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Five Star Whale Watching

Whale Watching in Victoria, Canada

Choose Your Experience

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/

 

2025 Season Highlights!

Here is a short video showing some of the Highlights from our incredible 2025 season😍 It was a wonderful season, the perfect way to celebrate our 40th anniversary🎉 Thank you to everyone for your support in 2025 and we look forward to more adventures in 2026🥰 Click on the link below: https://youtu.be/1wZgNfyQLiI #seasonhighlights #marineadventure

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year🎉 May 2026 bring joy, peace, good health a clean ocean and of course lots of Whales and marine life🐋🐬🐟 Best wishes from everyone at Five Star Whale Watching🥰 #happynewyear #newyear

Merry Christmas/Season’s Greetings!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays from the Five Star Team🎄🎁 We hope you enjoy your day with loved ones. We wish everyone a safe, healthy, joyful Christmas 🎄 ☃️🧑🏻‍🎄🎅🏻 #merrychristmas🎄 #seasonsgreetings

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