Experience the best wildlife on the BC coast
Whale Watching Tours from Alert Bay & Alder Bay
Departure Times:
8:00am & 12:00PM
Price:
$149 + taxes and fees* Adults from alert bay or alder bay Pick up
*10% fuel surcharge and 6% booking fee
Departing from the picturesque village of Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, we make a quick stop in Alder Bay (just down the road from Telegraph Cove) on Vancouver Island to pick up our remaining guests. From there, our 3-hour tour begins, and we head out into the calm waters to look for wildlife. On a typical tour, we will visit multiple locations to watch wildlife, exploring small islands, narrow channels, and open water. Because we are right in the middle of the prime feeding areas for most species, we spend more time viewing wildlife than searching for it. On most trips we are able to find whales and other wildlife within 30 min of departing.
Because we are on inside, protected water, we don’t have the swells that are found on the west coast of Vancouver Island, so it is extremely rare for our passengers to experience sea-sickness.
We are based in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. All of our tours depart from Alert Bay with pick-up available in Alder Bay on Vancouver Island. For Alder Bay pick-up, please choose Alder Bay option when booking. Due to the nature of our tours and safety regulations, children must be at least 6 years of age. Guests must be physically able to get in and out of the boat, which requires going up and down a tall step. If you are unsure about your ability to do this, please call or email us.
Looking for something different? We offer custom charters for groups, or private tours. Contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your ideas!
TRIP INFORMATION:
Transport Canada marine safety certified vessel and crew
3 hour tours
Hydrophone equipped
Nikon ProStaff binoculars available to borrow
Protected waters
Washroom on board
Warm, waterproof flotation suits
Tours start early June through to late September
Our schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
Two tours a day in the peak season of mid-July, August and early September, one tour per day in the shoulder season
MINIMUM TOUR CAPACITY:
We require at least 4 guests to run a tour. We may suggest moving guests to another tour that has a confirmed departure.
MEETING TIMES:
For Alert Bay departures, please meet us no later than 30 min prior to your scheduled departure time and for Alder Bay pick-ups, please meet us 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Example:
Alert Bay 8:00 AM Tour - meet no later than 7:30 AM @ 60 Fir Street, Cormorant Island
Alder Bay 8:00 AM Tour - meet 7:50 AM @ Alder Bay Resort Dock, Vancouver Island
If you are late we may have to leave without you. No refund will be issued.
TOUR CANCELLATION:
We reserve the right to cancel a tour for reasons such as, and not limited to - inclement weather, fewer than four passengers booked, and/or mechanical breakdown. Under these circumstances a full refund would be granted if we cannot reschedule you on another tour.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy which enables guests to cancel up to 48 hours before tour departure and receive a full refund for bookings of 3 or fewer guests. No refunds within the 48 hours will be issued. For groups of 4 or more, we require at least 5 days notice for a full refund and 48 hours for a 50% refund (no refunds within 48 hours). We do understand that sometimes things happen beyond your control, so please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to make your departure as we may be able to reschedule your tour depending on availability.
PARKING IN ALERT BAY:
Please note that parking can be limited in Alert Bay. Parking directly across from our office is for registered guests of Seine Boat Inn only. Please park in front of the hedges just down the street, or near the marina or government dock. Or, better yet, leave your vehicle in Port McNeill! Alert Bay is a very walkable community if you don’t mind a few hills.
PARKING IN ALDER BAY:
Please park in front of the hedges at the top of the boat ramp. $7.50 parking fee can be paid in the office or via the QR code on the sign.