Campbell River’s boat tours deliver some of British Columbia’s most reliable whale watching, with nearly guaranteed orca and humpback sightings. Two main options stand out: nimble zodiac excursions for the adventurous, and covered vessel tours offering more comfort. The standard 4-hour wildlife cruise serves as an excellent introduction, consistently delivering close encounters with marine mammals and coastal wildlife.
We especially love the zodiac tours for their intimate feel and maneuverability – you’ll get closer to the action while learning from passionate local naturalists. The sunset tours earn our recommendation for their excellent value, combining wildlife viewing with spectacular evening light.
Let’s explore the top boat tours Campbell River has to offer.
Key Points
- Campbell River offers a variety of whale watching tours, including zodiac, covered, and discovery cruises, with high success rates for sighting whales like orcas and humpbacks.
- Unique wildlife experiences like grizzly bear watching, dolphin and seal spotting, and scenic sunset tours provide diverse nature-based activities in the region.
- Pricing for the tours is accessible, with group discounts and family-friendly options, and free cancellation policies up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tour features include knowledgeable guides, comfortable facilities, food service, and accessibility for wheelchair users, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
- With high customer ratings and a focus on safety regulations, the boat tours in Campbell River provide responsible and immersive wildlife viewing opportunities.
Campbell River: Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour With Lunch
For those looking to get up close and personal with the marine life of Campbell River, the Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Tour with Lunch is an exhilarating option.
Lasting 6 hours, the tour offers a 99.9% success rate for whale sightings, including orcas, humpbacks, and more. Aboard the Zodiac, guests can use a hydrophone to listen to the whales’ underwater sounds while enjoying a provided lunch, drinks, and snacks.
With knowledgeable guides, comfortable facilities, and essential safety gear, the tour promises a thrilling adventure. Priced from $211.92 per person, the tour also features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Campbell River: Whale Watching Covered Boat Tour With Lunch
The Campbell River: Whale Watching Covered Boat Tour with Lunch offers an immersive experience for those seeking to witness the marine life of the region.
Priced at $226.04 per person, the 6-hour tour takes guests through the Discovery Passage, providing opportunities to spot orcas, humpbacks, and other whales.
Along with the whale sightings, passengers can observe dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions.
The tour includes a live guide, a naturalist or biologist specialist, and an onboard lunch, drinks, and snacks.
The Transport Canada Approved vessel ensures a comfortable and safe journey, with a 99.9% success rate for whale sightings.
Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this tour an attractive option.
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Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise
One of the premier whale and wildlife cruises in the Campbell River area is the Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise. This 4-hour excursion allows guests to explore the Salish Sea, Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait, with the potential to spot humpback whales, killer whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, bears, and Steller sea lions.
Priced from $170.54 per person, the cruise offers a choice between a covered vessel with indoor seating or a zodiac-style boat for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants can listen to whale sounds through hydrophones and learn from an onboard naturalist.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 105 reviews, this cruise is a must-do for wildlife lovers visiting Campbell River.
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Campbell River: Scenic Sunset Tour By Boat
While exploring the scenic waterways of Campbell River, visitors can embark on an enchanting Scenic Sunset Tour By Boat.
This 2-hour tour offers a chance to witness a diverse range of wildlife, including orcas, whales, dolphins, and sea lions, against the backdrop of a stunning coastal sunset.
Departing from Coast Marina, the tour provides comfortable boat options, including zodiac or covered boats, and a live tour guide offering insights in English.
Wheelchair accessibility ensures an inclusive experience.
Guests can capture beautiful sunset photos and create lasting memories of the enchanting scenery of Campbell River and the Gulf Islands.
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Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise With Lunch
Tourists seeking a captivating whale-watching experience complemented by a delightful lunch can embark on the Campbell River: Whale Watching Cruise With Lunch.
Priced from $218.98 per person, this 6-hour tour offers the opportunity to see humpbacks, dolphins, and orcas in their natural habitat.
The scenic cruise aboard a 30-foot aluminum boat with a covered and heated cabin is led by an experienced captain who’s knowledgeable about whale spotting.
Passengers will enjoy homemade sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea during a shore stop.
With a maximum group size of 8, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and positive customer reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
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Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour
The Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour offers a captivating opportunity to witness the magnificent marine life of the region.
This 6-hour cruise, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars with 20 reviews, takes guests on an unforgettable journey to spot whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Priced from $211.92, the tour includes a delicious lunch, ensuring a complete and enriching experience.
With a focus on responsible tourism, the tour operator prioritizes sustainable practices and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Campbell River: 6-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour is an excellent choice for exploring the Salish Sea.
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Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride
Exploring the stunning Bute Inlet, the Campbell River: Bute Inlet Grizzly-Watching Tour & Boat Ride offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
This 10-hour deluxe tour, rated a new activity, provides an immersive experience of Indigenous culture and grizzly bear viewing for $591.24 per person.
Guests embark on a boat ride to the remote Bute Inlet, where they’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch and have the chance to observe grizzlies foraging along the shoreline.
This comprehensive tour combines wildlife observation, cultural exploration, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Campbell River.
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Campbell River: Wildlife Tour by Covered Boat
For those seeking an immersive wildlife experience in Campbell River, the Campbell River: Wildlife Tour by Covered Boat offers an exciting opportunity.
Priced from $173.06 per person, this 4-hour tour takes guests on a covered boat to cruise the Discovery Passage and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and bears.
Along the way, a nature specialist provides live commentary on the area’s history and wildlife. Thrilling ocean rapids, hydrophone access to hear whale sounds, and close-up photo opportunities make this tour a must-do.
With a 4.3/5 rating from past guests, the tour is suitable for ages 5 and up, with amenities like washrooms, survival suits, and snacks provided.
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Campbell River: Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour
Campbell River: Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour offers visitors an exhilarating opportunity to encounter a diverse array of marine life in their natural habitat.
This 4-hour tour takes guests on a thrilling zodiac ride through the Discovery Passage, where they may spot orcas, minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, and even bears.
The tour includes the use of a hydrophone to listen to whales and explores the ocean’s rapids, including the “Devils Hole” and “Aaron Rapids”.
Led by knowledgeable naturalist guides, the tour provides an informative and immersive experience, with on-board amenities and a whale conservation fee.
Priced at $151.87 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Campbell River.
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Campbell River: Waterfall and Wildlife Guided Boat Tour
Departing from Browns Bay Marina, the Spring Bears and Waterfalls Guided Boat Tour offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Campbell River.
Over the course of 6 hours, guests can explore the region’s breathtaking scenery, including roaring waterfalls and lush spring greenery. The custom-built vessel with a heated cabin ensures comfort throughout the journey.
Participants can look forward to spotting native wildlife such as bears, orcas, and humpback whales, while a packed lunch and ample deck space for photography add to the overall experience.
With a maximum of 8 guests and knowledgeable guides, this tour is an ideal way to take in the natural beauty of Campbell River.
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Recap
Campbell River offers a variety of exciting boat tours and cruises. From whale watching and wildlife viewing to scenic sunset tours, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled day or a relaxing ride, these top-rated tours provide the perfect way to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area.