Top 10 Boat Tours In Vancouver, Canada - Updated 2024

Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 4 min read

Set sail across Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront to indulge in Pacific Coast salmon while enjoying awe-inspiring views of pristine Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountains. Race across the Pacific Ocean’s sapphire waves while searching for playful killer whales, seals, and humpback whales during an adrenaline-pumping Zodiac adventure. Join the crew of the legendary Jolly Roger to hunt for hidden treasures while battling fearsome Pirate Pete during an exciting pirate adventure departing from Granville Island. Please check out the following list of the top boat tours in Vancouver, Canada, to enhance your exploration of Vancouver’s stunning west coast natural beauty and captivating wildlife.

1. Half-day whale watching adventure (from USD 177.0)

Get your cameras ready for exciting encounters with sea lions, killer whales, and humpback whales during a cruise of Vancouver’s downtown harbor. While watching orca’s play and humpback whales blow off steam while surfacing, indulge in stunning views of the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands. Learn about Vancouver’s history and geology from the knowledgeable crew while seagulls soar overhead waiting for lunch to jump out from the waves. Enjoy scenic views of Vancouver’s dazzling downtown, marina, and pristine Howe Sound while bounding across the Pacific Ocean’s sapphire waters.

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Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver

Duration: 5 hours

3086 reviews

2. Set sail on an enchanting sunset cruise (from USD 159.0)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vancouver by hopping aboard a historic paddle wheeler for a sunset cruise along Vancouver Harbour and Burrard Inlet. Indulge in freshly caught Pacific Coast salmon, succulent prime rib, and enticing desserts while taking in sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains. Sail past the billowing sails of Canada Place on False Creek, Stanley Park, and under the iron cables of the Lions’ Gate Bridge. While experiencing a stunning sunset over Vancouver’s Habour dotted with boats, take in views of the sparkling skyscrapers and glistening silver Science World dome.

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Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

545 reviews

3. Boat cruise down Vancouver Harbourfront (from USD 315.0)

Hop aboard the historic paddle wheeler to indulge in seals lining the harbourfront, ascend Vancouver’s Lookout Tower, and to drive through Gastown. Wander under dangling silk lanterns while watching heavily embellished dragons winding through the streets of vibrant Chinatown. Encounter the famous black squirrels and soaring bald eagles while strolling past the towering Totem Poles in Stanley Park’s cedar forest. Scream from the top of your lungs as you stand on the glass-floored Cliffwalk before walking across the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge. Soar high above the evergreens on the Grouse Mountain sky tram before beholding lumberjacks compete in log rolling, axe throwing, and chopping wood.

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Vancouver Neighborhoods and Nature Small-Group Tour

Duration: 6 hours

13 reviews

4. Vancouver harbor lunch cruise (from USD 149.0)

Dine on freshly caught, British Columbia salmon while enjoying a sumptuous buffet lunch upon the regal MV Harbour Princess. Head to the deck to enjoy unobstructed views of the stunning snowcapped Coastal Mountain range. Learn about Vancouver and its breathtaking landscape while sailing past the 12-mile (18-kilometer) steep-sided Indian Arm glacial fjord. Enjoy panoramic views of Burrard Inlet’s dense evergreen forests while watching hungry bald eagles and seals vigorously swoop in for lunch.

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Vancouver West Coast Lunch Cruise

Duration: 4 hours

170 reviews

Vancouver Tour Guide

Nazila Najafi

Nazila Najafi

I have over ten years of experience in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. My professional/volunteer background as a researcher, remote travel columnist, travel agent, travel consultant, and walking/step-on guide has helped me provide my VIP (private/group) tours with a memorable experience. As a professional Canadian Tour Guide Association of British Columbia member, I have been actively run... Read more

5. Go on a downtown Vancouver sightseeing cruise (from USD 80.0)

Make certain to use the restrooms before suiting up in the bulky red cruiser suit prior to boarding the Zodiac raft. Hold onto your cameras as you bound across the sapphire waters of Burrard Inlet, Coal Habour, False Creek, and English Bay. Hear your heart pound while your adrenaline pumps fiercely as you bound across the waterfront at speeds of up to 34 miles (55 kilometers) per hour. Feel the need for speed while passing commercial freighters, sunbathing seals, and seaplanes taking flight from False Creek towards the North Shore Mountains.

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Downtown Vancouver Sightseeing Cruise in a Zodiac Vessel

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

609 reviews

6. Set sail past Vancouver's stunning attractions (from USD 52.0)

Sign up for an exciting sailing excursion along Vancouver’s striking waterfront lined with glistening skyscrapers. Cruise past the dense forests of world-famous Stanley Park after passing English Beach’s golden beachfront and fitness enthusiasts traveling along the seawall. Prepare your electronic devices and cameras for photo ops of Lions’ Gate Bridge and the stunning North Shore Mountains. After sailing past historic Gastown, indulge in sweeping views of Expo ‘86 landmark, Science World and Yaletown’s BC Place.

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Vancouver Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

Duration: 1 hour

152 reviews

7. Zodiac boat tour to Granite Falls (from USD 119.0)

Suit up in cumbersome survival suiting while listening to a brief safety demonstration before heading out to chase waterfalls, seals, and orcas. Listen to historical commentary regarding Granville Island, Kitsilano’s Bard on the Beach, and the Burrard Street Bridge. Race past commercial freighters near Canada Place, Stanley Park and Lions’ Gate Bridge. Cruise past Indian Arm to admire the ancient glacial fjord with steep granite cliffs en route to a brief photo stop at Granite Falls’ cascading waterfalls.

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Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures

Duration: 3 hours

499 reviews

8. Admire seals on a scenic boat tour (from USD 66.0)

Jump aboard a Zodiac to enjoy a thrilling adventure cruising along Vancouver’s English Bay past downtown’s mirror-finished towers. Sail past Lighthouse Park’s historic lighthouse on an outcrop of giant boulders before checking out Seal Colony’s seals sunbathing on moss-covered rocks. Cruise past charming Yaletown, Science World’s metallic dome, and the dense cedar forests of Stanley Park. Speed past the popular stretches of golden beach around Kitsilano Beach and English Bay before admiring West Vancouver’s stately mansions.

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Vancouver City and Seals Scenic Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

312 reviews

9. Sail across pristine English Bay (from USD 65.0)

Soak up the sun during a leisurely private sailing charter while passing by palm tree-lined English Bay packed with beachgoers and Canadian geese. Indulge in a platter of salmon pate, baguettes, and fruit while sailing past Canada Place’s flowing white sails and the North Shore Mountain’s snowy peaks overlooking False Creek. Sip on regionally produced wine while sailing past the towering glass skyscrapers surrounding Vancouver’s harbourfront. Enjoy sweeping views of Kitsilano Beach, UBC, and Vancouver’s Outer Harbour while flocks of seagulls call out overhead.

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Private 3-Hour Sailing Charter in Vancouver: Sailors Delight

Duration: 3 hours

5 reviews

10. Interactive pirate cruise from Granville Island (from USD 30.0)

Set sail for the Seven Seas in search of dazzling hidden treasure on this exciting pirate adventure aboard the legendary Jolly Roger. Live the life of Captain Jack Sparrow by wearing authentic costumes while manning the twelve water canons in an epic battle against villainous Pirate Pete. While sailing past False Creek, grab your sword and order swashbucklers creating a mutiny to walk the plank so they can’t lay claim to the valuable treasure. Upon claiming the priceless treasure, have the crew load it onto the ship before singing a victorious sea shanty en-route to the bustling harbor.

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Interactive Pirate Cruise from Granville Island

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Vancouver's glistening waterfront

Hop aboard historic paddle wheelers, pirate ships, and Zodiac watercraft to cruise along Vancouver’s pristine waterfront while admiring the city’s famous landmarks. Experience the natural beauty of English Bay, Grouse Mountain, Stanley Park, and more during day cruises across Vancouver’s stunning Pacific coastal waters. After catching your heart in your hands from a thrilling zodiac whale watching excursion, wander over to English Bay’s golden sand beach to relax on your bamboo beach mat.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

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