Vancouver Island offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in British Columbia. Our Comox whale watching tours cruise deep into the Salish Sea and Desolation Sound in search of the biggest and most exciting marine wildlife. Escape reality and be surrounded by mountains, calm waters, and wildlife on an adventure tour of a lifetime!
wildlife we see in comox
- Humpback whales
- Bigg’s (transient) killer whales
- Pacific white-sided dolphins
- Steller sea lions
- California sea lions
- Bald eagles
- Harbor seals
- Porpoises (Harbour & Dall’s)
- Colourful sea birds
Covered Vessel Tour
See why Comox is quickly becoming known as whale watching hotspots on Vancouver Island! This is our most popular family-friendly tour, and takes place on our covered vessels which have a comfortable indoor seating area and spacious outdoor viewing deck. Cruise throughout the Salish Sea and Desolation Sound in search of the biggest and most exciting marine mammals that call this region home.
- June 28th - August 31st, 2025
- 12:30pm Departures Daily
- Maximum 12 passengers
- Minimum age: 3 years old
What’s included:
- A knowledgeable and experienced captain and marine naturalist who run the water-based portion of the tour
- Local Indigenous guides who run the land-based portion of the tour
- Snacks and drinks
- Heated, covered vessel with a bathroom onboard
- A fun, educational experience you won't soon forget!
Welcome Aboard Big Animal Encounters
Based in Campbell River and Comox on beautiful Vancouver Island. We’re a passionate and professional team of wildlife enthusiasts and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard for the whale watching tour of a lifetime!
Click below to learn more about us and meet our crew.
Would you rather have your own private boat tour?
You’re the admiral as we explore Desolation Sound under the towering scenic mountains and current-swept bays. Hire a vessel and crew for the day, and bring your friends and family along for a Comox whale watching tour they will not soon forget! Covered vessels available.
Custom and personalized private boat tours for:
- Photographers
- Families
- Birthday parties
- Corporate events… and more!
Highly recommend Big Animal Encounters...worth every penny
What a spectacular day! The whale watching companies all work together to make sure your experience is maximized. Everyone wants everyone to see what there is to see and I love that "share the wealth" mentality. The staff are all lovely and make sure you have everything you need before you head out. Shannon was our guide for afternoon and she was fantastic! So kind and fun and knowledgeable, not only about the whales, but about the other wildlife you see, the area itself and a lot of other fun little tidbits along the way. The 4hrs goes so fast! It was SO GOOD!The boat ride itself was worth the money
I was very impressed with this operation. From the minute we walked in to the minute we left. The boat ride was fun, the scenery was absolutely amazing and we some some humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions. We were well taken care off, with Chris always making sure everyone is okay throughout the trip. We felt safe, entertained and had so much fun with my 7 year old. I'd do it again. If we lived in Campbell River, we'd do it at least once a month. Thank you for the wonderful experience.Transient and Resident Orcas in British Columbia: What Sets Them Apart?
The Pacific Northwest is a stunning retreat for nature enthusiasts, home to the awe-inspiring orca whales. These magnificent creatures are categorized into two distinct groups:
Feathered Friends of Campbell River
Most people go on a whale watching tour in Campbell River with one goal: to see whales. And yes, whales are incredible to encounter! But
The Impressive Migration of Humpback Whales
In the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest a magnificent marine migration unfolds every year, drawing attention to one of the most awe-inspiring journeys in