On the water · RIB AND ZODIAC BOAT TOURS IN CANADA
The 15 best rib and zodiac boat tours in Canada you can get a seat on today, with the fare, the hours on the water and who each one suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for two to two and a half hours on the St. Lawrence. Bilingual naturalists explain whale behavior while you watch for belugas, humpbacks, minke, and fin whales. Waterproof gear is supplied, but you still need warm layers, gloves, and closed shoes.
“Loved this excursion! Saw my first whales, couldn't be happier!”
Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open-air Zodiac with guides such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan. You’ll wear an all-weather flotation suit, speed toward whale country, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and more. The ride is lively and exposed, so dress warmly and expect some spray.
“We had an incredible me time on the zodiac. It was unforgettable. The highlight was seeing the pair of orcas gliding through the water near the shore as they made their way further out. Watching them in their own habitat was humbling -they were so close, it was surreal. At one point, we all thought a nearby harbor seal was going to become lunch but he wasn’t spotted and lived another day. There were several sea lions on some rocky outcrops I wish we had spent a few minutes with. I know it’s a whale watch but these guys were beautiful and impressive to see and hear. We had a…”
From Granville Island, this three-hour Zodiac ride crosses False Creek, passes Siwash Rock and Lion’s Gate Bridge, then heads through Deep Cove into Indian Arm for Granite and Silver Falls. A guide such as Marco, Dylan, or Ray provides local stories and wildlife spotting. The boat holds no more than 12 people and includes a warming suit.
“Friendly staff, excellent guide, beautiful ride, great playlist. We felt safe and in good hands.. Great way to get an overview of Vancouver from the water.”
Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip on the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, Liam, or Mick drives the 12-passenger boat, using hydrophones and current sightings to seek orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and sea lions. Full flotation suits help keep you warm.
“Great boat trip out & got to see lots of humpbacks”
Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a 3-hour-20-minute Zodiac trip toward Race Rocks. Guides such as Shannon, Tyler, Vicky, Gareth, and Phoenix lead small groups of up to 12 past Fisgard Lighthouse and marine wildlife. Expect spray, cold air, quick boat movement, and a real chance to see orcas and humpbacks.
“Shane gave a very enthusiastic, fun, and informative tour ! Saw both orcas and humpbacks, couldn’t ask for more ! Would def do again !”
Join Prince of Whales in Telegraph Cove for a three-hour Zodiac trip with up to 12 passengers. Guide Scottie may point out orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, dolphins, otters, and eagles while you speed across Johnstone Strait in a warm flotation suit.
“Fantastic Tour in all Aspects absolutely recommended. Great Guide, boat, friendly Staff. Best wahle Tour I ever had.”
Suit up in a complimentary flotation suit, then ride an open-air Zodiac from Victoria into the Salish Sea. Your English-speaking skipper may point out orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and marine birds while explaining local ecology. Guides such as Jasper, Heather, Ian, and Tyson have led memorable outings.
“Amazing! Great fun on the zodiak and soooo amazing to see whales up close! Would definitely do it again.”
Join Vancouver Water Adventures for a three-hour Zodiac ride from Granville Island through English Bay, past Stanley Park and under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, then up Indian Arm to Granite Falls. Guides such as Marco, Cassie, Ray, and Zach are known for clear commentary, local stories, and good boat handling. Survival suits and lifejackets are provided.
“an excellent 3 hour adventure with great sightseeing. Small vessel so not too many people/crowding. Driver/skipper was very nice and provided good commentary.”
Set out from Campbell River with a guide such as Zoe for about four hours on a Zodiac boat capped at 12 people. Watch for whales, grizzly bears, sea lions, and other wildlife while crossing coastal waters. A floater suit and light snack are included, with morning and afternoon departures.
“Das Erleben der Wale in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung war sehr beeindruckend! Ebenso die Fahrt durch die Insellandschaft!”
Ride a fast, open Zodiac from Victoria with a skipper-naturalist such as Cam, Ian, or Tyler. Over about three hours, search the Salish Sea for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and more. You’ll wear a full-body flotation suit, travel with no more than 12 people, and return to Wharf Street.
“Captain Ian was an amazing guide, very fun and informative and went extra mile to make my (grouchy at the time) daughter, Avalon, giggle and smile😊 Was an overall a great few hours and saw basically everything there is to see for wildlife, but whales, however everyone offered chance to come back free of charge until they see one! Would recommend 100% Stunning scenery, wildlife and an overall fun ride!!!”
Set out from Coast Marina with an English-speaking naturalist or biologist, such as local guide Gibson, to search for whales and other wildlife in the Discovery Passage. You’ll use a hydrophone, receive survival gear and snacks, and finish with a fast ride through Devils Hole and Aaron Rapids. The tour costs $216 per person and suits children five and older.
“we saw two sets of whales, it was a beautiful day.”
Join Prince of Whales for a three-hour Zodiac trip from Telegraph Cove. A Transport Canada-approved skipper such as Scottie, Connor, or James guides you toward orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife. Twelve-person boats offer open views, while cruiser suits, hats, gloves, and hot drinks help you handle the cool North Island air.
“James was an excellent guide, knowledgeable and extremely personable. The whale watching tour was full of whales and lots of fun!”
Spend about two hours exploring Lunenburg’s coastline aboard a military-grade Zodiac with naturalist guides Jason and Deb. Expect wildlife, island stops, local stories, and photo chances. Afterward, enjoy homemade treats and drinks by the dock. The tour runs in English, welcomes up to 20 people, and does not accept children under six.
“Excellent tour. Very knowledgeable and professional operators. Make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing.”
Join Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours at 9:00 am for a six-hour Zodiac trip with up to 12 people. Your guide and captain may be Becca, also called Bex, who has led a memorable wildlife outing featuring whales, porpoises, tide pools, and huge groups of fishing eagles. Lunch, hot drinks, and a floater suit are included.
“Our tour guide/boat captain, Becca. was very knowledgeable & interested that her passengers had a great experience We saw whales, porpoises, tide pools & had a magical experience with hundreds (?) of eagles fishing.”
Cruise Campbell River’s Discovery Passage by Zodiac with a naturalist or biologist guide. Search for humpback, gray, and minke whales, listen through a hydrophone, and watch for dolphins, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and possibly orcas. Lunch, snacks, drinks, warm gear, sunscreen, and onboard washrooms are included.
“Excellent experience. Our guide Andre went above and beyond to give us the best experience possible”
