About Wild Whales
Wild Whales Vancouver is Granville Island’s oldest and best-known whale-watching company. Roger Obayashi, a local family-man from Richmond, BC, spent many years working as a fisherman and skipper before founding Wild Whales Vancouver. Travelling and fishing up the stunning BC coast was when Roger first discovered his fascination with nature. He would often see wildlife such as whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins in his fishing journeys, and over time he became eager to share this passion with likeminded people from all corners of the globe. He opened up a small whale watching business on Granville Island in 2003, and we are now pleased to be embarking on our 15th season of operation. Over the years, Wild Whales Vancouver has maintained a focus on marine conservation while also ensuring we go the extra mile to find whales for our guests. Our staff are professional individuals who are incredibly passionate about marine life and the surrounding coastal environment.
The company began with two vessels. In recent years, we have designed and built two extra boats that have since been added to our fleet. All of our vessels are jet propelled and designed specifically for whale-watching in this area. They are able to travel quickly, allowing us to cover a large range, but more importantly, they are whale friendly! Wild Whales Vancouver is a strong supporter and member of the Pacific Whale Watchers Association (PWWA). The PWWA is the result of collaboration between Canadian and American whale-watching companies committed to research, education and responsible wildlife viewing. The PWWA has developed a set of “Best Practices” guidelines for all boats observing wildlife. These guidelines are based on the ‘Be Whale Wise’ guidelines published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are designed to minimize the ecological impacts of whale-watching. The PWWA and Wild Whales Vancouver support scientific research on Southern Resident Killer Whales to increase awareness, understanding and ultimately to conserve these unique mammals.
Our Tourism Partners:
Wild Whales Vancouver is a proud member of Tourism Vancouver and Tourism Richmond. Our staff members have consistently been recognized by the Vancouver Tourism Awards for their outstanding service. We have also received the Trip Advisor ‘Certificate of Excellence’ in 2012, 2013 & 2014.
Wild Whales Vancouver is a Partner of Planet Whale, the world’s largest online search engine for whale and dolphin watching trips. The Planet Whale partnership includes commercial Whale and Dolphin Watch Operators, Cetacean Conservation Organisations and individuals with a shared passion and goal: to develop a high quality, sustainable whale watching industry that will benefit whales, dolphins and the people that spend their lives with them.
For more information on Vancouver accommodation, dining and other activities please visit:
Tourism Vancouver
Best Western Sands
Our International Partners:
SK Touristik is a specialist tour operator from Germany. For more than 20 years, they have offered individual and taylor-made travel experiences in North America.
Majestic Whale Encounters, Have you ever dreamt of swimming with whales?? At Majestic Whale Encounters we can make that dream a reality!
Between the months of July and October each year they take you to the beautiful islands of Tonga to swim with the Majestic Humpback Whales. They create package deals catered especially for you! Please click on the logo to take you there.
Wild Whales Vancouver is a Partner of Planet Whale, the world’s largest online search engine for whale and dolphin watching trips. The Planet Whale partnership includes commercial Whale and Dolphin Watch Operators, Cetacean Conservation Organisations and individuals with a shared passion and goal: to develop a high quality, sustainable whale watching industry that will benefit whales, dolphins and the people that spend their lives with them.
