FAQ's

Our float suits are in ADULT MEN'S sizes from XS to XXL. They will fit most youth and adults. They DO NOT fit most children. Most children under 12 will require you to dress them in warm, water- and wind-proof layers. We will provide a lifejacket. You must include their age and weight in the booking information. For youth and adults, if you are unsure, please choose a size larger. It's better to have the suit a bit too big than too small. Please note that they fit snugly on the body and chest area, so women or larger men may need to size up.

We seldom get spray coming over the boat unless it is really windy and the seas are choppy. Rain can occur at any time so we do recommend people bring a dry bag or a simple plastic bag to keep the rain off. There is very little storage room so we do not recommend bringing a big camera bag.

We suggest you wear sunscreen, bring a warm hat (sun hat if it's sunny) and sunglasses. Having a warm hat and gloves is advisable in case the weather changes. Binoculars are handy to have a close look at some of the wildlife and to help spot whales!

We have a marine toilet in an enclosed space underneath the driving console. It is easy to use and has enough standing room for the average height. It is not spacious but certainly does that trick.

Our vessel is certified to take no more than 12 passengers. This does not include the skipper and naturalist. We typically limit tours to 11 guests in order to maximize space on board. There is plenty of room to stand and walk around the boat when the boat is stationary. We pride ourselves on offering a much more personal tour.

We are Transport Canada certified which means we do have to wear some kind of floatation device. Due to the open boat arrangement and the speed which we can travel, we provide floatation suits. They really add to the comfort of our guests especially when the weather is rainy or cold. They also make for a fabulous photo to keep as a memento of your trip.

It is very difficult for us to give you the best time to go on a tour. The whales can arrive in the area we visit at any time of day or night, and stay as long or as short as they like. They are able to cover very large areas in a short amount of time. Another thing to consider is the weather. The prevailing northwest winds can pick up at any time. Thankfully we have a forecast which helps us predict the weather. Sometimes it is windy in the morning and the wind drops by afternoon, or the other way around. It is always a gamble when viewing wildlife.

Our season typically starts early June and ends late September. It is certainly worth contacting us as each season it slightly different.

In the area we operate we can see a number of different species of whales. Our most common sighting in the summer are our resident Orca, Humpback whales and Minke whales. Occasionally we see Biggs (Transient) Orca and Alert Bay once had a grey whale which spent the entire summer foraging around Cormorant Island. You just never know what you are going to see!

This area is well known for the diversity of wildlife. It is a smorgasbord of food for many creatures in the food chain and is critical habit for particular species. We not only have a variety of whales in the area, we also have a number of other marine mammals which include seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins and even sea otters which have recently started returning to the area. We also have a range of birds including bald eagles, great blue herons, murrelets, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, and many more. It truly is a birding paradise.

Following the migrating salmon, which are the main food source for resident Orca, they are historically seen in this area from mid-July through to October. At times they can travel 100+ miles out of our range so there is the occasional day that Orcas are not seen. This year, 2023, the Northern residents have so far decided to spend most of their time further north. It's unknown why they are making this choice and nobody can predict when or if they will show up. There are a number of boats out on the water who communicate with each other using a marine radio. Most of the companies work as a team when on the water, therefore information is shared amongst the vessels if whales are sighted. Having the ability to go fast gives us a chance to cover the area when searching for whales. We also have the odd sighting of Biggs (Transient) orca which feed on marine mammals. They can arrive at any time of the year. We are seeing Biggs orca more frequently this season with the absence of the residents.

Our office is located at 60 Fir Street in Alert Bay, adjacent to the Seine Boat Inn. Turn right when coming off the ferry and walk or drive 150 metres along the waterfront. You will see our Seasmoke Whale Watching sign and tour schedule posted outside. Please come in and meet us during office hours.

Alert Bay is situated on Cormorant Island and is accessible by car ferry from Port McNeill. Port McNeill is two hours north of Campbell River. The ferry leaves Port McNeill heading to Alert Bay approximately every two hours starting at 840am and ending at 930pm. During the summer the ferry can be busy so we recommend getting in the ferry car line up early. This route is not reservable.

Alert Bay is worth visiting for at least a day or two. It is a small enough island that you are able to walk everywhere so a car is not necessary. It is rich in First Nations culture. Located in Alert Bay is the world’s tallest totem pole, visit the ‘Namgis burial grounds, and see a cultural display in the Big House. The highlight of visiting Alert Bay is the U’mista Cultural Centre, as well as the friendly locals who call this place home. We have all facilities required to make you comfortable. This includes a variety of accomodations, a grocery store, hardware store, restaurants, bank, post office, library and information center.