Whale Watching

Alder Bay Adventures, in partnership with Farewell Harbour Lodge, offers half day, small group, whale watching excursions departing daily from Alder Bay at 8am and 1pm between May 15th and September 30th. With some of the best viewing opportunities for both Orca and Humpback on the planet right at our door step, we are pleased to offer twice daily departures. 

Led by passionate, knowledgeable and very experienced guides, your 3 hour excursion will depart Alder Bay at either 8am or 1pm aboard our covered vessel and head out into the famed waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound in search of Orca, Humpback, Stellar Sea Lions, Pacific White Side Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises and a host of other marine wildlife. Travel distances to the prime viewing grounds are not typically long as we are located in close proximity to the foraging grounds of all species. 

Aboard each vessel will be a hydrophone and if conditions permit we will deploy the device to listen in on whale vocalizations which is always an added sensory highlight! 

Sightings of Humpack Whales are quite typical throughout our season as these animals have made their way back in numbers from the winter mating/calving season in Hawaii to their feeding grounds not far from Alder Bay.

Orca sightings can be either of the 'Resident's or the 'Transients', now more commonly called Bigg's Orcas. The prime distinction between Residents and Biggs is their primary food source. The Residents are the 'salmon eaters' and go after the schools of returning salmon, mainly Chinook. The Bigg's Orcas food source is other marine mammals including seals, sea lions, dolphins and potentially other species of whales. The number of Bigg's Orcas is increasing in our local area as their prey abundance has increased dramatically. 

Sightings of Orca are less common in May, June and early July. If we do see Orca at these times, it is typically of Bigg's Orcas. The Resident Orcas tend to become resident again in our local waters each year beginning about mid July although this can change from year to year. 

Daily Departures between May 15 and September 30
Cost: $130/adult + GST and $110/child + GST
Departs Alder Bay at 8am and 1pm daily
Each departure is approximately 3 hours in length

Includes:

• Specialized gear such as rubber boots and full rain gear when required
• Small group excursions with maximum group size limited to 10 guests and 2 guides
• Local conservation fee

Choose your dates below to check availability and book online!