Great Bear Rainforest: Wildlife Viewing Tour

Embark on a thrilling sea otter and whale watching tour in Northern Vancouver Island. Discover diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage on a 6-hour adventure.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gods Pocket Marine Provincial Park - Travelling through the waters of the Kwakwaka’wakw, we are on the lookout for wildlife in the water, on land, and in the air.
  • Queen Charlotte Strait - Explore the wildlife-rich waters, islands, and shores off northern Vancouver Island. Search for sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, and a multitude of sea birds.
What's Included
  • Two-piece flotation suits
  • Binoculars
  • Lunch
  • On-board restrooms
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • On-board WiFi
Additional Information

Experience an exciting wilderness experiences rooted in the culturally rich territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Hop aboard our rigid hull inflatable (RHIB) wildlife viewing boat with shock mitigating seats and explore the diverse wildlife of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the wild West Coast of Canada.

Departing from Port Hardy, we spend the day searching for and viewing sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-side dolphins, Steller sea lions, bald eagles and a multitude of sea birds.

Our signature 5 ½ to 6 hour tour showcases the unparalleled waters of northern Vancouver Island. The speed of our vessel allows us to cover a large area and provides us with greater opportunities to see as much wildlife as possible. We may not see all the above animals on every trip but our guides are well acquainted with the local waters and the best places to see wildlife.

  • Lunch and drinks are provided. Gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, and vegan can be accommodated with at least 24 hours notice.
  • Please arrive at Coastal Rainforest Safaris’ office half an hour before your tour’s departure time to be outfitted for floatation suits and sign a waiver.
Location
Coastal Rainforest Safaris
Market Street
Please arrive at Coastal Rainforest Safaris' office half an hour before your tour's departure time to be outfitted for floatation suits and sign a waiver.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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601levins
Aug 17, 2024
Unique and remote wildlife experience - It was a unique experience! Away from the crowds and a true wilderness experience of the entire programme. Our guide Andrew navigated us through the North Shore of Vancouver Island with all his expertise and friendliness, what leaves us with unforgettable memories of the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simonffc
Aug 17, 2024
Best trip on Vancouver Island - This was just epic, a reason on its own to make the effort and get up to Port Hardy. Superb friendly guides and team, awesome boat and lunch. But best of all, sea lions, sea otters, multiple and close up humpbacks, eagle galore and stunning scenery. Worth every penny, just do it. The Newman’s 17th Aug 2024 trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X2528mhfelixb
Aug 7, 2024
Great adventure safari of sealife - Absolutely fantastic!!! Great Guide, boat and a great time. Saw even Orcas after hours. Totally recommended for everyone. Bring thick socks. Otherwise you wear a suit. Warm clothes underneath are a must. Thanks a lot again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8122nfandrewc
Jul 22, 2024
Best day out ever! - Excellent in all respects. Friendly, helpful and engaging staff. Very high quality clothing, comfortable boat , great food and most of all - saw sea otters and whales. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W2637pulesleyc
Jul 12, 2024
Great trip to see sea otters and whaless - I would highly recommend the sea otter and whale watching tour. Coastal Rainforest Safaris is a very professional company and our tour leader Tyler was very nice, knowledgeable and engaging. I also felt very safe in the boat so thanks also to our driver. Highlights were sea otters, whales, sea lions, and, unexpectedly, a wolf. The lunch was also very good. Just goes to show that the company also cares about the small details.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vijay_ling
Jul 6, 2024
The sea brimming with life - We were mega-lucky and saw a total of nine humpbacks in three different places, joined by sea lions on the hunt as well as plenty of otters in the kelp forests along one of the islands and ten bald eagles having a feast on what looked like a school of this year‘s hering. The landscape is breathtaking and there is so much to see and take in. The guide shared plenty of cool info and started off the tour with an interpretive talk on the First Nations leaving signs of their subsistence culture that you will see in many places once you know what to look for. The boat is great with individual shock absorbers per seat and great views and the equipment they provide keeps you comfy in the sea breeze. We can only say good things! It was a day full of wonder.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denkidude
Jun 29, 2024
Whale watching and Nature with a Plus++ - Excellent trip went on the 26 of June and saw some incredible humpback whales!! The naturalist Tyler and captain Gabe were great and shared a lot of cool experiences with us. The food was beyond expectations and really good! Loved the Quinoa salad. Can I have the recipe? So if you are in the Port Hardy area check them out. Well worth the money!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari38466839959
Jun 29, 2024
Fantastic - It was an amazing day. The two guides showed deep knowledge on the wild life living in the north of Vancouver Island, and also could give some inside on the first nations at this place. The boat, equipped with "shock absorbing" seats, was very comfortable. The spotting started with dolphins and sea lions, then a group of at least 4 humpbacks, further to sea otters and seals (and again humpbacks). At all times were bald eagles and other birds around and on the way back a black bear on the coast line.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marysv5582uk
Jun 26, 2024
Excellent Sea Adventure - Highly Recommended - We booked a 5.5 hour sea adventure and it was wonderful! The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We managed to find whales, sea lion, sea otters and more. A good lunch was provided. As well, the company supplied waterproof and life-saving gear, along with binoculars and warm hats for those without. This location is quieter than the better known Telegraph Bay. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor