Beyond the Whales: Wildlife You Might See on Our Tours
Whale watching season is nearly here (May–October), and we’re thrilled to welcome guests from around the world to explore the coastal waters around Victoria with us. While spotting whales is always our goal, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals, free to roam wherever they like. Sometimes they’re shy or simply out of range—and that’s just part of the experience.
But here’s the good news: there’s a whole world of marine wildlife to enjoy beyond whales. Our guides are always on the lookout, and whether it’s sea lions, seabirds, or playful porpoises, there’s rarely a dull moment out on the water.
Seals & Sea Lions (Pinnipeds)
You may not know the term “pinniped,” but chances are you’ve seen one—these are the fin-footed mammals like seals and sea lions. Around Victoria, we regularly spot Harbour Seals, Elephant Seals, and both California and Steller Sea Lions. You’ll often see them hauled out on the rocks at spots like Race Rocks or swimming nearby as they hunt for fish and squid.
These animals also play a big role in attracting Transient Killer Whales, who feed heavily on Harbour Seals. Despite that, pinnipeds aren’t easy targets—they’re nimble swimmers, with sea lions especially known for their agility (they can even twist their necks to touch their back flippers!).
Not sure what you’re looking at? A quick ID tip: sea lions have visible ear flaps, seals don’t.
Sea Birds & Raptors
Vancouver Island is a birdwatcher’s dream. From herons and murres to auklets and oyster catchers, our coastal waters are teeming with feathered life. The area is part of the Pacific Flyway—a major route for migratory birds.
Birds of prey also make regular appearances. Bald Eagles are the stars of the show, often seen perched on rocky outcrops or swooping low over the water. Fun fact: while they’re great hunters, their wings aren’t waterproof. If they get too wet, they have to swim—an awkward but entertaining sight!
Dolphins & Porpoises
If you’re into whales, you’ll likely love their smaller cousins, too. We frequently see two types of porpoises—Harbour and Dall’s. Harbour Porpoises are shy and small, usually popping up briefly in groups of three to five. Dall’s Porpoises, on the other hand, are bold and fast, sometimes riding the wake of our boats. They even resemble mini orcas, with striking black-and-white coloring.
Then there are the acrobats of the sea—Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. They’re energetic, social, and known to leap up to 9 feet out of the water. When a large pod comes through, it’s a true spectacle.
Sea Otters
Once hunted to extinction locally, Sea Otters were reintroduced to Vancouver Island in 1969—and they’ve made a big comeback, with a growing population now estimated at around 3,000. These adorable, tool-using mammals are often seen floating on their backs, cracking open shellfish with rocks.
Sea Otters are fascinating not just for their charm but for their ecological role. Their dense fur (the thickest of any mammal) keeps them warm in cold waters, and their diet helps keep kelp forest ecosystems in balance.
Whales or Not, You’re Covered
While we can’t guarantee whales on every tour, we can promise you’ll see something memorable. And if you don’t spot a whale, your ticket includes a lifetime whale-watching guarantee—just cover fees and taxes, and come back anytime, even years down the road.