At SpringTide Whale Watching, we believe that the Salish Sea and its incredible wildlife should be shared with as many people as possible. While our vessels have certain limitations, we are committed to making our tours and services as accessible, inclusive and welcoming as we can.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Our downtown Victoria office is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to welcome all guests comfortably.
Please note, however, that our vessels are not wheelchair accessible. Due to the marine environment and vessel design, guests must be able to step onto the boat to board, which may involve stepping over or down into the vessel.
For safety and liability reasons, our crew is not permitted to physically lift or assist individuals during boarding. However, if a guest is able to receive physical assistance from a member of their own party, we are happy to accommodate that where possible and provide verbal guidance to support a safe boarding process.
We strongly recommend contacting us in advance if you or someone in your group may need additional time or support while boarding. Our goal is always to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Helping You Choose the Right Vessel
We offer different types of tours, including trips on our semi-covered vessel and on an open air zodiac. Not all vessels are suitable for everyone. For example, zodiacs are not recommended for individuals:
- Recovering from recent surgery
- With back or neck problems
- Under 4.5 feet tall or children under the age of 7
- Who are pregnant
We take the time to speak with each guest who may have mobility considerations or medical conditions to ensure they’re booked on the most appropriate vessel for their comfort and safety.
Communication and Inclusive Experiences
We are proud of our diverse team, many of whom speak multiple languages. We welcome guests from around the world and always do our best to communicate clearly and kindly, regardless of language or background.
Our team is trained to recognize and support guests with varying needs and are always available to answer questions, provide clarity, or offer assistance before and during your adventure.
Clear and Readable Information
All of our public-facing signage and materials are designed with readability in mind. We use high-contrast colours, legible fonts, and clear layouts to make information as easy to read as possible for all guests.
Additionally, our online presence includes alt text on images where needed, so everyone can enjoy the content and spirit of our tours; whether visually, audibly, or through assistive technology.
Your Comfort is Our Priority
If you have specific accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact us before your tour. We’re here to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible; from planning and booking, all the way to spotting whales on the water.
We’re always listening, always learning, and always striving to provide a better, more inclusive adventure for everyone.