas – Enjoy one full day (weather permitting) on an offshore pelagic adventure, exploring along the continental shelf and over deep underwater canyons rich with marine life
- Rare Wildlife Encounters – When conditions allow us to venture offshore, there’s potential to encounter fin whales, northern fur seals, and even sperm whales
- Seabird Spectacle – Many seabird species can be seen in inshore waters, but if we’re able to venture offshore, sightings of pelagic species such as albatrosses, fulmars, shearwaters, and storm-petrels are possible
- Accommodation Included – Includes five nights’ accommodation in a double queen room at Hotel 19 in Port Hardy. (Contact us to check availability for a complimentary upgrade to a king room.)
- Snacks, drinks, and light lunches – Provided each day on board. In the evenings, we gather for optional group dinners at local restaurants (not included in the tour price), allowing you the flexibility to choose from a variety of dining options
- 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: September 6 to 10 and September 13 to 17, 2026
Prices: $3,950 CAD per person (based on double occupancy) / $4,650 CAD per person (single occupancy)
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Payment and Cancellation Policy For September Wildlife Spectacular tours
- A 25% deposit is required to permanently reserve your spot(s) on all tours.
- Payment of any outstanding balance is due 60 days before the tour’s departure date.
- If you must cancel your tour with 60 or more days notice of your tour’s departure date, a full refund of any amount paid above your required non-refundable deposit is provided.
- If you must cancel your tour with less than 60 days of your tour’s departure date the full amount of the tour is non-refundable.
- All cancellations must be received by email.
- In the event Coastal Rainforest Safaris has to unexpectedly cancel or delay a tour, for reasons such as high winds or mechanical failure, guests will receive the option to re-schedule or to receive a full refund. Please note, expenses incurred by guests in preparing for a cancelled or re-scheduled tour i.e. travel, hotel. etc. remain your responsibility.
- We strongly recommend all customers purchase travel insurance for their trip that includes coverage for cancellations and trip interruptions.
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 the day you arrive in Port Hardy 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.
![How many of these pelagic bird species can you identify?
*** 2026 Pelagic Birding Tour Dates Announced! ***
Looking to head offshore in search of rare seabirds and marine life? Join us for an unforgettable full-day Pelagic Birding Adventure departing Port Hardy on September 5 & 19, 2026.
We’ll explore along the continental shelf edge and deep offshore canyons where albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, jaegers, and whales are often spotted.
Departures are very limited — don’t miss your chance to experience one of Canada’s most unique birding expeditions!
🔗 Book now: [link in bio]
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#Birding #PelagicBirding #Birdwatching #BirdPhotography #BCBirdTrail #VisitPortHardy #GoNorthIsland #VancouverIsland #ExploreBC #IndigenousBC ](https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
