About this tour
A three-hour snorkeling and kayaking adventure in the Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you'll spot seals, sea lions, porpoises and whales from a covered boat and optional kayak. All gear — wetsuits, snorkels, kayaks — is supplied, and you can choose to stay aboard if you prefer. Hot drinks and snacks keep you comfortable throughout. No prior experience needed, and small group sizes mean you're not competing for sightings with crowds.
Highlights
- Spot seals, sea lions, porpoises and whales in their natural habitat
- Snorkel or kayak at your own pace—no obligation to enter water
- Covered boat with large viewing windows and photography-friendly design
- All snorkelling gear, wetsuits and kayaks included
- Hot drinks and snacks provided onboard
- Small group tours for more personalised experience
What to expect
You'll board a covered boat equipped with a marine toilet and large openings for viewing. The tour departs and heads into Howe Sound, where the crew watches for marine wildlife. You can stay on deck to spot and photograph animals, or grab a wetsuit and snorkel gear to enter the water for closer encounters—or switch to a kayak if you prefer a different vantage point. Throughout, hot drinks and light snacks are available to keep you warm and settled.
The boat moves between spots where wildlife is likely to appear, keeping pace with sightings rather than following a rigid itinerary. You're free to move between the boat and water as the mood takes. After three hours, you return to the starting point.
What travellers say
- Wildlife viewing rarely requires entering water—boat spotting works well
- All snorkelling and kayak equipment supplied and fitted
- Covered vessel and hot refreshments offset changeable coastal weather
- Flexibility to snorkel, kayak or stay aboard based on preference
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with spine/heart concerns
- Marine wildlife sightings depend on season and conditions—no guarantees
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits anyone keen on marine wildlife and BC coastal scenery, whether you're a confident swimmer or happy to stay dry. It's particularly good if you want flexibility—snorkelling isn't compulsory. Not recommended if you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have poor cardiovascular health. The covered boat protects from rain and wind, though the Howe Sound coast is exposed to weather, so bring layers. Gear (wetsuits, snorkels, kayaks) is included. Small groups mean fewer people jockeying for the best sightings. Check nearby public transport options for getting to the departure point; private transfers aren't provided.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.