Seaplane Flight to Victoria and Whale-Watching Cruise
Vancouver, Canada
Fly from Vancouver to Victoria on a 35-minute flight by seaplane and search for Orcas on a whale watching cruise on Haro Strait. Be kind to the environment with the most environmentally friendly form of transport between Vancouver and the mainland - carbon offset levy included! Upon arrival in Victoria set off on an exciting 3-hour cruise through Haro Strait, native home to orcas (killer whales), sea lions and seals, followed by a return flight to the mainland. This unique opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat will bring you insight that no aquarium can provide.
Orcas frequent the waters of Haro Strait between March and October to feed on the salmon passing through on their migratory route. See these magnificent marine animals in their natural environment for an experience no aquarium can rival. The underwater kelp forests of the Pacific Northwest ocean ecosystem also provide a rich food source for other wildlife such as seals, seabirds and sea-otters, all of which may be spotted during your tour.
This tour is seasonal, operating from March to October.
My son fell in love with this experience. This is one we plan on doing again very soon.
Review by: Courtney J, January 2018
While the whale watching is amazing....it is a long way out there to find them. Be prepared for a long boat ride, and bring a jacket. Very friendly crew.
Review by: Renee F, October 2017
Both the seaplane and whale watching were excellent trips. It would be great to have small map given to us on the seaplane so we can identify the little islands we go over. However, the star was friendly, professional, and care was taken with our safety. The whale watching crew extended our trip 30 minutes so we could see an additional pod of whales that were spotted. I would highly recommend this.
Review by: 黄 涛, October 2017
More than happy to choose this one of the most convenient way to visit victoria island. Let alone the wonderful experience of Orca watching, definitely recommended!
Review by: Sandra M, October 2017
An experience not be missed out on, it was brilliant._br/_ The seaplane flew low over Victoria and its islands with beautiful views all around.The guide on the rib was very informative, even though there was heavy mist at sea we saw the whales, a family of 3 then some individuals. We had so much fun in the rib boat which added to the experience. Definitely recommend this experience and good value for money.
Review by: Raelene C, October 2017
Efficient and professional
Review by: DAVID H, September 2017
Great experience, the seaplane is a must we did whale watching as well. The whale watching boat and the guides were great we did see some whales but not sure we would pay too see them again.
Review by: Kay C, September 2017
The whole day was fantastic. The float plane gave you fabulous views over the islands and you land right in the harbour at Victoria. Great town with lots to see and then exciting whale watching in a rib with an expert to find and talk about the orca. We had great weather and it might have been a different story if it had been a bit rough but all in all a fabulous day!
Review by: Lorraine G, September 2017
worth every cent such a beautiful place to visit and so much to do
Review by: bentleys5, September 2017
Well worth it. Highly recommend returning by seaplane after being out for three hours on whale watching trip which was fun and exhilarating
Review by: Graham R, September 2017
A great day out. Seaplane flight was awesome. Very professional operation. Great scenery on flight. _br/_ We landed in Victoria and checked in at whale watching with our vouchers only to find out we weren't _br/_ Booked in and couldn't get on a boat till later In the day. Preferring to do an early tour, the staff booked us in with another operator _br/_ Close by. This worked out fine as we had a great boat driver who took us straight to the Orcas. Amazing experience,at one stage we had to cut the engines as the whales changed course and swam under our boat. The open boat was great, a lot faster _br/_ And can can cover more distance to get out to whales teritory.
Review by: Laurie B, August 2017
The seaplane offered a wonderful scenic tour and the whale watching on a Zokiak was a great way to whale watch.
Review by: David C, August 2017
Sea Plane was a wonderful experience - totally different flying to a normal jet. You flew low over the islands and water ways between Vancouver and Victoria. The whale watching was amazing where we saw a pod of four Humpback whales . Add to this the other wild life seen it was very good value for money. There was even time to have a meal and look around in Victoria its self. Will try to go again and stay longer
Review by: GRAHAM W, July 2017
The whole trip was amazing from start to finish. Well planed and well executed. Our guide on the Zodiac speed boat was well informed and made the trip interesting and fun. Whilst we did see some Humpback's it was the Sea Otter, Bald Eagle and Sea Lines that made it for me. We were a family of three including my teenage daughter. Skimming along the sea at speed was fabulous fun as was the sea plane journey. Highly recomend. Very good value.
Review by: aehbjc, July 2017
Exceeded my expectations. Expect to get wet and enjoy the ride to see Orca's in their own environment. They provide heavy gear to keep you warm and somewhat dry depending on if the water is rough or calm but bring your own coat for underneath if you can. if you have the time do this trip it is well worth it.
Review by: ur2nozy, June 2017
I'm sure the tour is great but the weather will have a lot to do with that. On the day we had the tour the boat should have NEVER left the dock! There are signs everywhere....just have to want to see them....1st sign of what our 3 hour tour was going to be like was when one of the crew was throwing up off the back of the boat!
Review by: Barbara S, June 2017
We had difficulty finding the office of Harbour Air Seaplanes in Vancouver. When I tried calling their local office, we had difficulty connecting with someone who could actually help me. When we reached the whale watching company, we had various problems as well. We had to be transported to a different location via taxi. Unbeknownst to us, early June is too early to see whales as it is not in season. We glimpsed a humpbacked whale 3 times but it did not breech the water. On the return to shore, the boat had mechanical difficulties and we were stalled in the water for an additional hour. We were very hungry by the time we returned at 2pm and needed to eliminate other activities from our itinerary due to the delay. No refund was offered or any accommation for the delay such as the offering of food from the vessel. We had different expectations and this was very disappointing.
Review by: dschuetz, December 2016
Glad I took this trip. Plane ride was short and offered good views. I took the enclosed boat versus the open boat and I enjoyed it. The docents on the boat were very informative and pleasant. Saw a mother humpback and baby and some orcas. This trip won't disappoint.
Review by: Tracy N, October 2016
The whole experience was amazing and well worth every penny. All the staff were friendly and professional. I would definitely do this excursion again.
Review by: Stuart S, August 2016
The whole package was fantastic. We were lucky enough to have a warm clear day. The Seaplane trip was fantastic with great views and on the Whale watch saw a Humpback as well as Killer whales, Seals and otters .... and a US Submarine!
Review by: adrianbennett2, July 2016
Absolutely amazing... The seaplane to Victoria was fantastic, amazing views of Vancouver!_br/_ The whale watching trip was truly a trip of a lifetime. We saw a pod of orcas and a hump back whale! The guide was professional and very knowledgable. _br/_ Victoria itself is beautiful. Loads to see and lots of fine places to eat. Just wished we could have stayed longer! Would recommend this trip to anyone who is short of time, you won't be disappointed.
Review by: Donald W B, July 2016
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Robert S, October 2015
Seaplane ride was fantastic. The whale watching was the hit of the day. We saw Orca's from two different pods, and on the way back they showed us over one hundred seals laying in the rocks of one of the bays. The naturalist on the whale cruise was personable and knowledgeable. He answered questions one-on-one, and really knew his subject matter.
Review by: DEBRA C, September 2015
Flight was very good...better than on some of the bigger planes..
Review by: IAN T, August 2015
Loved it - all went seamlessly , just make sure you contact Harbour air early and carry a photo ID ...
Review by: Wendy K, August 2015
Incredible experience....We were late getting to the plane but were able to take the next flight and meet our whale watch group on time. The whales were out and about and our guide Brad was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely use this site to book in the future.
Review by: Rachel P, August 2015
We had our 6 year old with us and went in the open cruise. Just that in itself was exhilarating, my son saying it was the best ride he's ever been on and giggled the whole way. Then seeing the beautiful Orcas was totally amazing. We also saw an eagle, some turkey vultures and some seals too.
Review by: rodney M, August 2015
I surprised my wife with a Journey that upheld everything and more._br/_ Firstly the Staff at the seaplane terminal were impeccable and they also allowed us earlier flight due to availability. The flight over to Victoria faultless. Victoria Spectacular only wish we had of organised an overnight stay._br/_ Whale watching Breath taking and the staff again were The Best. Thank you Corey for the passion of your job it is infectious._br/_ Thank you again for a wonderful memory never to be forgotten._br/_ Helen and Rod
Review by: Mooshi, May 2015
Absolutely loved this whole experience. Everything ran very smoothly and even if we hadn't seen a whale, the zodiac boat ride was fantastic on it's own. Probably would have liked a little longer in Victoria even though we booked the earliest seaplane from Vancouver and the latest one available from Victoria.
Review by: Mark H, September 2014
This was one of the best excursions that we have ever done. I was lucky enough to be asked by the pilot to sit in the co-pilot seat which was awesome. When we landed we got the boat from Victoria and saw many Whales. A truly wonderful experience that my wife and I will never forget.
Review by: Nicholas W, August 2014
I wish this tour either returned to Vancouver earlier to included more to do in Victoria. They have you there eight hours, but the whale watching is only three of that.
Review by: Alan Douglas L, August 2014
It was most enjoyable, saw enough whales to tick off our bucket list. The plane flight gave us fantastic views all the way to Vancouver Island and back. The guide on the boat was entertaining and very determined that we found whales. Thank you for a great day.
Review by: carolhercock, July 2014
This is a must do. Go early so you can spend the day on Vancouver Island. What an experience watching the boats in and out of the harbour and even the whales as they come up for air. Landing on water is such an incredible experience thanks for arranging things for us well worth the money spent
Review by: Mrs Judith M C, June 2014
We loved every minute and can't wait to come back.
Review by: Mathias F, December 2013
That was a great trip!! We had a great tour staff for the whale watching which was very knowledgeable and guided us very well. We saw Orcas, Mink Whales and Porpoises - we well spent day!
Review by: TERRY S, September 2013
We had checked with harbour seaplanes with regard to both trips booked with you, as your information was extremely poor. Your information said that our boat was 10am. but gave no info about the time to get to the seaplane. We therefore arrived in plenty of time to get a plane for 10 a.m. to then get our boat as no times were given for the plane departure (others arrived to do exactly the same) the plane was full and we had to be moved, along with the others, to the following day. We unfortunately only saw one minky whale however the previous day (the one we booked originally) saw Orca and other whales so again we were very disappointed and felt that you again caused us problems and therefore lost us the opportunity to see Orca. I know sightings are not guaranteed but if you had arranged things properly and given us correct information we might just have seen the whales we really wanted to see.
Review by: M J S, August 2013
We had an amazing day. The 30 min seaplane flight from vancouver to Victoria is the best way to see Vancouver and all the small islands clustered near it. Some great camera opportunties. The open boat was fantastic and Nick (The boatman) was a great guide, very informative and a real character. The boat ride experience in itself was an experience, It's as good as a roller coaster (great fun), but seeing Orca's and Minky whale, Sealions and Harbour dolphins topped it all. Taking the morning boat also gave us time to chill in Victoria before the return flight. A really memorable day. Not cheap, but I'd definitely do it again, for our experience it was worth it.
Review by: Jayne M, August 2013
An amazing trip! The seaplane ride itself is really fun but the Whale watching was fantastic. The open boat is definitely the best. The suits seem a bit bulky when you put them on but they keep you really warm as you speed across the ocean at 35 knots. After looking for a while we found the highlight - a humpback whale which we watched for some time. We also saw harbour seals with pups and two types of sea lion. I would recommend this trip to anyone!
Review by: Irina K, July 2013
Thank you very much! It's unbelievable and unforgottable tour. All was brilliant, wonderful and excellent! Seaplane, the boat, Whales and Sea Lions and for sure especially the Captain of Boat - the tremendous person and specialist! THANK's A MILLION!!!!! Kind regards, Irina and Vitaly
Review by: Roger B, June 2013
Despite wet weather the seaplane flights and open boat trip made it a memorable day - but unfortunately no whales to be seen!
Review by: JROD, September 2012
Although the weather didn't totally cooperate, we had a very enjoyable day. The sun was still shining when we arrived in Victoria but we lost that on the way to the whales. Thankfully the whales were coming back in from their days in the ocean to feed and were back in the San Juan Islands. We were lucky enough to see a couple of nice spy hops while they were on their way through. There is quite a bit of time after you return from your whale watch before you board the plane (thankfully the rain stopped before we got into harbor) so we had lunch and took in the show at the IMax.
Review by: John L, August 2012
Loved this trip. Everything worked out perfectly. Definitely go for the Open Boat.....it's a RIB. You have to get suited up as you might get wet but it definitely adds to the trip. We were also so lucky and saw around 30 killer whales.
Review by: Michael F, July 2012
Awesome day. Beautiful flight and a fast fun filled open boat adventure while whale watching.
Review by: Iain B, July 2012
A thoroughly enjoyable experience despite not seeing any whales. Seaplane part afforded wonderful views of area and the covered boat was a definite advantage as the sea had a decent swell. We were perfectly dry though! Thank you for a memorable day!
Review by: Michael F, June 2012
Awesome day. Beautiful flight and a fast fun filled open boat adventure while whale watching.
Review by: Iain B, June 2012
A thoroughly enjoyable experience despite not seeing any whales. Seaplane part afforded wonderful views of area and the covered boat was a definite advantage as the sea had a decent swell. We were perfectly dry though! Thank you for a memorable day!
Review by: George F, July 2011
Great Seaplane experience (short and efficient harbour to harbour). Whale-watching a real adventure, 3 pods, 80 orcas) and good crew.
Review by: JULIE W, May 2011
FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC , HAD A WHALE !!! OF A TIME MY BEST TRIP EVER OUR GUIDE MICK WAS EXCELLENT WE SAW 25 TO 30 TRANSIT WHALES SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER SEEN IN THE 12 YEARS HE HAD BEEN DOING THE TRIP AS THEY NORMALLY JUST TRAVEL IN 3 OR 4S.EVEN THE RIDE IN THE POWER BOAT WAS GREAT. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP AND BOOKED THROUGH VIATOR BEFORE WE LEFT WE SAVED A GOOD AMOUNT. AGAIN FANTASTIC ITS ONE TO PUT ON THE BUCKET LIST.
Review by: JULIE W, April 2011
FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC , HAD A WHALE !!! OF A TIME MY BEST TRIP EVER OUR GUIDE MICK WAS EXCELLENT WE SAW 25 TO 30 TRANSIT WHALES SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER SEEN IN THE 12 YEARS HE HAD BEEN DOING THE TRIP AS THEY NORMALLY JUST TRAVEL IN 3 OR 4S.EVEN THE RIDE IN THE POWER BOAT WAS GREAT. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRIP AND BOOKED THROUGH VIATOR BEFORE WE LEFT WE SAVED A GOOD AMOUNT. AGAIN FANTASTIC ITS ONE TO PUT ON THE BUCKET LIST.
Review by: John S, October 2010
Great trip especially in the Sea Otter sea plane. Great crew looking after you on the ground and in the air. Book the covered boat at it affords greater comfort from the weather. Great boat crew keeping up a supply of info of the whale pods, individuals and other sea life seal and sea lions. Great trip with enough time to take in the surrounds of Victoria.
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