TOFINO BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR
Bear & Whale Combo Tour in Tofino
Looking for the best Bear & Whale Combo Tour in Tofino? The Whale Centre offers an unforgettable 4-hour wildlife adventure combining Tofino whale watching and black bear viewing in one incredible trip through Clayoquot Sound.
Departing from Tofino, this guided wildlife tour is perfect for travellers who want to experience the very best of Vancouver Island in a single outing. Venture into the open Pacific Ocean in search of grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas, then explore calm coastal inlets where black bears forage along the shoreline at low tide.
The Bear & Whale Combo Tour is perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife photographers, this small-group Tofino tour is led by experienced guides and offers a high success rate for whale watching and black bear viewing.
Choose between two unique Bear & Whale Combo experiences:
• Open Boat Adventure – a fast, exhilarating ride on our 12-passenger Boston Whaler
• Cabin Cruiser Tour – a comfortable, heated vessel with an open viewing deck for all-weather sightseeing.
CHOOSE YOUR BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR BOAT:
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COMBO TOUR - CABIN CRUISER BOAT
4 Hours | From $269 CAD | Heated Cruiser Boat
Experience the best of Tofino wildlife on this extended combo tour through Clayoquot Sound. Search for black bears along the shoreline and whales offshore, all from the comfort of a heated cabin cruiser with an outdoor viewing deck.
Rates:
Adult $269 | Senior & Youth $259
Private Charter (up to 12): $2,900Quick Details:
• 4-hour guided tour
• Max 12 passengers
• Cabin Cruiser with viewing deck
• Check-in 30 min prior
• No washroom on board
• Not recommended for small childrenWhat to Bring:
Dress in warm layers, sunglasses, camera, water bottle.Good to Know:
Prices exclude taxes & fees. Please review our Cancellation Policy before booking. -
COMBO TOUR - OPEN BOAT
4 Hours | From $269 CAD | Open Boat Tour
Experience the ultimate Tofino wildlife adventure on our open boat combo tour through Clayoquot Sound. Travel at water level for an exciting, immersive ride as you search for black bears along the shoreline and whales offshore.
Rates:
Adult $269 | Senior & Youth $259
Private Charter (up to 12): $2,900Quick Details:
• 4-hour guided tour
• Open Boston Whaler vessel
• Max 12 passengers
• Check-in 30 min prior
• No washroom on board
• Not recommended for small childrenWhat to Bring:
Dress in warm layers, sunglasses, camera, water bottleGood to Know:
Prices exclude taxes & fees. Please review our Cancellation Policy before booking.
Wildlife You May See on Our Tours
Our wildlife tours in Clayoquot Sound, departing from Tofino, offer the chance to see whales, sea otters, bears, sea lions, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
The waters and rugged coastline of Clayoquot Sound are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. While every trip is different, our guests regularly encounter marine mammals and coastal animals throughout the season.
Wildlife you may encounter includes:
Humpback Whale
Grey Whale
Orca (killer whale)
Sea Otters
Sea Lions
Harbour Seal
Bald Eagle
Black Bear (on bear watching tours)
Which Boat is Right for You?
Cabin Cruiser – Comfortable & Family-Friendly
Enjoy a warm, sheltered cabin with the option to step outside onto a large viewing deck. This is our most popular choice for families, couples, and anyone wanting a more relaxed experience while still getting incredible wildlife views.
Open Boat – Up Close & Adventurous
For a more exhilarating experience, our open boat keeps you fully outside and closer to the action. You’ll feel the ocean air and take in unobstructed views the entire tour. Floater suits are provided to keep you warm.
Our Recommendation
If you’re travelling with young children or prefer comfort, we recommend the cabin cruiser. If you’re looking for a more adventurous, immersive experience, the open boat is a great choice.
Good to Know
Both boats visit the same wildlife areas, travel at the same speed, and offer excellent viewing—so whichever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR
Dress warmly in layers for the open boat (long sleeves, pants, fleece or sweater)
Rain gear (if it is raining)
Enclosed shoes (sandals not recommended)
Winter hat and gloves (early Spring / late Fall)
Binoculars
Camera
Drinking water
Sunglasses
Your sense of adventure!
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Open Boat: Full Mustang Floater Suits (XS to XXXL) for your safety and protection from ocean spray & cool air.
Cabin Cruiser Boat: PFD’s and life jackets.
WHAT WILL WE SEE ON THE WHALE & BEAR TOUR:
Black bears, whales, sea Lions, sea otters, harbour seals, bald eagles, seabirds and more!
WHEN TO ARRIVE:
Please arrive at our office to check in 30 minutes before the departure time.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Check in for your tour 30 minutes before departure time. Please be ready to depart at that time.
Make sure you read & understand our booking policies and waiver terms before processing your reservation.
Read our cancellation policy and note we have a 48 hour policy to cancel.
These trips may not be suitable for people who are pregnant or with serious back or neck problems - please let us know at time of booking of any such conditions.
Each passenger is required to sign a Release of Liability at check-in. Participants must be 19 years of age or require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.
An eco wildlife conservation fee of $3 will be added to each fare in support of maintaining the ecosystem in Clayoquot Sound.
Multi-tour discounts, $15 off second and additional tours, contact us to book your tours so you receive the discount.
Prices are subject to change.
Our boats do not have washrooms on board.
Please note this tour does go out into the open ocean and there can be some swell.
This tour is not suitable for small children or infants.
PREPARING FOR YOUR BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOUR:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please take note of the following guidelines:
No food or beverages (other than a water bottle) are permitted during the Bear Watching portion of the tour.
Avoid wearing strong scents such as perfume, cologne, or scented deodorants, as these can disturb the wildlife.
Keep noise and movement to a minimum while on board to help increase wildlife sightings.
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the vessel at all times.
Plan ahead for washroom needs — there is no toilet on board, so we recommend avoiding large coffees or teas right before departure.
Thank you for helping us protect the wildlife and environment we are fortunate to share. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing an unforgettable West Coast wildlife experience.
Cancellation Policy
Plans changed? We’ve got you covered.
We understand that travel plans can shift. Contact us at least 48 hours before your departure to cancel or reschedule your tour for a full refund — no questions asked.
More Details:
Public Tours
• Full refund with 48+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 48 hours of departure
• Changes not permitted within 48 hours
Private Tours
• Full refund with 72+ hours’ notice
• No refunds within 72 hours
Operator Cancellations
• Full refund if we cancel due to weather or sea conditions
To Cancel or Reschedule
Please call us at 1-888-474-2288
Tofino Bear & Whale Combo Tour FAQs
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This tour lets you experience two of Tofino’s most iconic wildlife encounters in one tour.
You’ll go:
Bear watching in the sheltered inlets of Clayoquot Sound
Whale watching in the open Pacific Ocean
It’s one of the most complete wildlife experiences available in Tofino.
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In addition to whales and black bears, you may see sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions, bald eagles and seabirds along the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.
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Due to the length of the tour (4 hours) it is recommended for guests 12+ and up and is a great experience for adventure seekers, couples, and photographers.
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Heated Cabin Cruiser
Our cabin cruiser is a larger vessel with a heated indoor cabin and large viewing windows, offering a warm and comfortable ride in all weather conditions. Guests can move between the indoor seating area and the outdoor viewing deck, making it a great option for families, photographers, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed tour. Heated cabin boats are typically smoother and provide more protection from wind and sea spray.Open Boat with Mustang Floater Suits
Our open Boston Whaler Boats offer an adventurous wildlife experience closer to the water. Guests wear full Mustang Floater Suits to stay warm and dry. These boats are maneuverable, allowing you to travel quickly and reach wildlife viewing areas efficiently. The open design also provides unobstructed views and an exciting, immersive ride making it a great option for photographers and adventure seekers.Which one should you choose?
Choose the heated cabin cruiser for comfort, shelter from the elements, and a smoother ride.
Choose the open boat for a faster, more adventurous experience with incredible eye-level wildlife viewing.
Both vessels are guided by experienced captains and offer the same opportunity to see whales and other marine wildlife in Clayoquot Sound.
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No. Guests will be reminded when they check-in for the tour 30 minutes before the departure time to use our office washroom. We suggest not drinking a big coffee or drink right before your tour.
Looking for more wildlife adventures? Explore our Whale Watching Tours, Hot Springs Tour and Bird Watching Tours
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![Tofino Hot Springs Tour Boat]()
HOT SPRINGS COVE TOUR
Year-round | 6 Hours | From $239 Adult | Ages 3+ | Boardwalk Hike
Experience:
Scenic Boat Ride • Hike • Soak • Wildlife Sightings -
![Breaching humpback whale on a whale tour in Tofino]()
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
March–November | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Humpback Whales • Grey Whales • Sea Otters -
![A sea otter eating a crab on a tour in Tofino]()
SEA OTTER TOUR
Year-round | 2 Hours | From $139 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Sea Otters • Sea Lions • Harbor Seals • Bald Eagles • Shorebirds -
![Tufted puffins on a bird watching tour in Tofino]()
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
May–September | 2.5 Hours | From $169 Adult | Ages 8+
Wildlife:
Tufted Puffins • Surf Birds -
![Black bear on a Tofino & Whale Combo Tour]()
BEAR & WHALE COMBO TOURS
March–November | 4 Hours | From $269 Adult | Ages 12+
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Whales • Sea Otters • Seals -
![Black bear on bear watching tour in Tofino]()
BEAR WATCHING TOURS
April–October | 2.5–3 Hours | From $169 Adult | All Ages
Wildlife:
Black Bears • Bald Eagles • Herons • Shorebirds
