Tours & experiences

Private Whale Watching Nanaimo with Open Boat

About this experience

Enjoy the whales, the breathtaking scenery, and the extra legroom! You’ll have the boat and crew all to yourself with our private whale-watching tour. If you’re looking for personalization, privacy, and in-depth experiences, this tour is for you.

Perfect for:
• Couples
• Photographers
• Groups of 2-12 people
• Staff Outings

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

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Private Whale Watching Nanaimo with Open Boat

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Anti Exposure Suits
  • Binoculars
  • All Fees and Taxes

Not included

  • Lunch

Itinerary and highlights

Your day begins by checking in at our office 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We’ll get you signed in and geared up, then you’ll head to the dock with your crew for your whale-watching adventure!

Once underway, your marine naturalist will introduce you to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales and other marine life that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web.

You'll spend a full hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviours. Onboard catalogues are used to identify individual whales, and this data is collected throughout our whale-watching season and used by many local researchers.

Your tour will wrap up with an educational lecture on marine conservation which focuses on BC whales, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.

We look forward to having you onboard!

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Check-in starts 45 minutes before the Departure Time of your tour at our office located on the waterfront walkway of Nanaimo's harbour.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Vancouver Island Whale Watch

Accessibility and practical details

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Guests required to be at least 5 years old for the Open Boat

Cancellation policy

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

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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