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 May 30 to October 5
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
.
Adult: $340
Child (10 to 16): $310
.
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.
