Five Star Whale Watching (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Five Star Whale Watching?
What makes it 83% Kids-Friendly: Life jackets, hydrophones, indoor cabins, and free child commentary engage ages 3–12, but three hours on open water can cause boredom or seasickness, so parents must monitor closely.
Positives:
- Stabilized vessel: The catamaran design reduces rocking, making it easier for young children to stay comfortable.
- Onboard facilities: Full restroom, indoor seating, and dry storage keep the family dry and comfortable.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Wind and spray can be strong; pack waterproof jackets and hats to protect kids.
- Limited shade: Outdoor deck has little cover; bring sun hats and sunscreen for everyone.
What is Five Star Whale Watching?
- A marine wildlife tour company based in Victoria, British Columbia, specializing in whale-watching expeditions in the Salish Sea
- A two-vessel fleet comprising a stable three-hour catamaran and a nimble high-speed boat equipped for marine wildlife observation
- An accredited operator employing certified marine naturalists and offering a whale-sighting rebooking policy
What is so special about Five Star Whale Watching for with kids?
- Family-friendly catamaran with stable indoor/outdoor decks
- Interactive hydrophone demo keeps kids engaged
- High orca and whale sighting success rate
- Free rebooking guarantee if no whales are seen
- Onboard restrooms and dry storage for family comfort
Recommended visit duration: 3 hours
Why 3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3-hour tour gives enough time to spot whales, enjoy the hydrophone demo, and return before kids get restless.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Five Star Whale Watching
3-Hour Catamaran Whale Watching Tour:
Cruise on a stable catamaran with indoor and outdoor decks and certified naturalist narration.
Tip: Book morning slots for calmer seas, dress in layers, and arrive 30 minutes early to board smoothly.
Hydrophone Listening Session:
Hear real-time whale calls through an underwater microphone.
Tip: Encourage kids to guess each whale sound and ask the naturalist questions to keep them engaged.
Whale-Hide-and-Seek Guarantee:
Get a free rebooking if no whales are sighted between May 1 and Oct 31 (weather permitting).
Tip: Keep your ticket stub safe and check availability early to reschedule on a clear day.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Five Star Whale Watching
- Use public transit: Take the Victoria Transit bus to the Fairmont Empress to avoid parking fees and walk to the boarding dock.
- Pre-book tickets: Reserve seats online at least a week in advance to secure the preferred tour time for your family.
Reviews of Five Star Whale Watching
Jensen
Incredible whale watching experience in Victoria, BC! Five Star Whale Watching truly lives up to their name. The crew is extremely knowledgeable about marine wildlife and the local ecosystem. They shared interesting facts about orcas, humpback whales, marine birds, and the Salish Sea throughout the trip. You can tell they are passionate about what they do and truly care about wildlife. Special sh...
Dania Payette
This was the most incredible experience! Nour was the best! She was so fun and informative! We got to see an Orca up close which was amazing! After having a bad experience with a different whale watching company last Thursday I decided to try again with 5 Star Whale Watching and they did not disappoint! Very happy with my experience today!
Manon JB
An absolutely magical and unforgettable experience 🐋! We were lucky enough to see many humpback whales, some of them feeding, and one even swam very close to the boat (with the engine off) a truly timeless moment. Andrew is an exceptional captain, passionate and attentive, and the whole crew is adorable, professional, and always available to answer our questions. The little hot drinks served on b...
Jason Seagram
We had an excellent trip with our guides. They went beyond the required trip time to ensure that we saw whales and sea lions. The boat is a great intermediate size: not the tiny zodiaks, but not the bigger boats that cram in 150 people. We didn't ever feel like we were fighting for a spot at the railing to see the whales. 100% recommend. Note: Take layers! And a toque and gloves are also recommend...
Sarah Bahm
Very knowledgeable guides, good price. We saw orcas, sea lions, sea otters and an eagle. No humpbacks on our tour but lots the following day! Our group was smaller (only 12 people on board) so there was lots of space to move about. Dress warmly in layers like they suggested - it is windy and cool out in open water. The captain will take good quality photos of animal sightings that are posted on th...
When is the best time to visit Five Star Whale Watching (Victoria, Canada)?
Peak whale activity runs June to September with gentle seas and warmer weather. In spring (April–May), watch for migrating gray whales but pack windproof jackets.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 × CA$153) | CAD 306 |
| Child tickets (2 × CA$104) | CAD 208 |
| Snacks and hot chocolate | CAD 10 |
| Parking near dock | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 544 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Five Star Whale Watching
Address: 645 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
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About Five Star Whale Watching
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 250-388-722310 BEST nearby Activities
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