Victoria Whale Watching: Magic On The Water
Victoria BC whale watching is the quintessential experience of a trip to the Island. With such a unique opportunity presented to them, visitors shouldn’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whale watching is truly magical; there is nothing like seeing those sleek black and white bodies emerge from the water. What’s more, you are also getting fun excursion trip out on a boat and the opportunity to gaze at the beautiful ocean and coastal scenery.
The best time for sightings of the resident orcas is April through to October. Orca Spirit’s Victoria whale watching tours are three hours in duration running on average twice a day (9am and 1pm), and you can choose to tour in a zodiac or in one of the large, covered boats. The zodiacs zip around the water easily and give you that experience of being right on the water with the wind whipping through your hair, whereas, the covered vessels are all about comfort and luxury. The indoor seating is heated, and the vessel has a liquor license and a spacious on board washroom. The covered boat also has a top deck that fits up to 40 people, which gives you a clear view of the whales and a chance to enjoy the sunshine and sea wind.
There are three pods of resident orca, which are known as the J, K, and L pods, in the areas where Orca Spirit’s vessels travel, the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits. There are about 100 whales total, which means that in the peak months, you are practically guaranteed a sighting. The high number of whales in the area makes the success rate for sightings about 95%.
Other marine life you might see includes pelagic birds (e.g. cormorants and bald eagles), otters, Harbour and Elephant seals, Dalls and Habour porpoise, and Humpback, Gray, and Minke whales.
Orca Spirit also offers some special/custom group packages: dinner cruises, custom charters, and a combined whale watching - Butchart Gardens excursion where you go whale watching, tour the Gulf Islands, and have the unique chance to access the Gardens by water. It is recommended highly that you stay for dinner and/or the evening fireworks at Butchart Gardens as well. A tour like this is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Victoria!
If you are interested in Victoria BC whale watching, Orca Spirit Adventures gives you the opportunity to go on Victoria whale watching tours in either zodiacs for a sense of adventure or in covered boats for comfort and luxury. If you are planning to visit the Victoria, check out this article on whale watching in the area.
