the kit
What to wear and bring on a Vancouver whale-watching tour
A short packing list for three hours or more on the water, with what each of the three tours adds.
Reserve your whale tour ↗Packing at a glance
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Warm clothing | On the packing list for all three tours |
| Closed-toe shoes | On the covered catamaran's list |
| Hat and sunglasses | On the Richmond and open-air tours' lists |
| Camera | On the lists for the Richmond and open-air tours; the covered catamaran includes a photo package |
| Reusable water bottle | Suggested for the Richmond and open-air tours |
| Food and drinks | Suggested for the open-air tour; the Richmond tour lists snacks and a packed lunch |
Layers
Every tour on this page asks for warm clothing. On the water you are exposed to wind and spray even when the city is mild, so bring layers you can add or remove. The covered catamaran's heated cabin gives you a place to warm up between sightings.
Shoes
The covered catamaran asks for closed-toe shoes, which makes sense on a deck that gets wet. Pick something with a grip that you can stand in for hours. Sandals and open shoes are the wrong choice for the rail.
Sun and glare
The Richmond and open-air tours list a hat, sunglasses and, for Richmond, sunscreen. Light bounces off the water, so the glare is stronger than it looks from the dock. A hat that stays on in the wind is worth more than one that only looks good.
Cameras
The covered catamaran includes a photo package, with pictures of the wildlife and of you and your group. Bring your own camera as well if you like to frame your own shots, and have a strap on it. The decks are laid out for photography, with the open-air tour offering a 360-degree view.
Food and drink
Coffee, tea and hot cocoa come with the covered catamaran ticket, and snacks are sold on board. The Richmond tour includes bottled water and a granola bar and lists a deli sandwich lunch that you can pre-order from the operator. On the open-air tour, bring your own food and drinks.
What stays ashore
Baby strollers, smoking, vaping, drones, alcohol and drugs, fireworks and touching the animals are not allowed on the covered catamaran tour. The open-air tour also excludes pets and non-folding strollers. Leave anything on that list at the hotel.