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Sidney Whale Watching

2537 Beacon Avenue | Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1Y3, Canada (Formerly Emerald Sea Adventures)
250 656 7599
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Ranked #1 of 13 attractions in Sidney
Type: Tours
Owner description: Whale watching, wildlife tours and sea kayaking tours located in the beautiful seaside town of Sidney, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Our... more » Owner description: Whale watching, wildlife tours and sea kayaking tours located in the beautiful seaside town of Sidney, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Our advantages include; calm protected water and the closest departure point to the Resident Killer whale routes meaning more whale time and an average of 30 minutes less travel time then Vancouver or Victoria. We are also at the gateway to the magical Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, less then 5 minutes off our dock and your among one of the nicest cruising grounds on the planet. Family owned and operated for over 15 years, come share our passion for the beautiful region called the Salish Sea. « less
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62 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Victoria, Canada
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2013

Our boat driver was very skillful and showed us a great time. He was diligent about searching out where the whales were, and we got lucky that day and saw a large group of orcas and a humpback.

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Victoria, Canada
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 August 2012

Had an amazing experience. The guide was extremely knowledgable about the area and the whales. I learned a lot of great information and saw Orcas from three different pods. The amount of people on the tour was small which was great because it allowed for one on one conversation with the guide to ask questions. I would absolutely recommend this... More

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San Francisco, California
Top Contributor
180 reviews 180 reviews
84 attraction reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 August 2012

This company (also known as SeaQuest) exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff and skipper were very friendly and relaxed. The open boat (bring sunscreen or a hat - I didn't and now paying for it) holds twelve, is very stable and powerful. Whale watching is very competitive and there are lots of companies to choose from for this... More

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See 2 more reviews by John K for Sidney
Aurora, Colorado
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 June 2012

My husband and I were seeking a personable, locally owned and operated whale watching company for our 2nd anniversary. Sidney Whale Watching (SeaQuest) went above and beyond. During the trip, all sorts of wildlife were pointed out to us with very interesting facts. I was at first concerned that we wouldn't see the whales as much. This was not so,... More

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Calgary, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 August 2011

I have been whale watching in Iceland and USA - this was a great expereince in a smaller boat with informal discussion with Steve. Multiple pod sightings and a bouncy ride back in the evening.

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Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 August 2011 via mobile

We were called 4 or 5 times to make sure we would show, and told we were sure to see Orca. Got on the boat and told guys were out looking for the whales. They knew the whales were out to sea, yet shuttled us to the far cold Georgia strait only to see seals. What a bummer for the... More

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MikeChild, Manager at Sidney Whale Watching, responded to this review
9 September 2012

Hi Kandi, First off I would like to express our sincerest apologies in regards to the disappointing experience and I remember that day well. Every once in a while the very wild whales give us the slip even when we have confirmed reports on where we are heading to view them on the day and unfortunately that was one of... More

Surrey, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 August 2011

Really impressive! It took us no time at all to reach the pod of whales. Mike impressed me with his knowledge of all things marine. Mike provided great opportunities to view and photograph the whales in actions. Highly recommend this trip. Better than leaving from Victoria as there is no need to spend a lot of time in the boat... More

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Victoria, Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 March 2011

We spent a day with Jeff, out of Poet's Cove, and had a great experience with 2 pods of orca and a minke. Then a sea lion colony on the return trip. Jeff was kind enough to e-mail some terrific pictures from our day - thank you! Suits supplied, but a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen a must in fair weather.

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San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 December 2010

Jeff is amazing. He knows so much, is extremely eco aware and so respectful of all of the wildlife. He is a master seaman and navigator. You always feel safe with Jeff although he is never cloying. My family and I had a spectacular time and hardily recommend Emerald Sea Adventures - pros from the beginning to the end.

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Pottsville, Arkansas
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 September 2010

Dang! i am from germany and that trip was way beyond anything I imagined when I decided to go whale watching. stupid tourist thing i thought before. Steve, you changed my mind completely. Steve, our captain could tell us all about the islands we could see while we were approaching the meeting point with J-pod the grandma wale :) the... More

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