Orca Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Whale watching on Vancouver Island is something that is being operated in each and every coastal city. Even those cities with no access to the ocean operate tours that bring the applicants to the cities which is possible to go on a whale watching cruise. Among all the whales inhabiting the waters of Vancouver Island, killer whales, AKA orcas, are the most frequent. Experience the best orca whale watching on Vancouver Island with us. But do you have any idea why they are called killer whales? They prey on other whales and marine mammals like seals, sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins! Speaking of hunting dolphins, did you know that killer whales are actually dolphins and not whales? Amazing right? They are the biggest members of the dolphin family, but they are counted as whales due to their huge size. In general, there are three types of orcas inhabiting the Vancouver Island area, which we will discuss later on. As you know, all around the Island is covered with water, and it happens to be a suitable whale habitat. More than 80 killer whales live in the southern region, and Juan de Fuca, about 220 of them inhabit the waters from Campbell River to Queen Charlotte’s Strait, and almost 260 killer whales live on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Considering these statistics, whale watching is pretty common all around the Island, particularly the coastal parts. Also, the species you are likely to spot the most are the orcas. Since killer whales are the most frequent whale species available in Vancouver Island and even BC waters, scientists have successfully approached the whale to study them; therefore, orcas are the best studied whales. Based on what these studies showed, killer whales are the fastest marine mammal, and their life expectancy is an average of 30 years, but records have shown that some mammals have lived up to a century! Unbelievable. Amongst all, killer whales are very sociable. They aren’t disturbed by boats’ presence and usually let humans get close enough to see each and every one of their maneuvers clearly. Whale watching is one of the treasures you can find on Vancouver Island, and that is why we claim whale watching is a must the moment you step into the adventure capital of Canada and Northern America. Stay with us to talk more about these amazing majestic marine creatures.

They have the dominant population among all the other orca subspecies, meaning that if you encounter an orca during your whale watching tour, it is 50% a resident orca. Males and females stay with their mothers from the moment they’re born to even after having their own offspring. In other words, whales live with the maternal side of their family, which is why it is called matrilines. Then we have pods which consist of one to four matrilines. The difference between them is that pods can be separated for a few months, but matrilines are inseparable. Now, if a few pods combine, there will be a clan. But how are clans defined? They are a community of whales with similar dialects and old maternal legacies. However, they hang out together, but they aren’t necessarily from the same roots. Resident Orcas are also classified into two groups: Northern and Southern residents. Funny thing is that resident orcas mostly feed on salmon; therefore, during the salmon run it is their feast!

Transient orcas usually live in smaller groups. Consequently, they hunt marine mammals that are smaller too. Creatures such as seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises, and dolphins are their favourite prey. However, on special occasions, maybe throwing a party, they would pray on the calves of bigger whale races like gray whales or humpback whales. Since their preys are bigger than regular fish, they do not vocalize. However, when they start to roar, it is either after a successful hunt, or they have already made their hunting bait is in their control. Like Resident orcas, Transients also live in matriline, but sons and daughters will sometimes live with their mothers after maturity. So, during your whale watching journey on Vancouver Island, if you noticed a single whale with the appearance of an orca wandering beneath the surface, it is definitely a Transient orca. If you’re not sure enough, wait for it to breach; if you felt that it was higher than usual, it is a hundred percent orca.

Whale watching tours aren’t designated explicitly to killer whale watching. Which type of whales you are going to observe thoroughly depends on the time you come to the Island and your luck. However, based on our whale watching tour experiences best time for orca sightings is from April to October. Not to mention that orca (killer) whales are permanent residents of the waters surrounding Vancouver Island; so, sighting them is possible throughout the year. The point is, during the seasons that whale watching is not likely, you can do it anyway, even with two or more sightings. You’re maybe asking how that happens? Well, it is possible if only you ask an experienced guide to be your tour leader and take you to the places where spotting at least one orca killer is 100% possible.

Vancouver Island is surrounded by water, and each coastal city has its own whale watching tour. However, the hotspots for viewing these majestic marine lives are Tofino, Victoria, Ucluelet, and telegraph Cove. Note that killer whales never migrate, and they are in Vancouver Island’s waters all 365 days of the year. Therefore, provided that you choose a professional person to guide your journey, you will spot at least one whale. Remember that anytime you come to the Island and want to go whale watching, the best location to go for it is the northern parts of Vancouver Island, especially Telegraph Cove. In case you don’t have the time to travel north, check out Victoria and Tofino whale watching tours.

• If you happen to go whale watching in Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait and on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and you spotted an orca, it is probably a transient orca. • Orcas are the best-studied marine mammal. Studies have shown that orcas can live up to one hundred years and even more. A female orca was once found, and her age was estimated around 104. Even humans find it hard to live this long. • Baby orcas, Residents, in particular, stay with their mama and never leave her even after having their own families. Resident orca matrilines are inseparable. • Baby orcas are called calves. They should look out for their babies since Transients are waiting to have a feast. However, you may see calves wandering around to play or find something to eat during whale watching tours.
• Since killer whales are the most frequent whale species available in Vancouver Island and even BC waters, scientists have successfully approached the whale to study them; therefore, orcas are the best studied whales.
• Based on what these studies showed, killer whales are the fastest marine mammal, and their life expectancy is an average of 30 years, but records have shown that some mammals have lived up to a century! Unbelievable.
• Amongst all, killer whales are very sociable. They aren’t disturbed by boats’ presence and usually let humans get close enough to see each and every one of their maneuvers clearly.

Customize your whale watching trip with including :spotting orca" and Vanisle Wildlife shall make it happen as soon as you get aboard!

Whale watching on Vancouver Island is one of the must-to-do things when you come here. Whales are known as the island’s guards since they live in the waters of each coordination of the island. If no particular subspecies is intended, whale watching is a year-round activity on Vancouver Island. Regardless the type of the whales, our prices for whale watching tours here on the pristine Vancouver Island for adults start from $145 and $85 for children. The good news is that we have an offer for students with valid IDs. They can have a blast watching whales for only $125.

We'll be sitting here all day if we start talking about the advantages of hiring a tour guide for your whale viewing excursion. First and foremost, whale watching trips are nearly always conducted on board a boat, around 90% of the time. As a result, you'd need someone with a boat to carry you to the middle of the ocean to see the sea giants. Even if you have a boat, you'll need an experienced captain to guide you and inform you when the ideal time to see whales is. It's worth noting that if you're a boat owner, you might not realize how far you can go and end up disturbing the whales.