Ocean Ecoventures, Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC

Nanaimo's closest Whale Watching excursions. Only a 45 minute drive south of Nanaimo.

Ocean Ecoventures offers spectacular whale watching and marine eco-tours departing daily from Cowichan Bay, British Columbia. We are located on the southeast shores of Vancouver Island, approximately one hour north of Victoria and 45 minutes south of Nanaimo.

On any given day between April and October, you can witness up to 89 Orca Whales frolicking in the southern Vancouver Island waterways. Observe these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat as you enjoy the scenic waterways of southern Vancouver Island.

While our high quality, all-inclusive Whale Watching adventures focuses on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca pods, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall's Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and a variety of marine birds are also abundant in the area.

The Southern Resident Orca Whales are split into three separate groups know as “J pod”, “K pod”, and “L pod”. Orca Whales are very social animals. They live in small nuclear and extended families know as pods, clans and communities.

In addition to resident Orca Whales, Transient Orcas are also sighted during the summer months. While the Resident Orcas feed almost exclusively on the abundant salmon runs during the summer months, the Transient Orcas feed on a variety of other marine mammals including Porpoises, Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Sea Lions, and sometimes even Deer. The Resident and Transient Orca Whales do not intermingle, but coexist in the same waters.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing population of Humpback and Grey Whales in local waters. Last year we documented 12 different Humpback Whales in our waters.

Ocean Ecoventures is a member of a local whale spotting network, an extensive whale tracking system in B.C.'s southern Gulf Islands. This sighting network ensures excellent sighting success on a daily basis. Both Canadian and U.S. whale watching companies, as well as scientific researchers, employ the use of this valuable service.

Ocean Ecoventures provides its clients with everything needed for a comfortable and safe ocean excursion. We supply Mustang cruiser suits that ensure warmth and safety. We also provide hats, gloves and goggles for each participant. Our Whale Watching tour is 3-4 hours in duration and departs daily from the quaint seaside village of Cowichan Bay.

Ask about our guaranteed whale sightings.