Best Port for Orca Whale Watching

[Kartgv]

Several years ago we did a great whale watch excursion that was fantastic - we think out of Victoria (we should have kept a travel diary!). In September we'll have a choice of ports to try again - Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimao, or Seattle. Any recommendations?

[scottbee]

Several years ago we did a great whale watch excursion that was fantastic - we think out of Victoria (we should have kept a travel diary!). In September we'll have a choice of ports to try again - Victoria, Vancouver, Nanaimao, or Seattle. Any recommendations?

 

Victoria; easiest access to Juan de Fuca straight. Plenty of operators of tours, such as Prince of Whales.

[Putterdude]

Victoria is the Orca watching capital of British Columbia. There are 3 resident pods of Orcas in the Strait of Juan de Fuca which comprise about 90 mammals. While Prince of Whales is the pioneer service there are a number of others, including Orca Spirit which actually are closer to the cruise ship terminal that you can walk to and do at least an equal job. The real trick is to find an excursion that will fit with your time in port.

http://www.princeofwhales.com/

http://www.orcaspirit.com/

[bobhsv]

I found one site, http://www.seaking.ca that does orca tours from Fishermans Wharf in Victoria. One of their tours leaves at 10am, which I thought would fit in with the ship times. Do the ships dock near this Fisherman Wharf area? I did notice that the boats they use are a bit on the smallish side, which could be interesting in rough weather.

Anyone done this particular tour?

Jen

[Putterdude]

Fishmans wharf from the Ogden Point cruise terminal is about a 10 min walk and cab fare would be <$10.00

[bobhsv]

Thanks Putterdude...always reliable info from you.

 

Kartgv...did you find any suitable? Let us know, thanks.

[Kartgv]

Thank you all for the suggestions - we'll check out the websites and choose one, probably one within walking distance of the pier if possible. We're really looking forward to it - seeing "Shamu" at Seaworld just doesn't work for us!

[scottbee]

Thank you all for the suggestions - we'll check out the websites and choose one, probably one within walking distance of the pier if possible. We're really looking forward to it - seeing "Shamu" at Seaworld just doesn't work for us!

 

Downtown Victoria is only 1 mile from the cruise terminal, so even in a worst case scenario, you're looking at a 15 min walk, or a 5 min bus ride (hop the #31 right outside the terminal). There are a number of whale watching guides, most leave from the area called the 'inner harbour', or roughly the area across the street from the Fairmont Empress hotel.