Experience Nature

Mackay Whale Watching is family owned and operated, let us show you the rugged coast of Northern Vancouver Island

Join the Mackay family, pioneers in killer whale watching in BC with over 40 years of experience for a cruise aboard the most innovative certified passenger vessel on the British Columbia coast. The Naiad Explorer will whisk you from Port McNeill to a whale watching experience like no other. Our 3 hour tours are complete with information, history and wildlife.

See Nature in a new way

Come join us Virtually with regularly featured content from our archives

Choose your own Adventure

We look forward to helping with your future adventures.

the owners

We love what we do from meeting people from around the world, helping those closer to home and aiding in conservation to protect our little corner of the world we call home.

2026 Trip Info



The cost per person is $160.00 (plus 5% GST).

Trips will start in early July

Trip Advisor Reviews

star rating  The absolute best whale watching tours you can get are with Bill and his amazing Crew out of Port McNeill! The stories and knowledge they share with us while we’re… read more surrounded by stunning wildlife activities are fascinating. Bill is a legend and makes sure to approach the animals with caution and gives them enough space, which is important to me. One of the best places in the world for seeing Orcas and Humpback whales. Also sea lions, bald eagles and sea otters! You have to accept you’re spoiled after being on these tours 😛 🙂

avatar thumb sidocean
October 11, 2022

star rating  Fabulous trip well worth the time – I have done both whale watching tours and the Mackay whale watching tour was way more fun great boat easy to navigate the hostess was awesome and had a great… read more knowledge of the whales also the captain was easy going and very funny had tha most amazing time

Blackcathy
July 13, 2021

star rating  Amazing experience! Excellent company  – We have been on many whale watching trips over the years but this was our first with Mackays. What an amazing experience- boat was comfortable and spacious and there was… read more plenty of room for everyone to see the whales when they came past. They only do one trip a day so they are not hurrying up to get back to base. Very knowledgeable captain. We were so lucky to see a whole raft of sea otters chilling in the kelp. We saw lots of orca too! Humpbacks, sea lions, dolphins and Dalls porpoise oh and not forgetting the bald eagle and nest. I would definitely recommend them.

avatar thumb 904vickic
August 27, 2023

Choose your adventure

From day trips to exclusive vessel rental we've got you covered

$160

/person
Our famous

Day Trip

4 hour tour departs at noon on select days. Begins early July 2024

Call

Private

Exclusive use of vessel

Optimal for tour groups, water taxi needs or after hour cruises. Message for details

Mackay Whale Watching

1514 Broughton Boulevard
Port McNeill, British Columbia

Phone Lines Open 7 Days a Week
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Pacific Time