On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$182
per adult
Orca Spirit Adventures
Orca Spirit Adventures
4.5
Eco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Orca Spirit Adventures is Victoria's premier whale watching company, offering carbon neutral tours led by captains and naturalists whose knowledge and passion for Vancouver Island’s marine wildlife is unequaled in the industry. April through October are the peak whale watching months and during this time we boast a greater than 95% success rate of spotting whales, including Humpback Whales, Bigg's Killer Whales, Minke, & Gray Whales! Other wildlife you may encounter include Dall’s and Harbour Porpoise, Harbour and Elephant Seals, otters & marine birds such as Cormorants and Bald Eagles. Unlucky tour? Join us again using our WHALE GUARANTEE for a complimentary tour to bring your dreams of seeing these magnificent animals to life. Choose between a covered vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas and the 12-passenger zodiac vessel, for the more wild at heart. For all guests we offer complimentary shuttle pick up from all hotels in downtown Victoria. Tour length is 3-hours.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Orca Spirit Adventures
On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$193
per adult
Speed Boat Hire
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$157
per adult
Travellers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,606 reviews
Excellent
1,265
Very good
159
Average
55
Poor
49
Terrible
78
Tracey
Caerphilly, UK4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
What an absolutely amazing experience, with people who are so passionate about their environment. We were lucky enough to have Jake and Sophie to explain the tour and to shed some light on the marine wildlife in the waters we would be in. We had incredible weather that made the day even more special. We saw a pod of Orca feeding, which was just incredible to witness, followed by humpback whales, lots of sea birds and the seals and sea lions that call this place home.
The tour was for 3 hour, but it felt like it was over far too soon. The staff all made the trip such a remarkable experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the wildlife,along with the history of almost losing these amazing animals in the past. They explained the efforts to reintroduce the wildlife to the area, this has been a huge success, but there is still more to do.
Orca Spirit Adventures supports organisations to benefit the environment by providing a percentage of the ticket price to them. They are also 100% carbon neutral. Their philosophy is sound.
We would highly recommend adding this company to your itinerary if whale watching is on your agenda.
The tour was for 3 hour, but it felt like it was over far too soon. The staff all made the trip such a remarkable experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the wildlife,along with the history of almost losing these amazing animals in the past. They explained the efforts to reintroduce the wildlife to the area, this has been a huge success, but there is still more to do.
Orca Spirit Adventures supports organisations to benefit the environment by providing a percentage of the ticket price to them. They are also 100% carbon neutral. Their philosophy is sound.
We would highly recommend adding this company to your itinerary if whale watching is on your agenda.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing your glowing five star review on Trip Advisor.
We are so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience on board our covered vessel and that your crew Jake and Sophie provided you with great explanation on the biodiversity of our local waters. I will be sure to pass along your kind words.
Thanks again for choosing Orca Spirit Adventures and we hope to welcome you back on board with us sometime soon!
Regards,
Hailey
Sales Manager
Written July 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry W
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
What an awesome trip we had on 22nd October 2022. Plenty of hump back whales feeding, a sea lion colony and then to see Killer whales with a new baby. Jake was very knowledgeable and made things interesting with his way of delivering info and then there was Captain Bill who got us back safely. Overall this was a long awaited trip but worth the wait and these guys made it that much more enjoyable.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dendroctonus
Victoria Capital Regional District, Canada155 contributions
Jul 2021
A very professional whale watching company who did a great job during Covid restrictions of entertaining and educating our extended family while making us all feel safe.
Our family group was ages 2-92 and the staff were wonderful. The vessel was comfortable and everybody was appropriately spaced considering the pandemic.
I highly recommend the company.
Our family group was ages 2-92 and the staff were wonderful. The vessel was comfortable and everybody was appropriately spaced considering the pandemic.
I highly recommend the company.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello by Dendroctonus,
Thank you for taking the time to leave Orca Spirit Adventures a five star review on your recent covered vessel tour out of Victoria.
We are thrilled to hear that our crew was able to provide you and your extended of family a great experience while on tour.
Safety for all of our guests and crew is our number one priority and we are happy that you felt that way while visiting us.
Thank you again for your recommendation to our future guests. We hope to welcome you and your family on board with us again!
Best regards,
Hailey
Sales Coordinator
Written August 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin M
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
Awful experience. Literally spent three hours on a boat in which we saw probably two whales. Waters were insanely choppy. Crew tried selling it to the crowd that the two whales we saw was worth the money and three hours. Was supposed to be the cap to an amazing cruise vacation. Completely disappointed in this excursion. Stay far away and try to book another company. Should’ve offered at least half the money back. Instead, said we can download pictures in a week of the two whales we saw. And when I say saw…it was roughly two minutes of a three hour tour. Captain didn’t even turn boat to stay with them.
Written July 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne Kripgans
1 contribution
Sept 2022 • Friends
Unfortunately very disappointed with this tour which happened yesterday morning, 23rd September, and feel that it’s over rated, not good value for $150 and in this case mid managed by our tour guide.
We came out of the harbour in Victoria and all the other boats had travelled to our left to view wildlife that had been spotted but our guide decided to turn right and head towards the ocean, passing the lighthouse and for a good portion of our 3 hours we saw absolutely nothing bar a few tiny porpoises and quite noticeably we were the only tour boat way down the Strait, all the other tours had gone in the opposite direction!!
Eventually, he turned round and we headed back and saw the fin of a baby humpbacked whale and then instead of looking actively for whales killed another chunk of our three hours looking at seals around the lighthouse which I for one could have seen in the Uk. Towards the end of the three hours another boat had spotted two Orcas so we went to check that out but we were so far away all we saw were two fins.
This trip provided no photo opportunities of whales, next to no whales just 3 fins and an inexperienced guide who should have followed his more experienced colleagues to where wildlife had been spotted, instead of taking us on a wild goose-chase out towards the Pacific Ocean which turned the trip into a very expensive boat ride.
Suzanne Kripgans
We came out of the harbour in Victoria and all the other boats had travelled to our left to view wildlife that had been spotted but our guide decided to turn right and head towards the ocean, passing the lighthouse and for a good portion of our 3 hours we saw absolutely nothing bar a few tiny porpoises and quite noticeably we were the only tour boat way down the Strait, all the other tours had gone in the opposite direction!!
Eventually, he turned round and we headed back and saw the fin of a baby humpbacked whale and then instead of looking actively for whales killed another chunk of our three hours looking at seals around the lighthouse which I for one could have seen in the Uk. Towards the end of the three hours another boat had spotted two Orcas so we went to check that out but we were so far away all we saw were two fins.
This trip provided no photo opportunities of whales, next to no whales just 3 fins and an inexperienced guide who should have followed his more experienced colleagues to where wildlife had been spotted, instead of taking us on a wild goose-chase out towards the Pacific Ocean which turned the trip into a very expensive boat ride.
Suzanne Kripgans
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony W
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
I would not recommend this company. Booked through our travel agent 9 months before our vacation. We took a sea plane as part of the trip only to arrive in Victoria and being told that they had cancelled the trip due to lack of numbers. We now have to wait all day to travel back to Vancouver. Apparently they did not have our contact details, however they only cancelled whilst we were travelling to Victoria, so even if they had obtained our details it would have made no difference. They need to improve their systems, making sure that they have all the details need to contact customers and not cancelling at the last moment. Do not sell a product you cannot fulfil. A whole day wasted.
Written May 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali B
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Our guide Matt got us suited up then we headed out on the zodiac. The boat ride itself was great fun, but of course we were all hoping for whales. We were very fortunate, and just as the mist cleared we were able to see a mother humpback and her calf repeatedly breeching in front of us. Matt gave us detailed commentary on the lives of these amazing creatures, and answered all our questions. Seeing whales jump out of the water like that is a once in a lifetime treat. Highly recommended.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello O8587GFalisonb,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your five star Port Renfrew experience with our future guests.
We are thrilled to hear that you had a great tour on the open Pacific ocean with captain Matt. You're right! Seeing a 30,000kg whale jump out of the water is an experience one will never forget and we are so happy that we go to share that with you.
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time exploring the quaint town of Port Renfrew and hope to welcome you back on board with us again soon!
Best regards,
Hailey
Sales Manager
Written October 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bcguy55
victoria26 contributions
Sept 2020
We had booked a three hour tour with this company but due to a large group cancellation (last minute) they didn't have enough customers to run a large vessel. We didn't want to go in a zodiac as we are in our 60's and prefer comfort over adventure. the agent for Orca Spirit was very courteous and our transition to the other company was seamless. I wish we could write a review for our whale watching experience with this company but it will have to wait. What I can say is there customer service was excellent and they accommodated us to ensure we had the best possible experience, which we did... Well done Orca Spirit.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello bcguy55,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.
We are sorry that we were not able to get you out on tour with us due to a last minute large group cancellation.
We are thrilled that you still had an amazing adventure in the Salish Sea. Thank you for mentioning our office staff, we will be sure to let them know.
We hope that we can welcome you on board with us in the future!
Best regards,
Hailey
Sales Coordinator
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterGB
Rosanna, Australia1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Extremely disappointed. With Orca Spirit Adventures. The boat stays far far away from the whales so you can’t photograph them unless you have a professional camera with a huge lens which don’t give you a heads up about beforehand. All the other boats crowd around the whales but our crew are more interested in using their high lens cameras so they can send out photos themselves and get you to lie and call your own. Disgusting.
Crew are more interested in their own careers and identifying each whale by letter and number, which they are eager to tell everyone. No customer focus. Total waste of significant money ($300 plus per couple).
Crew are more interested in their own careers and identifying each whale by letter and number, which they are eager to tell everyone. No customer focus. Total waste of significant money ($300 plus per couple).
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amandaLOVESlife
Belleville, Canada4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
We were lucky to have our trip led by Micky - he was so informative and passionate about his job, this made the trip extra enjoyable.
We saw so many whales! We even got close enough that we felt the mist from the whales blow hole! What an experience! After the whales we saw many seals, sea lions and an elephant seal! So cool.
This trip is totally worth it!
We saw so many whales! We even got close enough that we felt the mist from the whales blow hole! What an experience! After the whales we saw many seals, sea lions and an elephant seal! So cool.
This trip is totally worth it!
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Amanda,
Thank you so much for choosing Orca Spirit Adventures and for taking the time to share your review.
Wow! It sounds that this trip was nothing short of spectacular and Captain Micky made your experience a memorable one! We have an exceptionally passionate crew, so we are happy that you mentioned him! I will be sure to pass this along to him to read.
We hope to see you out with us again soon!
Kind regards,
Hailey
Sales Coordinator
Written July 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erick F
Mexico City, Mexico
I am arriving to Victoria Airport on May 16th at 9:00 AM. At what time are your trips? Do you think I have time enough in the same day to take the trip? or should I go the day after.
Written February 5, 2020
Hi there,
We have multiple departures every day in the summer time! From May - October our covered vessels depart at 10am and 2pm, whereas our zodiacs depart every hour between 9am-6pm. If you would like to chat about what tour would suit you best, give us a call at 250-383-8411 and we can help you out!
Kind regards,
Rebeca
Marketing and Sustainability Coordinator
Written February 6, 2020
I’m doing a zodiac whale watching tour with Orca Spirit Adventures on August 29th and I was wondering what my odds are of seeing an orca are. Seeing an orca in the wild is on my bucket list so I really, really want to see one.
Written August 10, 2019
The Orca Spirit team really know their stuff and communicate with other whale watching crews. I reckon your odds of seeing Orcas is very high.
Written August 14, 2019
We would like to see orcas. Are they around this time of the year and can we spot them during a trip? We are this week in Victoria.
Written July 9, 2019
We wont arrive in our port until 7 pm on August 3rd. What are the chances of us seeing whales at that time? Also, what time does it get dark there?
Written June 26, 2019
You need to reserve your spot. Go on the first two trips of the day. Enjoy!
Written June 27, 2019
Which time is more likely to see Orca's? 10 am or 2 pm?
Written January 13, 2018
We took the 10 am trip. We didn't see Orca's but we spent more than one hour watching 2 adult and a young humpback whales feeding.
Written January 18, 2018
Hello,
My husband and I are planning out a vacation, and would like to know which month would be our best bet to see the the whales? (Particularly the Humpbacks and Orcas). If possible, I'd like to time our trip just right!
Thank you so much for your help,
Caitlin F
Written March 10, 2017
Hello Caitlin,
Thank you for your interest in joining us for a whale watching tour during your stay in Victoria! Our peak whale watching season runs May through October, during this time is when you could see resident and transient orcas, humpback whales, minke and gray whales, along with endless wildlife including seals, sea lions, sea otters, and a number of marine birds to name a few!
Please feel free to call our office if you have any more questions and we look forward to having you on board!
Kind regards,
Laura
Sales Manager
Written March 11, 2017
We are going to be in Victoria in the first week of December, is there much to see at this time of year. Steve
Written November 30, 2016
Hello Steve,
Thank your for your interest in joining us for a tour! There is lots to see this time of year on the Salish Sea via our adventurous Zodiac vessel. Our tours leave daily at 1pm from our convenient downtown location. There is a variety of marine life and landscape to explore; to name a few there are otters, eagles, seals, sea lions, humpbacks and orcas. Although it is not peak time for orcas, Transient orcas can be spotted all year and even some Resident orcas have still been seen in the area. It's an exceptional way to explore our beautiful island, learn about our wildlife and have a memorable experience.
We look forward to having you on board!
Sincerely,
Laura, Sales Manager
Written November 30, 2016
Has anyone done this tour with Kids (7 and 3)? They would love this especially if we were lucky enough to get close. Really hoping for some opinions.
thanks!
Written May 30, 2016
There were a few kids on my tour , 7 yo would be fine but I'm not sure about the 3 yo. Just be sure to pick the larger boat with covered for a smoother ride. Check the weather forecast before you make a reservation.
Written May 31, 2016
Hi,
What are the departure times of Open Zodiac Tours? There is no schedule choice when we book by Viator (link on the top of the page)
.
Thank you for your answer
BR
Céline
Written May 9, 2016
Send them an email but I think they are like 10.30 in the morning & 2pm in the afternoon .
Written May 25, 2016
I will Be in Victoria and be free all day Saturday October 16 I have to catch the ferry at 5 (must be there by 4 to go through customs)
to go to Seattle. Will I have time to do your Whale Watching?
Written September 7, 2015
Hello and thank you for your interest in Orca Spirit Adventures! All of our tours are 3 hours in length and you should have plenty of time for a tour during your visit! We have scheduled Covered vessels and Zodiacs going out at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm that day. Please feel free to call our office 1-888-672-ORCA(6722).
Thank you, we look forward to you visit!
Sincerely,
Oriana
Written September 9, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.