Saw my first orcas and first whales! Kiki was very knowledgable. Thank you! -June 10th, 2016
Robyn
About Wild Whales
Wild Whales Vancouver is Granville Island’s oldest and best-known whale-watching company operating directly from downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. Roger Obayashi, the founder, is a former fisherman and whale-watch captain. In 2004, he decided to try something new and unique, whale-watching directly from downtown Vancouver. Granville Island seemed to be the perfect fit, and now we are pleased to be embarking on their twelfth season of operation. Over the past thirteen years, Wild Whales Vancouver has maintained a focus on customer service, marine conservation, and of course ensuring we go the extra mile to find whales for our guests. Our staff are professional individuals who are incredibly passionate about whales and their surrounding marine environment.
The company began with two vessels. The “Pod Pilot”, a twin-engine jet boat that is completely open and exposed to the elements and the “Quick Change II” , also a jet boat, but with a covered section over the seating area and an open viewing deck at the back. A second open vessel, the “Orca Maru” joined our fleet in 2010, allowing us to carry 69 passengers per day. Our newest vessel, the Jing Yu, is a 32 passenger catamaran and began running tours in July 2016. We have selected jet boats as they are ideal 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!
This summer we’ll be adding a fifth vessel to our fleet! We’re thrilled to bring the “Eagle Eyes” onto our fleet this year and are delighted to be able to accommodate more guests than ever. Stay tuned for updates.
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.
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