Tours/Vancouver/Vancouver UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Seals Snorkel Kayak Boat Tour
Viator · group up to 10 pax

Vancouver UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Seals Snorkel Kayak Boat Tour

5.0(52)Vancouver1 hour
VIATOR5.0(7)TRIPADVISOR5.0(45)

Description

This Snorkeling/Kayaking adventure in Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers a unique experience showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of BC. Howe Sound is home to a diverse array of marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions, porpoises, whales and seabirds This adventure provides opportunities to get up-close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat without disturbing them. You can also stay on the boat or hop on a kayak if you choose not to splash in the water. Enjoy complimentary hot drinks and snacks onboard. Our boat is covered so it provides ideal protection from the elements, with large openings ideal for viewing and photography, marine toilet, hot-water shower for a quick rinse and dive elevator for easy water access - Unforgettable wildlife encounters & Jaw-dropping scenery - No previous experience required, Gear provided - We accommodate small groups to cater more effectively to each client. "Safety is our top priority"

Tour Options

Sightseeing Only
  • Sightseeing Only: This option is for people who wish not to participate in any in-water activity and choose to stay on the boat
Snorkeling / Kayaking

Highlights

Use of Snorkeling gear, Wetsuits and Kayaks
Snacks
Soup, Coffee, Hot chocolate, Tea, Water

What's included

Included
Use of Snorkeling gear, Wetsuits and Kayaks
Snacks
Soup, Coffee, Hot chocolate, Tea, Water
Not included
Private transportation
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

5.0
52 reviews
5
51
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(52)

P
P2273UHmarvina
August 6, 2026
Amazing!!

Amazing experience and well worth the money. Got very close to the seals and appreciated the hot chocolate and soup afterwards. Highly recommed!

Operator response

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had such an amazing experience and got to see the seals up close! 🦭 We’re also glad you enjoyed the hot chocolate and soup afterward. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again on the water!

O
OnAir65404847276
August 5, 2026
Amazing

This was one of our favorite activities ever. The snorkling with the seals was absolutely amazing. Kayaking/supping as an extra option was very welcome for some of us. Victor and Maddie were the best guides, they are very friendlly and share their enthusiasm for wildlife with the guests. They take good care of you with even a warm shower after the snorkling. There was also coffee, tea and soup. We absolutely recommend PNW exp.

Operator response

Thank you so much for this incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that snorkeling with the seals was one of your favorite activities ever! It was a pleasure having you with us. We’ll definitely share your kind words with Victor and Maddie. Thank you so much for recommending PNW Expeditions!

1
162elissad
August 4, 2026
Beautiful

A really incredible experience. Visibility wasn't amazing for the snorkeling piece, but we were still insanely close to seals and enjoying some of BC's incredible natural beauty.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your review! We're thrilled you had an incredible experience with us. While underwater visibility can vary from day to day, we're so glad the seals made up for it and that you were able to experience the beauty of the BC coast up close. We really appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another adventure on the water!

2
272niels_
August 3, 2026
Highly recommended!

Incredible experience! Captain Victor and Maddie were so friendly and made sure everyone had the best possible time. We came all the way from Denmark and have never experienced nature like this before. Swimming right next to seals while a bald eagle flew overhead was unforgettable. Highly recommended!

Operator response

Thank you so much for making the journey all the way from Denmark to join us! It means a lot to hear that your experience was so memorable. Swimming alongside the seals while watching a bald eagle soar overhead really is one of those magical Pacific Northwest moments. We're so glad Maddie and I could help make your adventure special. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back if your travels ever bring you to Canada again!

K
kaseylouisee
August 3, 2026
Amazing!

Great experience and Maddie & Victor were both great, really friendly and loved seeing the seals. The hot chocolate was great after too!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your kind review! We're so happy you had a great time with us. It was a pleasure having you on board, and we're glad you enjoyed seeing the seals! We're also happy the hot chocolate hit the spot after the adventure. We hope to welcome you back for another trip on the water soon!

J
JollyMoose
July 13, 2026
Seal Party! Incredible experience with the 'Locals'

Incredible experience! Vince was so friendly and with us the whole way. I feel like we lucked out because we had 5 seals hangout with us the whole time. It was incredible being near them, having them go under us, and be generally curious. I think everyone in our boat had a unique and special experience. Mine was having a seal face to face when I was under water, and had 3 below me at one time blowing bubbles. Because the seals are wild, I'm sure everyone's experiences differ. The tour felt respectful of their space and let the seals come to us (which they did!). Was nice seeing the crabs, sea cucumbers, and the coast too. The wetsuits and gear provided were in good condition and the boat was incredibly clean. Victor and Vince were both knowledgeable of the area, inhabitants, and committed to conservation. To clarify (because there was some confusion) this is a venture to a single spot and we had the option of snorkeling and going on a SUP (to basically Kayak). You can do both or either in the span of the 2 hours in the water. If you want a break then go to the boat for some snacks and warm drinks they provide. I liked that flexibility. I'll definitely be going back - and bringing friends.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an incredible experience. As you mentioned, every tour is unique because the seals are wild, and we're always grateful when they choose to interact with our guests on their own terms. We're also happy to hear you enjoyed spotting the other marine life, appreciated the flexibility of the tour, and found the equipment and boat to be clean and comfortable. Thank you as well for clarifying how the tour works for future guests we really appreciate it. We can't wait to welcome you back, and we're looking forward to meeting the friends you bring along next time!

A
Ada_C
July 13, 2026
Fantastic! The two...

Fantastic! The two instructors were wonderful and kind and the bio reserve was extremely breathtaking

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear you had a fantastic experience. It means a lot to know our guides made you feel welcome and that you enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of the bio reserve. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again for another adventure!

W
W1884HGdanielles
July 11, 2026
Amazing Experience

This was an absolutely incredible experience. I booked this for my husband and my wedding anniversary to truly experience a local excursion. Our guides were knowledgeable, helpful and great company. We saw so much sea life from starfish to sea cucumbers, crabs and many little fish. The true highlight was swimming with the seals. They were so curious and adorable. This was an unforgettable experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something awesome to do in the Vancouver area.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're honored you chose to celebrate your wedding anniversary with us, and we're thrilled to hear it was such a memorable experience. I We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to our guides. They love sharing the beauty of our coastline and making every tour special. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you both back for another adventure the next time. Happy anniversary!

L
lesliet681
July 8, 2026
Swimming with the Puppies of the Ocean!!

Victor, owner & captain & 1st mate, Maddie, were top notch hosts. They were personable & educational & very helpful. We will definitely recommend them to anyone looking for this type of experience. We had all ages in our group, from 85 to 10. They accommodated everyone!! The water was a cold & a bit choppy the day we went out but we still managed to spend a bit over an hour swimming with the “ocean puppies”!! They are curious & playful. It was the highlight of our trip!!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was an absolute pleasure having your family onboard. We're so glad everyone. We always strive to make our tours welcoming and accessible for guests of all ages, so your kind words mean a lot to us. Thank you for recommending us, and for choosing to spend part of your trip with us. Maddie and I truly appreciate it, and we hope to welcome you all back for another adventure in the future!

E
ellemF5150NQ
July 8, 2026
swimming with the seals!!🦭

We went to the perfect spot to swim with sooo many seals up close!! My Family with a 10-80yr old had a great time. Victor and Maddie (the guides/staff on boat) were so kind, accommodating and informative throughout the experience, they even helped us warm up from the cold water with a hot shower, tea and hot coco on board!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure having your family onboard, and we're so happy everyone had such a great time! We're thrilled the seals were as curious and playful as ever and that you enjoyed getting to see them up close. Maddie and I really appreciate your kind words. We always do our best to make the experience comfortable and memorable, so we're glad the hot shower, tea, and hot chocolate helped warm everyone up after the snorkel. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to welcome you and your family back for another adventure soon!

You might also like...