Robert WebbForget boring city tours and predictable sightseeing! We’ve been to one of Vancouver’s seal tours and it was one of the wildest experiences ever!
And if you love nature (as most Vancouverties do), this is a MUST-DO activity! From playful seal sightings to breathtaking coastal views, we’re here to help you find the top-rated seal tours that offer unforgettable experiences.
Who knows? You might just find your new favorite adventure… or at least some amazing stories to share with friends!
What time of year is best to see seals in Vancouver?
The best time to see seals in Vancouver is from October to December. During this mating season, you can observe seals nursing their pups and basking in the sun, providing a unique and captivating wildlife experience.
Seal tours in Vancouver offer unique, up-close encounters with marine life,
showcasing the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
These tours are important for promoting environmental awareness, enriching both tourists and locals with a deeper appreciation for Vancouver’s coastal ecosystem.
What are the top rate seal tours in Vancouver?
Vancouver Water Adventures
Price:
- $69 per person, plus tax at 10:00am
- $79 per person, plus tax
Website: https://www.vancouverwateradventures.com/boat-tours/city-seal-tour/
Address: 1812 Boatlift Ln, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-736-5155
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Vancouver Water Adventures offers an exciting City & Seals Tour, taking you along Vancouver’s scenic shore, including Stanley Park, West Vancouver, and Lighthouse Park.
Seal sightings here are guaranteed! The tour includes a visit to a seal colony where you can watch seals sunbathing up close.
They also have knowledgeable guides that narrate interesting stories about West Vancouver and Howe Sound, sharing local history, geological facts, and more.
In addition to seals, you’ll also spot blue herons, bald eagles, porpoises, and even orcas!
This 90-minute tour combines city exploration with breathtaking views of False Creek, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, and famous homes in North and West Vancouver.
Pro tip:
Remember to bring a jacket, even in warm weather—the wind on the boat can be brisk!
Sea Dragon Charters
Price: $109.95
Website: https://www.seadragoncharters.com/snorkel-kayak-seal-tours
Address: 6373 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-329-3486
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
Touring with Sea Dragon Charters guarantees plenty of seal sightings. Departing from Horseshoe Bay, the tour takes you to the nearby seal colony at Pam Rocks in scenic Howe Sound.
Your adventure includes snorkeling at two locations. At the first spot, your guide will lead you to a rocky area where you can observe seals, mussels, crabs, and starfish for about 30 minutes.
At the second location, you’ll see seals beneath you, on the shore, and if you’re lucky, you might get as close as 10 feet to a curious seal!
Pro tip:
Parking in Horseshoe Bay, especially on summer weekends, can be challenging, so allow extra time to find a spot if you’re driving.
White Rock Sea Tours
Price: $175
Website: https://www.whiterockseatours.com/tours/boundary-bay-sea-lion-tour/
Address: Crescent Beach Marina, 12555 Crescent Rd, Surrey, BC V4A 2V4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-868-1755
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
White Rock Sea Tours offers a 60 to 90-minute sea lion tour departing from Crescent Beach Marina.
The tour provides stunning views of Mt. Baker as you head toward Boundary Bay. You’ll encounter playful seals, cheeky sea lions, porpoises, and the majestic orcas.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy sights of the San Juan Islands and make a stop at Poets Cove. After the tour, you’ll stop for lunch in Saturna before heading back to White Rock.
Pro tip:
If you get chilly, there’s a heated cabin on board where you can stay warm while still enjoying the views.
