Our resident Orcas usually visit our area once a day, however we never know if they will appear in the morning or afternoon. This unique small group, full day, whale watching experience in the sheltered waters of the Southern Gulf Islands will allow passengers to experience the many splendors of the Gulf Islands while they wait for the whales to come to them. The Orcas always put on a thrilling show! Porpoise, seal haul-outs, otters, eagles, a shipwreck and breathtaking scenery are all part of the day. Remember to bring your camera! Unlike the big city tours we can stop when ever and where ever the group likes. In addition to stopping at Saturna Island Winery Bistro for lunch and Ganges on Salt Spring Island for shopping, there are numerous other places on the water we can stop at for a coffee. A few possibilities are: Poets Cove, Hope Bay Cafe, Lyall Harbor Pub and we may even end up in Sidney on Vancouver Island. Avoid the potentially rough waters of Georgia Straight with a 50-minute ferry ride to Galliano Island. If the wind is up and you want the rough stuff, no problem. Put on the suits; hang on for the ride of your life to the open water. We support PWWA guidelines for responsible whale watching.
Itinerary:
Times vary depending on day and season. Depart Tsawwassen ferry terminal for a 50-minute trip to Galliano Island at around 08:30 and return to Tsawwassen around 18:00. You will board Discovery Seatours` boat directly from the ferry where we will begin our whale watching and shore excursion adventure. The itinerary will revolve around where the whales are or where they could be based on their position the previous day. We will try to stop somewhere for a coffee mid morning, possibly at an old ferry converted into a bakery that serves amazing cinnamon buns. Lunch will possibly be at Saturna Winery Bistro with optional wine tasting or we could end up at Sidney on Vancouver Island. We will likely stop mid afternoon at one of the many quaint pubs on the water for a beverage. We hope to finish the day at Salt Spring Island for 1hour of shopping then a 30-minute boat ride back to Galliano Island for your return ferry ride back to Tsawwassen at around 17:00. The group will choose from several alternatives when and where we stop.
Meeting Location:
Catch the first Gulf Island Ferry from Tsawwassen as a walk on passenger, sometime between 08:30-10:00. Times vary depending on day and season, so please confirm sailing time by calling or e-mailing us prior to your tour. Be sure to tell the ticket agent you are going to Galliano Island and they will direct you to the appropriate ferry. The first stop is Sturdies Bay on Galliano Island where you will walk off the ferry, take a few steps down the pier then turn left down to the small float where I will be waiting for you. There are also several float plane options from Vancouver airport. |
The ferry schedule changes based on the day and season. This will effect duration.
Cost:
$375.00 plus tax per person based on 4-8 passengers.
$750.00 plus tax per person based on 2 passengers.
Discounts:
A group rate discount of 10% will apply for bookings of 5-8 passengers.
The early bird booking special does not apply to this tour.
Does not include ferry fare, food and beverages but does include light snacks, bottled water and juice boxes.
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