Explore The Wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island
Explore The Wildlife of Northern Vancouver Island
Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing Tours - Coastal Rainforest Safaris
Coastal Rainforest Safaris delivers exciting wilderness experiences by Rigid Hull Inflatable wildlife viewing boats, commonly referred to as zodiacs, amongst 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 told from a unique, Indigenous perspective that explores our connection to the land and sea, the wildlife, and the history that makes the area what it is now.
We are unique in our vision of building a team of people from the territory that we are guiding in. Traditionally trained and culturally active, we share our local history, culture, food and harvest 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 3
5 ½ to 6 Hour Tour
$275 CAD per adult
$260 CAD per child
$1925 CAD private charter

Departs daily at 5:00 pm
From June 1 to August 31
3 to 3 ½ Hour Tour
$160 CAD per adult
$150 CAD per child
$1150 CAD private charter

Departs From June 1 to September 30
$995 CAD per person / double occupancy
$1195 CAD per person / single occupancy
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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 -
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
PamDuyn -
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 -
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
Justin C. -
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
Christopher C. -
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
Helen -
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... 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. -
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
Annick K. -
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!
Quest262151 -
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. -
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.
We were... 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 lessAJWheel -
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.
Spectacular trip!ATL-YVR
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
Ḵ̓asa-Sea Otter. It’s great to see these wonderful beings come back to repopulate our homeland. We will see the ecosystem come back to how it used to be, in time! #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #seaotter #cuteness #gonorthisland ...
Puffins! Saw well over a thousand of these guys off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island at Triangle Island on Thursday during our Scott Island Birding trip. There were even higher numbers of common murres. Many other species were also seen.
We have three spots still available on Saturday's tour. To learn more and book online visit our website.
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#puffin #tuftedpuffin #birding #trianlgeisland #wildlifephotography #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #explorevancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada #goindigenous #indigenousbc #indigenouscanada #bcbirdtrail
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@canada
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GIVEAWAY ALERT! @coastalrainforestsafaris would like to offer our HeartsofCanada.com email newsletter subscribers a chance to win a true Northern Vancouver Island getaway experience for two!
The prize is Coastal Rainforest Safaris’ Whales, Otters, and Grizzly Bears package, which combines their six-hour Sea Otter Viewing and Whale Watching Tour from Port Hardy with a day of grizzly bear viewing from Port McNeill with @seawolfadventures, plus three nights accommodation in Port Hardy.
Please show our friends @coastalrainforestsafaris some love and give them a follow, then check out the link in our bio or our IG stories for information on how to enter!
Good luck! ...
repost from @jenn.the.explorer who saw lots of great wildlife in a Sea Otter and Whale Watching trip with us last week, " ya just never knows what’s around the next bend."
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#wolf #coastalwolf #visitporthardy #gonorthisland #explorevancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada #goindigenous #indigenousbc #indigenouscanada ...
repost from @jenn.the.explorer 👋🏼
#theoutbound #landscape #landscapephotography #naturelovers #nature_seekers #wildernessculture #vancouverislandlife #justgoshoot #ohcanada #vancouverisland #discoverbc #livefolk #folkcreative #getoutstayout #enjoycanada #adventurethatislife #goexplore #escapetoronto #tourcanada #canadaday #canadasworld #imagesofcanada #thankyoucanada #folkscenery #thecanadiancollective #liveauthentic #lifeunscripted #documentyourdays #marinelife ...
repost from @jenn.the.explorer who joined us on a tour last week, "a steller sea lion with a glance over its shoulder. this one was smaller, but the big boys can weigh up to 1,000kgs. 😯"
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#vancouverisland #marinebiology #marinelife #westcoast #queencharlottestrait #greatbearrainforest
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#visitporthardy #gonorthisland #explorevancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada #goindigenous #indigenousbc #indigenouscanada #sealion ...