Wildlife You Might See on Our Tours
Whale watching season is nearly here (May–October), and we’re excited to welcome guests from around the world to explore the Salish Sea on one of our Whale & Wildlife Tours. While spotting whales is always our goal, we like to remind our guests that these are wild animals: sometimes they’re shy or simply out of range.
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 such as 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 are important in attracting Transient/Bigg’s Killer Whales (Orcas) to our area as they feed mostly on marine mammals such as Harbour Seals. That being said,these flexible and nimble swimmers make it a difficult hunt for our Orcas.
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 host herons, murres, auklets, oyster catchers, and more. The areais part of the Pacific Flyway which is a major route for migratory birds.
You will also spot birds or prey like bald eagles 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 stay within groups of three to five and are quite shy, only popping up briefly. Dall’s Porpoises, on the other hand, are bold and fast, sometimes riding the wake of our boats. They kind of look like tiny orcas as they play around together, and are also often hunted by our Transient/Bigg’s Killer Whales.
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. We hope to see you out on a sail with us soon!