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

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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  We were fortunate that favourable conditions – calm waters and blue skies – gave us the best opportunities to see transient orcas in abundance,humpback whales,pacific dolphins and harbour seals
It… read more is not surprising that Mackay Whale Watching has one of the best reputations on Vancouver island as the reviews speak for themselves but Bill,company owner and skipper come naturalist is passionate still after 30 years and with a sense of humour to match.He was ably assisted by the equally passionate and knowledgable Marieka who provided us with delicious lentil soup midway and at the end tea and home made chocolate brownies and lemon drizzle cake
This tour lasted 6 hours well beyond stated 3-4hr tour and all for CAN $130 not like $500 8 hr grizzly bear tour with Adventure Quest Campbell River with almost zero guiding and a miserly chicken wrap and on top no grizzlies
We did Eagle Wing Tours Victoria and Prince of Whales Tours Telegraph Cove and this was by far the best tour even though Mackay had best viewing conditions
Make this your number one whale watching tour for Vancouver Islandas it is best feeding ground at head of Johston straits for these mammals

petesaund
September 23, 2019

star rating  We were with a tour company in July and we had two tremendous days with them. John and Marika were excellent made sure we saw a lot of wildlife from… read more seal lions, sea otters and whales when they were spotted. There knowledge of the area was tremendous. The rapids they took us too was a experience. I would recommend them and I am sure the experience will be the same. Thumbs up and 5 stars.

avatar thumb Z4315OVgaryw
July 30, 2021

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

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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