Whale Watching Tours (April - October)
Whale watching is an experience many say they will never forget. Whale Watching Excursions in Victoria and around beautiful Vancouver Island provide our visitors with their most wonderful memories of British Columbia. Whale watching tours are 3 hours in length and depart daily. Bring your camera and your excitement because we are going to provide you with a trip you will remember forever!

Local Marine Wildlife
Orcas (or Killer Whales) are commonly seen in the local waters off Victoria in April, May, June, July, August and September. We anticipate over a 97% probability of seeing Orcas in the summer months! We also may encounter Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall’s Porpoise and Harbour Porpoise! Pinnipeds such as California Sea Lions, Northern (Stellar) Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Harbour Seals are always a joy to see. Bald Eagles soar above the seas and Sea Birds fly close to the water looking for food. These are but a few of the fascinating mammals and sea birds that inhabit our oceans and beautiful island.

A Convenient Location - 1207 Wharf Street at Historic Bastion Square
We are located street level at 1207 Wharf Street, conveniently located in Victoria’s Downtown Inner Harbour. As you arrive at our office, you will be greeted with Springtide’s exceptionally friendly staff that will offer both assistance and efficient check in service. All aspects of your excursion preparation are provided here. Steeped in history and character, our facility at Historic Bastion Square is unique - Victoria’s only Whale Watch Tour departing from a Heritage Building !

Built at the in the early 1900's, on the site of the initial settlement of Fort Victoria, our office provides check in surrounded by the ambience of brick and mortar a century old. Steeped in history, Wharf Street is world renowned as Victoria’s most picturesque street. Look for the awnings on 1207 Wharf Street at Bastion Square (on the sunny east side Wharf Street, between View and Fort Streets). The SpringTide Office is a convenient check-in facility affording comfortable seating for trip preparation, washroom facility and complimentary warm beverages. Come early if you like – we have lots of interesting reading material and trained knowledgeable staff to add to your experience. Unique, convenient, celebrating the traditions of old Victoria - SpringTide strives to provide excellence for you, our valued passengers.

Safety is Our Priority
All of our Captains and Marine Biologists are Transport Canada Marine Safety Certified and are highly experienced on the waters throughout Southern Vancouver Island. SpringTide vessels are equipped with the latest in satellite technology, communication systems, radar, safety and rescue equipment, and twin engines. Our perfect safety record is part of what has brought us 15 years of extremely happy customers, some of whom come back year after year.

Wealth of Knowledge
Naturalist interpretations are offered throughout your excursion. Whale, marine mammal and marine bird history are topics of the day! The biology, behaviour and habits of these animals will be discussed at the many stops made enroute. Photographic opportunities are phenomenal! With the vessel at rest, take out your camera in enjoy the nature around you and listen to the naturalist imparting stories of our Pacific Ocean ecosystems. Orca Whales converse with each other through a series of whistles and clicks. If the conditions are right, you will have the opportunity to listen to their communication. Hydrophones, our onboard acoustic system, can pick up and amplify the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Orcas.

Orca, or Killer whales are the primary focus of all of our tours. Spotting networks are critical for successful sightings, and SpringTide's is the best! Our extensive system of international land, water, and air-based observation posts are in place even before most of us have had our first cup of tea! Our Spotting network operates throughout the day, ensuring optimal sightings for every trip.

Marine Wildlife Guides
Once you return to port, your journey with us will end but we hope You will always remember your experiences with us. We are pleased to offer you SpringTide's unique Marine Mammal Guide, which provides information on some of the mammals and seabirds found in the Pacific Northwest. You will also find a "map" where you can trace the route of your excursion through our scenic islands. This complimentary guide is meant to accompany your photos and memories and we hope it will remind you of your exciting experience with SpringTide!

We hope you will join us for a whale of a time!

Whale Watching Tours from Victoria on our 61' Luxury MotorYacht

Vancouver Island whales, marine birds, seals, porpoise, sea lions, and abundant flora and fauna are the topics of the day aboard the 61 foot MotorYacht, "Marauder IV".

Those embarking on our 61' luxury motor yacht are in for an exciting educational adventure. You are invited to listen to a Biology Lecture conducted by our university-degreed Marine Biologists. Detailed information is given about the marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest as well as the unique vegetation and landmasses found in our rich waters. Discussions will cover the different whales of the world and comparisons to the killer whales and porpoises in the waters around Victoria.

Whales and other marine life are observed from the many viewing platforms on the "Marauder IV". Unobstructed viewing is available because we have the only vessel in Victoria where you can walk around the entire boat! You can stand on the wide side decks, the huge fore and aft decks, or the command bridge and look into the water to catch a glimpse of a Dall's Porpoise, a Minke Whale or some majestic Killer Whales. You may also have an opportunity, if the conditions are right, to listen to the Orcas in the area. We have onboard hydrophones, which pick up the actual sounds (such as clicks and whistles) that the Orcas make when they are socializing.

Other amenities you will find onboard the covered motor yacht include a private washroom, and complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and light snacks. One or two-piece rain suits are available for your use - once again, your comfort is one of our primary goals.

Whale Watching Tours from Victoria on our high-speed Zodiacs, or Rigid Hull Inflatables

Zodiacs or "Rigid Hull Inflatable" are world known for their excellent design and safety. Springtide offers whale tours on these fast, open vessels for those wishing to experience an exhilaring ride in the open air and sun. All SpringTide passengers are fitted with a Coast Guard approved neck to ankle "cruiser suit". These suits to provide comfort, safety and protection from the elements and are worn over your street clothing. The 12 passenger Zodiacs are powered with twin engines and are equipped with high tech safety equipment, as well as Hydrophones (our onboard acoustic system to hear beneath the vessel) After having been assisted onboard your 28 foot vessel, you will be offered gloves, goggles and sunscreen should weather conditions require. After a safety briefing and questions/ comments with your Shipper, off you go!

After having been assisted onboard your 28-foot vessel, you will be offered gloves, goggles and sunscreen as required for your comfort. After a safety briefing and questions/comments with your Skipper, off you go!