The Whale Centre vs Jamie's Whaling Station
Two whale watching operators in Tofino, British Columbia. The Whale Centre starts at C$169 and Jamie's Whaling Station at C$179.14. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.
The Whale Centre
- Operating for over 40 years
- Says every boat carries knowledgeable naturalists and guides give full narration
- Season runs March to November
- Guests under 19 need a parent or guardian to sign the release
- Discount on a second tour ($15 by contacting the office, or 10% online)
Whale Watching on The Coastal Cruiser
- From
- C$169 per adult
- Length
- 2.5 hours
- Min age
- Infants and young children welcome
- Cancellation
- 48-hour cancellation policy; departures with fewer than 4 guests may be delayed or cancelled
Whale Watching on the Open Boston Whaler
- From
- C$169 per adult
- Length
- 2.5 hours
- Group
- Small groups
- Min age
- Minimum age applies; no infants
- Cancellation
- 48-hour cancellation policy; departures with fewer than 4 guests may be delayed or cancelled
Private Tour
- From
- C$1,800 per group
- Group
- up to 12 guests
Jamie's Whaling Station
- Operating since 1982 (over 40 years)
- Raincheck tickets can be used on its large boats or Zodiacs from Tofino or Ucluelet, but only for the same tour type
- Private tours and bookings of 12 or more have a 7-day cancellation policy
- Zodiacs not recommended for pregnancy, back or neck problems, osteoporosis or recent surgery
Zodiac Whale Watching
- From
- C$179.14 per person
- Length
- 2.5-3 hours
- Group
- 12 passengers per Zodiac
- Min age
- Minimum height 4'8" (142 cm)
- Cancellation
- Full refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure; no refund within 48 hours or for no-shows
Covered Whale Watching
- From
- C$200.34 per person
- Length
- 2.5-3 hours
- Group
- Lukwa up to 45 passengers; Chinook Princess up to 33
- Min age
- All ages
- Cancellation
- Full refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure; no refund within 48 hours or for no-shows
Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in Tofino, British Columbia.