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Five Star Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Victoria, Canada

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Join Victoria's 1st Certified Responsible Operator.

The Five Star Advantage

Educate, Advocate, Inspire, Preserve, & Protect the Incredible Marine Environment!

Providing 5 Star Experiences Since 1985! Often imitated but never duplicated or equaled, Five Star is the original family owned and operated whale watching company in Victoria. As founders of whale watching as a staple activity in Victoria with over 30 years of experience, we have some of the most hands on, passionate and knowledgeable crew in the marine industry. Guest comfort and a high level of customer service is paramount in all we do.

We are proud to be Victoria’s 1st World Cetacean Alliance Certified Responsible Operator. This shows our commitment to responsible whale watching practices. We have been a pioneer in establishing responsible and respectful Marine wildlife viewing since 1985!

Our office is conveniently located in Victoria’s vibrant downtown at the renowned Fairmont Empress hotel and our tours depart a short walk from the office in Victoria’s lively inner harbour.

“Turning Heads Since 1985” is much more than just our catchy tag line. It is also a description of what Five Star Whale Watching has consistently done with innovative vessel design and attention to the passenger experience. It also explains why we are the longest running and most respected Victoria whale watching company!

To see images from recent tour please click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/5starwhales/photos_albums/

Or follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fivestarwhales/

 

June 2, 2025 – 11 Orcas near Constance Bank!

Today we had an amazing encounter with 11 Bigg’s (T65A’s & T75B’s) South West of Constance Bank. The Orcas were in a very playful mood and we witnessed some fantastic action! It was another wonderful encounter to celebrate Orca Awareness Month. You can see more images from this encounter at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=5starwhales&set=a.1271948688265408

June 1, 2025 – Orcas for our 1st evening tour!

This evening we had a fantastic 1st evening trip of the season as we encountered Orcas to kick off Orca awareness month😍 The Orcas were identified as T117A, T117B’s and T172🥰 These Orcas are not often seen in the Salish Sea, especially in June. A stunning sunset welcomed us back to Victoria Harbour! We could…

Happy World Oceans Day!

Happy #WorldOceansDay We believe every day is a day to celebrate and protect the worlds oceans but today that is especially important on World Oceans Day If you would like to learn how you can play a part in protecting our oceans, visit our website at Research & Conservation

Experience an adventure of a lifetime!
★★★★★

Orcas!

I have been on 15 whale watch trips in my life. I have a degree in Biology and am a science teacher. I know a bit about whales. I have NEVER experienced such good service as I had from Gordon and Genevieve. WOW! SUPER NICE and knowledgeable. They made the trip more fun. I have waited 50 years to see Orcas and was lucky that Gordon found 4, including this mom and baby (pictured below). WELL WORTH THE COST! Thanks you two for caring about how good an experience you help to create.

– Connec, Tripadvisor
Whale watching at its best!

Absolutely majestic!! Incredible weather, excellent captain, and extremely knowledgeable guide. It was truly educational as well as beautiful. Saw several whale pods; 18 transient orca whales total. Sea lions, seals, and a lone sea otter. Highly recommend this spectacular adventure.

– Kelly R, Tripadvisor
Should be called 6 Star!

As a Tour Director recommending to clientele, l can always be confident of a Five Star Service and beyond!

– miggicheng2023, Tripadvisor
An awesome experience

We were lucky enough to have perfect conditions for our afternoon trip and then to view a humpback slapping it’s pectoral fins was truly awesome. It was great to have some space when watching and still have the thrill of moving at speed; an “Ultimate whale watching tour”!

– wpad2023, Tripadvisor