Archipelago Wildlife Cruises
Archipelago Wildlife Cruises
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
For an unforgettable West Coast experience, step aboard our spacious 53 foot luxury motor yacht for a tour unlike any other to look for whales, bears, sea lions, sea otters and other wildlife in comfort. More than just wildlife viewing, our interpretive tours include a scenic cruise through the sheltered waters of the Broken Group islands section of Pacific Rim National Park and a gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic evening wildlife cruises and private charters are also available.
Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
Features animals
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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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
1,152 reviews
Excellent
1,111
Very good
29
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Discover525787
2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
We spent about five hours onboard the Raincoast Maiden with hosts Toddy and Alan today and really enjoyed every second.
The tour was superbly organised, from the clear professional briefings and commentary, to the 'all eventualities' extras from sunscreen to seabands, fluffy blankets and fleece mittens against the autumn chill and individual binoculars for everybody.
The boat is very comfortable, with lots of options to sit on the bow, the upper deck or inside the cosy lounge. Proper wooden deckchairs with cushions on the top deck also served for the stylish al fresco lunch we enjoyed, anchored in a beautiful sheltered spot, while king fishers darted between the islands..
And as the name sugggests, that was the most amazing part, the wildlife. Not billed as a 'whale' or 'otter' or 'bear' tour, this trip was all of them and so much more. We saw californian sea lions squabbling for the best spot on the dock, Steller sea lions roaring at us to keep a distance, seals playing in the kelp, sea otters rafting with their nearly fully grown pups, a humpback whale, a large black bear and more bald eagles than you can shake a stick at; plus kingfishers, loons, oystercatchers, mures, various gulls, starfish, anemonies etc etc.
Truly a superb experience.
The tour was superbly organised, from the clear professional briefings and commentary, to the 'all eventualities' extras from sunscreen to seabands, fluffy blankets and fleece mittens against the autumn chill and individual binoculars for everybody.
The boat is very comfortable, with lots of options to sit on the bow, the upper deck or inside the cosy lounge. Proper wooden deckchairs with cushions on the top deck also served for the stylish al fresco lunch we enjoyed, anchored in a beautiful sheltered spot, while king fishers darted between the islands..
And as the name sugggests, that was the most amazing part, the wildlife. Not billed as a 'whale' or 'otter' or 'bear' tour, this trip was all of them and so much more. We saw californian sea lions squabbling for the best spot on the dock, Steller sea lions roaring at us to keep a distance, seals playing in the kelp, sea otters rafting with their nearly fully grown pups, a humpback whale, a large black bear and more bald eagles than you can shake a stick at; plus kingfishers, loons, oystercatchers, mures, various gulls, starfish, anemonies etc etc.
Truly a superb experience.
Written October 4, 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.
Debbie L
3 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
What a terrific day! Al and Toddy went out of their way to be sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. Very stable boat (no issues with sea sickness) and an especially calm anchorage for lunch. Generous space on the boat with lots of special touches (chocolates, binoculars, blankets and gloves). We had plenty of time to check out wildlife, and saw a humpback whale, a black bear, 4-5 bald eagles, and many sea lions, seals and sea otters. A bit more expensive but definitely worth it- strongly recommended!
Written October 3, 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.
waban2015
5 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
My husband and I went on this tour during our BC vacation and it was the best! The hosts Toddy and Alan are very friendly and very knowledgable about the area and all animals and we saw a lot of those! We highly recommend this trip - it is a fantastic experience!
Written September 27, 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.
SierraWanderer2013
Mammoth Lakes, CA36 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Toddy and Al are great hosts. The entire tour is well thought out and they know the area and its wildlife intimately. Our tour was supposed to be five to five and a half hours but because we saw so much wildlife it lasted more than six hours. We saw numerous whales, otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, etc.
The gourmet lunch on board was a special treat. We highly recommend Archipelago. Five stars for sure!
The gourmet lunch on board was a special treat. We highly recommend Archipelago. Five stars for sure!
Written September 22, 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.
Aly S
Pewsey, UK88 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We booked the wildlife cruise and it was fantastic. Toddy and Al are great fun as well as professional, efficient and enthusiastic. They know so much about wildlife and the local area. We saw plenty of wildlife on our trip and were blessed with beautiful weather. Highly recommend booking a tour with them.
Written September 20, 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.
Allison C
Lincoln, NE22 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
This tour is fabulous! The boat is very comfortable and the couple running the tour are an extremely nice couple! It was a rainy day but we didn’t mind a bit so don’t let that stop you, they have an indoor heated area, front of the boat, back of the boat and viewing on top! They provide binoculars, seat cushions, blankets and even mittens! Nothing is missing on this tour! We stopped for a peaceful lunch on board. It’s not a whale tour but we did see whales! Absolutely beautiful scenery! We did 4 boat tours on our trip to VI and seen the most wildlife on this tour.
You won’t regret this tour, 5 stars for sure! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You won’t regret this tour, 5 stars for sure! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Written September 20, 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.
playateez
Gabriola Island, Canada32 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I loved this boat tour. The operators are really knowledgeable and also very respectful of the wildlife. The scenery is outstanding and one sees a lot of wildlife. The highlight of the tour for me was seeing the fabulous sea otters! I highly recommend this tour. The boat is large and comfortable and the gourmet lunch is excellent.
Written September 18, 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.
CalGal2012
48 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful trip with Archipelago Cruises out of Ucluelet. Alan and Toddy provided a very informative commentary while searching for sea lions, seals, whales, bears, and eagles. One whale breached near us though most of us missed it. We saw numerous otters and sea lions and several eagles. The boat is well provisioned with many different places to sit or stand, and binoculars, raincoats, blankets and sea sickness remedies. The optional lunch options were very tasty. We highly recommend this company.
Written September 17, 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.
Alexander J
Cambridge, MA19 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I have spent nearly a month now touring Vancouver Island and there are many fabulous sights and activities, but #1 without question has been the cruise with Archipelago. In fact, their cruise is both #1 and #2 in my book as I went on the tour twice. Both times the scenery and wildlife were incredible; both times Alan & Toddy did a top-notch job as guides and hosts; both times the cruise provided a connection to the natural surroundings and to fellow travelers that you just don’t get on the other tours. If you make it to the area, Archipelago should be #1 on your list (and #2).
Written September 16, 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.
Car D
Ghent, Belgium3 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Friends
This was a trully amazing trip. Toddy and Alan made us feel welcome from the very moment we stepped on the boat. They knew exactly where to find wildlife and provided interesting information about everything we saw. The list of wildlife was extensive: bald eagles, a female bear with two cubs, sea lions, sea otters, seals, sea birds, hummingbirds ...
The lunch on the boat was awesome: Alan stopped at a wonderfull location with great views. The scenery in the Broken Islands archipelago is superb!
All in all we had a wonderfull day with Toddy and Alan. Unfortunately, i ended up spending days in screening the best photo's from the thousands I took during the trip. But it was worth it!
Thanks again Toddy and Alan
Carolina, Leen, Filip and Guy
The lunch on the boat was awesome: Alan stopped at a wonderfull location with great views. The scenery in the Broken Islands archipelago is superb!
All in all we had a wonderfull day with Toddy and Alan. Unfortunately, i ended up spending days in screening the best photo's from the thousands I took during the trip. But it was worth it!
Thanks again Toddy and Alan
Carolina, Leen, Filip and Guy
Written September 16, 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.
nhoo2n
Ireland28 contributions
Do you need to book in advance? Traveling from Ireland on 30th April and staying in Ucluelet for 4 nights. Noreen
wildlifecruises
Ucluelet, Canada1 contribution
Hello Noreen,
I am sorry I did not answer your question but I did not see it until now. It is always best to contact us via email as that way I am always able to get back within 24 hours. My apologies once again.
Jennifer S
Irvine, CA47 contributions
How many people are on the boat? Is there enough cover on the boat for all passengers in case of bad weather?
Dentex56
Denton, Texas30 contributions
I agree with the other answers. The boat is very comfortable. We had about 18-20 people. Everyone was spread around the boat. The main cabin area is totally enclosed with a sliding glass door. It has a couple of couches and chairs. Part of the upper deck is covered, but most of it is open on top and you can sit in deck chairs. Some people sit in the front of the boat. This is a wonderful trip! Toddy and Al are great hosts and guides.
Wilma V
Veghel, The Netherlands5 contributions
Moet je reserveren?
En welke tour is het meeste kans op walvissen te zien?
wildlifecruises
Ucluelet, Canada1 contribution
I just saw your question now, so I apologise for the delay in answering. It is always best to email us as I answer emails at least twice per day.
Are you the Wilma who came out with us on June 20th? If yes, then thanks for coming! If no, then please email me and I will gladly asnwer any questions.
To any other readers:
At this time of year we strongly advise you book ahead.
There are few whales in our area at present. This may or may not change at any time. If you email me I'd be happy to explain in more detail, including info about how best to see whales at the moment.
anand k
Calgary, Canada13 contributions
hi i am planning to visit 1st week of November ....is it right time
wildlifecruises
Ucluelet, Canada1 contribution
Hello,
We are now closed until early May. However there are other companies which stay open all year. They will run in November, weather permitting. You could try either Subtidal Adventures or Beachcomber Ocean Tours.
Eljay118
374 contributions
We will travelling with a baby age 8 months at the time we would like to do the tour. Is it possible to take the baby on the Tour and do we have to pay the full amount of the 125$ for her too?
DWbiker
Grandville, MI395 contributions
Hello
I cannot answer for Archipelago Wildlife Cruises. My suggestion is to ask the company. They were very good with email communication. Email should be on their website. However, I do doubt whether they would charge the full amount if they allow babies.
Passpartous
Tel Aviv, Israel206 contributions
Just trying to better understand: does the cruise cost $159 per person?? So for a family to go on the cruise would be more than 800$ (inc tax)?
wildlifecruises
Ucluelet, Canada1 contribution
I apologize for not answering sooner but I just saw this question now.
The total cost for your family would depend on how many people are in your group, the ages of your children and whether you choose to order meals or bring your own. And, if you do opt to order the meals, whether your children order the adult or the children's meal.
The best way to find out the exact cost for your group is to go to our website (Archipelago Cruises):
Click on RATES, then click on the box that says "CALCULATE TOTAL COST" . This brings you to a form that will calculate the exact total cost, including tax, once you have filled in the details mentioned above. It only takes about a minute or less.
I hope this helps. If you have any further questions please contact us via email to get a quick response.
Toddy Landry