Victoria’s bustling harbor launches excellent whale-watching excursions, with two standout options. The roomy Wilsons Prom catamaran cruise runs six hours, giving passengers prime views of humpback whales and calves during migration season. For a more intimate experience, small-group Zodiac boats zip through Pacific waters, getting you close to minke whales, humpbacks, orcas, and seals. I’m especially fond of these tours for their expert naturalist guides and unmatched wildlife encounters. Let’s explore Victoria’s best boat tours.
Key Points
- The Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise offers a 6-hour catamaran tour to spot migrating humpback whales and calves, with a maximum capacity of 80 guests.
- The Zodiac Boat Tour in British Columbia provides a 3-hour experience to search for minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, and seals, with a maximum group size of 12.
- Both tours offer a range of amenities, including morning tea, lunch, and English-language commentary, catering to a comfortable and informative experience.
- The tours are weather-dependent and have health restrictions, with survival suits provided for comfort and protection during the boat trips.
- Both the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise and the Zodiac Boat Tour are highly-rated for their quality and unique whale watching experiences in Victoria’s coastal wilderness.
Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise
For those seeking an unforgettable whale watching experience, the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise delivers. This 6-hour catamaran tour departs at 10:30 AM, providing the opportunity to spot migrating humpback whales and their calves in the waters surrounding Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Travelers will enjoy convenient, fast, and paperless mobile ticketing, as well as English-language commentary throughout the journey. The cruise offers stunning views of historic landmarks like the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse and Refuge Cove, in addition to the chance to witness an array of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Onboard amenities include morning tea and lunch, with both indoor and outdoor decks for passenger comfort. Though not wheelchair accessible, the cruise is stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families.
Travelers should note the vessel’s motion may cause discomfort for those prone to seasickness. With a maximum capacity of 80 guests, this highly-rated cruise provides an intimate and unforgettable experience in Victoria’s coastal wilderness.
Read our full review: Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise Review
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Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria
Situated along Victoria’s picturesque coastline, the Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat promises an exhilarating encounter with the marine wildlife of the region. This approximately 3-hour tour allows participants to explore the Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia in a small-group setting, with a maximum of 12 individuals per trip.
The open-top Zodiac boat, designed for speed and agility, provides an up-close and thrilling experience as you search for minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, seals, and more. While sightings of killer whales and humpback whales are possible, close encounters can’t be guaranteed, with wildlife typically observed at distances of 400-500 meters.
The knowledgeable tour guides offer expert insights into the behavior and ecology of the marine life, though the experience may vary depending on weather conditions and sea state.
Safety is a top priority, with survival suits provided to ensure comfort and protection. However, some participants have reported discomfort due to the boat’s movement, especially in rough seas.
Certain restrictions apply, including a minimum age of 6 years and the exclusion of pregnant women and those with specific health conditions.
Read our full review: Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat in Victoria Review
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The Sum Up
Victoria offers a variety of captivating cruises and boat tours for visitors. The Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise provides an opportunity to spot whales in their natural habitat, while the Whale Watching Tour in a Zodiac Boat offers an exhilarating up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely sightseeing experience or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Victoria’s waterways have something to suit every preference.