Exploring British Columbia’s rugged coastline for 30 years
Big Animal Encounters is a local, family owned and operated company on beautiful Vancouver Island. Since 1994, we have been working to share this special part of the planet with visitors from around the world. From one small boat on tiny Hornby Island, we have grown to five vessels, three locations, and an amazing team of professional and enthusiastic crew members.
MEET OUR CREW
Bill
Marine Operations Lead
Sharon
Marine Centre Lead
Sophia
Guest Experience Coordinator
Eleanor
Guest Experience Coordinator
Jason
Senior Skipper
Paul
Senior Skipper
Jenn
Skipper
Chris
Senior Skipper
Brendan
Skipper
Elvis
Skipper
Stuart
Skipper
Nicole
Guest Experience Coordinator
Lucie
Guest Experience Coordinator
Alex
Guest Experience Coordinator
Whether it’s a Grizzly Bear Expedition in Bute Inlet, a quick trip to see the Humpback Whales in Desolation Sound, or exploring the beautiful reefs in the Discovery Passage, the crew at Big Animal Encounters love to share the uniqueness of our wild big animal experiences. Every trip has its own surprises, from educational to exhilaration, that will be etched in your memory and a part of your stories for a lifetime.
our locations
Head Office – Discovery Harbour
Comox Marine Centre
Painters Lodge Marine Centre
Career OPPORTUNITIES
Now hiring for our 2026 season. Join our fun, enthusiastic team at Big Animal Encounters as we work to share this special part of the planet with visitors from around the world.
Interested in joining our crew in our shore based or marine division? Feel free to fill out the information form below.
The photos on this website are thanks to:
- Wildlife photos: Tony Austin Photography, Andy Scheffler, Stan Novotny, Blair Denman
- Diving photos: Seaproof.tv, Maxwel Hohn, Trisha Stovel