We strongly suggest making a reservation, especially during our peak summer months of June-August. Making a reservation 4-5 days in advance will ensure that you and your guests get the exact day and time of your preferred trip. We do accept walk-ins, although we cannot guarantee there will be space on the boat!
FAQ
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Steveston is located in south Richmond which is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Vancouver and only 15 minutes from Vancouver International Airport. There are a couple ways to get here, if you drive yourself by car, in which case we have free parking, or by Canada Line and bus. You can call our office anytime to ask about specific directions and our shuttle (available for $10 round trip from select locations)!
We ask that you be here at least a half hour before departure so that you can check- in and receive a boarding pass. You will often have some extra time to grab some food and a coffee or just sit and enjoy the scenery of the Fraser River.
We will supply you with water and granola bars for your trip. We also have life-jackets on board for all ages. You should bring warm clothes for your trip, layers are recommended or a wind breaker, as it is often cooler on the water than on land! We also suggest packing a lunch or some extra food, as sometimes the trips will be 5 hours or more.
Upon leaving the wharf in Steveston you will cruise out the Fraser River and into the Strait of Georgia. Each trip is unique and will encounter different locations and marine life. We estimate the trip time based on where the whales are found that day. You can expect to see a wide range of sea animals and birds, specifically Bald Eagles, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. You will often enjoy the scenic views of the Gulf and San Juan Islands, our trips are professionally narrated and include books, maps and information about the area and marine ecosystems of the North Pacific.
The chance of whale sightings varies depending on season. We are part of a network of whale watching operators that share sighting information, this gives us a 90% sighting success rate. Our peak months for killer whale sightings are June-August. During the shoulder seasons we often view migratory Grey Whales, Humpbacks and transient killer whales.
All whale watching companies follow the same guidelines established by the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA). As of 2017 resident whales will not be approached closer than 200m*. At this distance you get an excellent view of the whales while not disturbing their normal behavior.
*As of 2011, new regulations around the San Juan Islands, USA, require boats to stay at least 200 yards of the whales.
Since we are searching for wild, highly mobile animals, we sometimes don’t see whales. If this happens we will offer you a return pass, allowing you to come again for free until you see whales! This pass has no expiry date but is not transferable and has no cash value.
There is no age limit for all boats except for our open Zodiac boat, for which the age is 8+. Keep in mind that the trips can be 5 hours long and sometimes in rough weather. Children are required to remain seated while the boat is in motion.
Our semi enclosed vessels hold 23 passengers, our Zodiac holds 12 and have plenty of room to walk around and view from all sides of the boat. The covered inside cabin has seats for everyone with windows for viewing. There is also a open back and upper viewing deck. Yes, please bring your camera and just be aware that everyone on the boat wants the best view of the animals, so be respectful and move around the boat for all views of the beautiful surroundings!