For many people, a vacation means sunbathing by the beach with a margarita in one hand and a pizza slice in the other. But if you are an adventure seeker like me, you must relate to me getting up at 5 AM to watch the sunrise and going for several outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and even whale watching!
Watching whales in their natural habitat can be exciting since they aren’t species we see daily. For some, it’s similar to bird watching, but trust me it is much more exciting. If you happen to be in Vancouver, you must know that it is home to the Orca whale, the Grey whale, the Humpback whale, and the Minke whale.
To spot these creatures, you can either rent a boat yourself or simply go on a whale-watching tour, I will save you the trouble and list out the 4 best tours for your perusal!
1. Downtown Vancouver
Planning a visit to Downtown Vancouver for whale watching is ideal and the best thing to do, as the Strait of Georgia has orcas feeding on salmon. To have the perfect marine mammal viewing of the magnificent creatures of the sea, you need to know that the whale-watching season is from March to October as thousands of whales migrate through these waters during these months.
Many visitors combine a whale-watching Vancouver trip with a local sightseeing tour of the charming historic fishing village, Victoria, on Vancouver Island. A seaplane, a ferry, or the boat that will take you for the whale-watching trip can help you get there.
1.1. Seaplane Travel to Victoria and Cruise
To be mesmerized by the lovely aerial views on the crossing of the Strait of Georgia, you must opt for a trip by seaplane to Victoria. The journey begins at the island capital on an exciting cruise through Haro Strait, home to Orcas or killer whales, sea lions, and seals.
The tour is mainly arranged for a small group, and visitors can do whale watching on a boat to spot the Southern Resident Killer whales.
1.2. Safari Tours
Watching whales in Safari is a full-day tour from Vancouver, and you can travel on a comfortable and covered boat. The tour operators have a track record of whale sightings on 85% of the trips.
The whale-watching tour includes a whole day trip on a warm and enclosed boat so that visitors can view wildlife and get tips from a naturalist’s point of view, it also includes free hotel pickups and drops.
2. Granville Island
Another fascinating location for watching whales in Vancouver would be Granville Island, with its well-stocked and bustling public market, artist studios, entertainment venues, and beautiful waterfront dining, it is an excellent tourist location.
You can board any of the four vessels owned by Wild Whales Vancouver, some are open-air boats, and some are semi-covered, but all boats are equipped with washrooms and hydrophones. Wild whales organize only one trip a day, so there is no question of rushing back to the dock for the next scheduled trip in a hurry.
Whale-watching Vancouver on Granville Island boat can take up to 6 hours, and it is best to carry some provisions before starting the journey.
3. Steveston Village
A whale-watching tour in the south of Vancouver is best done in Steveston Village. A quaint fishing village on the Southwest corner of Richmond has some of the best whale sightings in Vancouver.
Four-hour tours are offered in semi-covered or Zodiac-style boats by Seabreeze Adventures and include an onboard naturalist/interpreter. In addition, they offer shuttle pick-up at Richmond or Vancouver hotels for approximately a $10 fee.
4. White Rock
The fourth most fascinating place to do whale watching is in White Rock, a beautiful seaside town just north of the Canada/US border. The White Rock Sea tours operate from the pier along White Rock Beach.
Whale-watching Vancouver tours depart daily at noon, it travels across Semiahmoo Bay and into the Salish Sea. The tour is unique, with halts at the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island for lunch. The entire trip, with breaks included, will last nearly 5 hours.
While a whale-watching trip can be a thrilling experience of a lifetime, it can prove to be an adventure that will result in beautiful memories. With lovely clicks of the seabirds, the dolphins, and the magnificent Whales, it will be a day filled with surprises!
FAQs
1. Is it Better to Go Whale Watching in the Morning?
There is no ideal time of day to go whale watching. Whether you go out in the morning, midday, or evening, you’ll always have a great chance of spotting whales and other marine species because whales are active day and night.
2. Is the Weather Chilly When Watching Whales?
Always check the weather forecast and keep in mind that the temperature can be 10-15 degrees lower on the water and that it may rain while you’re travelling.
If there is even the remotest possibility of rain in the forecast, it is best to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes with rubber soles, and pack a rain jacket. Make sure you cover up with plenty of sunblock and a windproof hat.
3. Do Whales and Humans Get Along?
Whales are not aggressive, and even their relatives, the dolphin species, are frequently seen showing a strong desire to greet and interact with humans.
Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Gourvi gupta