Whale Watching Tours Sooke, BC - Orca & Humpback Whales

Whale Watching Tours

Our adventures are 3 hours in length. July through October, are the ideal months to view Orcas (Killer Whales) in all their glory. The Juan de Fuca Strait is the perfect area to find the returning Humpbacks from June to November and with hundreds returning to their feeding grounds gives you ample opportunity to have your own close encounter of the deep. Some of most interesting encounters is of mammal hunting Transient Killer Whales that are now very regular visitors to our area. We also see a ever increasing amount of Humpback Whales and also the possibility of Gray, Fin and Minke Whales.

During peak months, our success rate for sighting whales is 97%.

*Whale Sighting Guarantee is during our peak months (July through September) and allows for guests to return for another marine adventure.

(when/if space is available)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really see whales?

Absolutely! Sooke Whale Watching is proud to announce that we have a success rate of almost 95% for the season. Please understand that we never guarantee whales sightings. Every day brings new and exciting unpredictable marine adventures.

What time of year is best for watching whales?

Transient Orcas are frequently sighted throughout the year when there are plenty of seals and sea lions to lure them. For the last few years, Humpbacks have been reliably sighted from March through November, while the elusive Gray whales are only occasional visitors as they are in transit seasonally. We also encounter Minke Whales and the White-Sided Dolphins.

How close will we get to the whales?

As a proud member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest, Sooke Whale Watching’s number one priority is protecting the safety of the whales and other marine wildlife, as well as our passengers. When we’re within 100 yards of a whale we turn off our engines. As we drift along, whales will often swim right up to the boat. So, it’s up to the whales how close we get.

What else do you see on a trip?

In addition to Minke, Humpback and Gray whales, you may see Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbour Porpoise, California Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions, bald eagles, common murres and cormorants.

What happens if we don’t see a whale?

Viewing sea life in their natural habitat is an incredible, unmatched experience, but the travel patterns and behaviors of these feral creatures are unpredictable. For this reason, we can’t guarantee you will see whales or wildlife on every tour. But, to offer our passengers the most enjoyable wildlife viewing experiences possible, we are part of a sophisticated, successful whale-spotting network. This gives you the best opportunity to view sea life in their natural environment.

What should we bring?

We provide Protective Flotation Suits for your safety. This will help keep you warmer and drier, but we strongly recommend you wear warm underclothes and flat closed-toed shoes.

We will be traveling at speeds of 30 miles per hour or more, so warm socks and a sweater or jacket will help you enjoy the outdoors even more.

Warm clothing
Proper footwear
Tight-fitting hat or toque
Gloves
Sunglasses or other eye protection
Sunscreen – it will protect you from sunburn and windburn
Bring your camera and/or video camera
We recommend that you bring a plastic bag to keep your camera dry while we’re moving or if it’s raining
We always bring the boat to a complete stop for photo opportunities

How long are the trips?

Most Sooke / Victoria trips are up to 3 hours, but this will vary with weather and other conditions.

Should we make a reservation?

There is so much do and see throughout Victoria, Sooke and surrounding area that we highly recommended reservations so that we can offer you the best departure time that fits your busy schedule.

When should we check in?

Thirty (30) minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What is Sooke Whale Watching’s cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy is 72 hours prior to trip departure time, unless agreed upon in advance with the office staff.

About Us

Sooke Whale Watching is a family owned and operated environmentally-friendly, independent marine and eco adventure touring company, serving Vancouver Island, Sooke, Victoria, Jordan River, and Port Renfrew.

Sooke Whale Watching owners are experts with the weather patterns, geography, wildlife and ancient history of Sooke, Victoria, and almost everything in between and beyond the western Vancouver Island shores. Your trip of up to 3 hours with us will be filled with a wealth of local knowledge and not a scripted spiel.

We are a Transport Canada certified Whale Watch Operator. When it comes to safety and vessel operation, we are as skilled as they come. What does this mean for you? It means a fun filled, exhilarating coastal adventure with all the facts and anecdotes you can handle. And, we bring you back to shore, safe and sound.

DAILY 11 AM DEPARTURES

*RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED*

Location

Your whale watching adventure begins in Sooke! The quaint, seaside town of Sooke is a scenic drive along Highway 14 (approximately 40 minutes) west of Victoria – British Columbia’s capital city.

Sooke boasts fabulous accommodations, restaurants, galleries and shops, as well as parks, unspoiled rain forests, tranquil beaches, and is well worth the short trip from the city. Sooke is easily accessible from Victoria by car, public transit, or if you’re up for the challenge, walk or cycle to Sooke along the breathtaking Galloping Goose Trail.

Ferries to Victoria from Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Anacortes and Port Angeles, WA arrive daily via frequent scheduled sailings.

An Exhilarating West Coast Marine Adventure that Will Thrill Your Senses, Led by Sooke’s Only Professional Whale Watching Team & Sooke's best value with our Whale Sighting Guarantee!*