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Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
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Nanaimo, Canada
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From $151.90
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Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
- 24 hours prior100% refund
- Within 24 hoursNo refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
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Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
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Overview
Head out into the Salish Sea from Nanaimo in search of the abundant wildlife who inhabit the area. Your guide is an experienced marine expert who will take the time to help you learn about the sea life around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This 3-4 hour tour takes you to the habitats of killer whales (orcas) humpback whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles.
- Head out from Nanaimo for a half day of marine wildlife sightings
- Guaranteed whale sightings, or your next trip is free
- Stay dry and warm in the provided anti-exposure suits
- Learn more about the area and its wildlife from a marine life expert
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From $151.90
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What's Included
Professional guide with academic background in marine biology
Captain is certified by Transport Canada
Toilets onboard
Anti-exposure suit provided
Sunscreen available
Binoculars onboard (shared between guests)
The listed price does not include parking, which costs around 7-8 dollars CAD for the day.
Lunch is not included.
Gratuities
Transportation to/from office
Departure & Return
90 Front St #5 , 90 Front St #5, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7, Canada
This activity will end right where it started.Our office is located on Front Street, the seawall along downtown Nanaimo's waterfront.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Not suitable for pregnant women.
- Minimum numbers apply. If there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation, in which case an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- OPERATED BY Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Whale Watching Nanaimo Open Boat Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Reviews
5.0
85 Reviews
5 stars
77
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
1
Reviews by Viator travelers
We perform checks on reviews
Showing 1-10 of 85 reviews
whale fun
Jane_W
, Jul 2022
Great trip, saw 7 whales,...
Sheri_M
, Jun 2022
Up close!
L_M
, May 2022
Great experience and I would recommend it
Tamino_B
, Oct 2021
Awesome 🤩
Barbara_T
, Aug 2021
Great day!
Connor_C
, Aug 2021
Saw many whales
Andersonfamily
, Aug 2021
Very special and exciting!
Stardust
, Jul 2021
Orcas and Humpbacks
Kelvin_H
, Jul 2021
disappointed
Graysen_C
, Sep 2020
i am SO heartbroken to say that my husband paid for this whale watching trip as a graduating gift to celebrate my nursing school completion.
i have been an AVID Orca lover my entire life and went on the hope that i would catch a glimpse of these beauties. we didn’t see anything for the first nearly 2 hours of the 3 hour trip. when we did, it was little glimpses of humpbacks from a major distance (beyond the required distance).
the website and advertising screams at guaranteed orca sighting but this was not the case.
the captain and tour guide were fabulous, i am just overwhelmingly sad and disappointed
Amazing trip!
Nakissa_C
, Aug 2020
Natalie was really knowledgeable and gave us a fun and informative experience. We stopped and watched a pod of orcas for quite a while, where she shared interesting facts with everyone. The orcas were pretty close to us...it was amazing seeing them hunt together (as we were told they were). We also saw a bald eagle scanning for food, and some harbour seals relaxing on a little island. We would definitely do this again!
A truly worthwhile experience, and good value for money
Nick H
, Aug 2019
My wife and I went out with company to watch whales, which we did indeed do. We were suited up with all the appropriate safety gear, well briefed on safety matters, and about how and what we should see that day. On the boat the tour guide, a professional naturalist, gave fantastic and erudite explanations about the behaviour that were witnessing from the whales, and the other animals and birds that we were very close during the trip. We both loved it, and so glad that we booked with this company.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Veux être remboursé Sinon je vais faire démarche contre vous
Guillaume_B
, Aug 2022
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On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You’ll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.
You’ll see some experiences with a “Promoted” badge, which means that the operators of those experiences have agreed to pay Viator more to have their experience highlighted.
If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
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