Adventure Tours
6+ hours
Taking safety measures
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$695.00
per adult
Big Animal Encounters
Big Animal Encounters
Big Animal Encounters
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Nestled between the snow-capped mountain ranges and rugged coastline is the friendly community of Campbell River. That’s where you will find Big Animal Encounters, the most experienced and diverse marine operator in the area. Since 1994, we have been sharing our small piece of paradise with guests from around the world. From our Marine Adventure Centre we offer a wide range of wildlife adventures including: Whale Watching Tours, Grizzly Bear Expeditions, and Scuba Diving Charters. All of our crew are Transport Canada certified and trained marine naturalists. Aboard our fleet of comfortable covered vessels and exhilarating high speed zodiacs we pride ourselves on small group sizes and personalized service while maintaining the highest safety standards. Campbell River is quickly becoming known as Canada’s best whale watching destination, and during our tours we will often spot orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, eagles and more.
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Big Animal Encounters
Adventure Tours
6+ 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
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$350.00
per adult
Adventure Tours
4 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
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$225.00
per adult
Adventure Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
C$225.00
per adult
Travellers talk about
(5 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
299 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
19
Average
7
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Jim C
Coquitlam, Canada168 contributions
Jan. 2023
Two days of great Scuba diving and 4 very different sites. The dives in Campbell river tend to have a bit of current so aren't for absolute beginners but you just go with the flow and watch all the critters as you drift past them.
I saw 3 Octopus out of their dens (my favourite) lots of rockfish (Yellow tail, copper, quillback, tiger and more), giant cabezons, nudibranchs and way too much else to list. The surface intervals featured, dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles.
The staff was very professional, enthusiastic and knowledgeable of the local dive sites. They went out of their way when I had an issue with my personal gear that threatened to make me miss a dive.
Then to top it all off - on the last dive were could hear a nearby humpback whale singing to us underwater for almost the entire dive.
I saw 3 Octopus out of their dens (my favourite) lots of rockfish (Yellow tail, copper, quillback, tiger and more), giant cabezons, nudibranchs and way too much else to list. The surface intervals featured, dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles.
The staff was very professional, enthusiastic and knowledgeable of the local dive sites. They went out of their way when I had an issue with my personal gear that threatened to make me miss a dive.
Then to top it all off - on the last dive were could hear a nearby humpback whale singing to us underwater for almost the entire dive.
Written January 9, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thanks for the amazing review, Jim! What an incredible weekend of diving it was. We're still so thrilled about the singing humpbacks. Hope to see you again in the future for more diving!
Written January 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David P
Courtenay, Canada13 contributions
Nov. 2022
We arranged this tour as an experiential education experience for our Adventure Guiding students at North Island College to be tourists/guests, while having the opportunity to gain valuable insights about working in this same field. The students prepared this brief review, with deep gratitude:
Bill from Big Animal Encounters was warm and welcoming. He provided us with a comforting safety overview. Despite the foggy weather, he held great navigation and collaborated with other companies to guide us to wildlife. When we approached wildlife (humpbacks, seals, sea lions and seabirds) Bill was very knowledgeable and mindful of the wildlife. On top of all that, the tour boat was top of the line and overall, a very accommodating tour.
Thanks again!
Bill from Big Animal Encounters was warm and welcoming. He provided us with a comforting safety overview. Despite the foggy weather, he held great navigation and collaborated with other companies to guide us to wildlife. When we approached wildlife (humpbacks, seals, sea lions and seabirds) Bill was very knowledgeable and mindful of the wildlife. On top of all that, the tour boat was top of the line and overall, a very accommodating tour.
Thanks again!
Written November 30, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thank you for the kind words! It was a pleasure having your group aboard and we look forward to working with you again in the future!
Written December 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
François and Rinette
Langebaan, South Africa7 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
We just had the most amazing, thrilling experience on our Grizzly-trip.
Jason and Randy were excellent tour guides with lots of knowledge and information to share.
Jason as well as Randy had a keen eye to spot Humpbacks and Dolphins .... he just knew how to steer and stop the boat so that we could enjoy these animals without intruding on their area.
Rocky and Tony were also excellent as our guides on land.
We will definitely recommend these tours and this company .... it was out of this world.
Jason and Randy were excellent tour guides with lots of knowledge and information to share.
Jason as well as Randy had a keen eye to spot Humpbacks and Dolphins .... he just knew how to steer and stop the boat so that we could enjoy these animals without intruding on their area.
Rocky and Tony were also excellent as our guides on land.
We will definitely recommend these tours and this company .... it was out of this world.
Written October 20, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thank you for taking the time to write about your Grizzly Expedition with us. We will be sure to pass on the kind words to your guides! Safe travels!
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerrie R
5 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Friends
Just an amazing experience, both Captain Jason and the guides Rocky and Tony with the Homalco First Nation, were awesome. The boating experience was relaxing with Captain Jason taking time to ensure we had opportunities to see the wildlife. Rocky and Tony, provided very safe experience and were interesting and informative on the ways of the Grizzlies and First Nation beliefs through story telling. Will be back in the fall of 2023
Written October 17, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thank you so much for taking time to write about your Grizzly Expedition with us. We are thrilled to hear that you had an incredible tour, and will be sure to pass on the kind words to your guides! We look forward to welcoming you aboard again in 2023.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Char
1 contribution
Oct. 2022
My husband and 2 adult children booked the Grizzly bear expedition when we were all together for thanksgiving weekend. Our Big Animal Encounters' guide Jason was excellent at spotting Humpback whales and other wildlife on the boat trip to and from Orford bay, and the Homalco First Nations guide and driver in Orford bay were also excellent. It was an honour to see the grizzlies in nature and watch them fishing and interacting, and we appreciate the skill, experience, and calm manner of our guides. Highly recommend this tour!
Written October 11, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thank you for taking the time to review the Grizzly Bear Expedition you took with us. We are glad that you were able to see lots of other animals along the way. We will; be sure to pass your kind words along to the guides.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aisling M
1 contribution
Oct. 2022 • Family
Everything about this tour was amazing. The tour guide, Jason, was so passionate about his job and went that extra mile … literally, to enhance our experience. It was a gift to spend time with Calvin, Janet and Stuart from the Homalco First Nation and watch the grizzlies. I would highly recommend this tour. Way better than Disneyland for kids!
Written October 2, 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.
biganimalencounters
Thank you for your kinds words, we will be sure to pass along your comments to our guides. Better than Disneyland, we couldn't agree more!!!
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim C
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Couples
An amazing experience from start to finish. Paul, the boat tour guide was personable and funny. He stopped along the way to see whales. Once we arrived on land, we were taken by bus to the several lookout points. Calvin and Janet were excellent tour guides. We saw 19 grizzlies, including 4 cubs. We were both up on lookout points and along the rivers path which gave an unobstructed, close up view. Incredible and we can’t wait to do it again.
Written October 2, 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.
biganimalencounters
What an amazing tour !! We are thrilled to hear that you saw so may bears on your tour with us. Thanks for taking the time to review your experience with us, we will be sure to pass along your comments to all the guides.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham C
3 contributions
Sep. 2022
Great. company, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and all round wonderful. The best experience my husband and I could have had. Captain John and Holly are amazing. Just so sad when the trip ended. Could not recommend this company more. Will be sharing the experience with family and friends for a long time. We will return.
Written September 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.
biganimalencounters
We are so thrilled to hear that your experience met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you aboard again! Safe Travels.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cheryl B
Kamloops, Canada4 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Friends
Our guide, Elvis was great! We saw juvenile sea lions, 10 humpback whales and White Sided dolphins! Awesome experience!!
Written September 27, 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.
biganimalencounters
Elvis loves being at tour guide and it shows. We're thrilled to hear that you saw the dolphins during your tour, which is a special experience indeed.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Holly F
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Friends
From the check-in to the boat trip to the Grizzly Bear Tour itself, we were treated so well. Thank you to our guide Jason and Stuart and Tony from the Homalco Nation for a wonderful day!
Written September 27, 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.
biganimalencounters
Our guides love their jobs and sharing our back yard with visitors from around the world. We thank you for taking time to write us about your tour and will be sure to pass along your kind words to all the guides.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience