Overview
Enjoy the whales, the breathtaking scenery, and the extra legroom! You’ll have the boat and crew all to yourself with our private whale-watching tour. If you’re looking for personalization, privacy, and in-depth experiences, this tour is for you.
Perfect for:
• Couples
• Photographers
• Groups of 2-12 people
• Staff Outings
What's Included
- Toilets onboard
- Binoculars
- Gratuities
- Professional guide with academic background in marine biology
- Lunch
- Parking
Meeting Location
90 Front St #
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7, Canada
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your day begins by checking in at the office 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We’ll get you signed in and then you’ll head to the dock with your crew for your whale-watching adventure!
Once underway, your marine naturalist will introduce you to the Salish Sea ecosystem and wildlife as you cruise through the Gulf Islands archipelago in search of whales and other marine life. You'll learn about the different types of whales and other marine life that use the Salish Sea, including their natural history, and their roles in the marine food web.
You'll spend a full hour viewing whales, and your marine naturalist will provide real-time insights into their behaviours. Onboard catalogues are used to identify individual whales, and this data is collected throughout our whale-watching season and used by many local researchers.
Your tour will wrap up with an educational lecture on marine conservation which focuses on BC whales, and conservation initiatives will be discussed.
We look forward to having you onboard!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-64509P4
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Nanaimo Private Whale Watching. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- Toilets onboard.
- Binoculars.
- Gratuities.
- Professional guide with academic background in marine biology.
- Lunch.
- Parking.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Nanaimo Private Whale Watching is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Nanaimo Private Whale Watching will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Toilets onboard
- Binoculars
- Gratuities
- Professional guide with academic background in marine biology
- Lunch
- Parking
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
