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Our expedition catamarans lead the industry as the perfect whale & wildlife-viewing platforms. Their design improves stability in rough water, creating an extremely safe and dry experience. A great choice for the whole family!
- All Ages
- 3 Hour
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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/
May 22nd 2025 – Big Mama & playful Calf!
Today we had an incredible encounter with Big Mama and her very playful calf! We watched as the calf did several tail flicks and breached several times. As if not to be outdone, Big Mama did a huge cartwheel! Check out the images and videos, at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=5starwhales&set=a.1261861415940802 It was an unforgettable experience 🙂
Famous humpback returns to B.C. waters alongside new calf
Here is a wonderful article about ‘Big Mama’ and her new Calf returning to the Salish Sea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MLws8FfKKQ A beloved humpback whale named ‘Big Mama’ has returned to the Salish Sea with a new whale calf, according to whale watching experts. “We’re all super excited,” says Five Star Whale Watching manager and naturalist, Meaghan McKechnie….
May 20th 2025 – Breaching Humpbacks and two Grey Whales encountered!
On May 20th 2025, we had a lovely encounter with 2 Grey Whales west of Sheringham Lighthouse. The 2 Grey Whales were probably heading north to their summer feeding grounds north of Alaska! In the afternoon we encountered two Humpback Whales east of Sheringham and one of them breached twice and cartwheeled whilst we were…