Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

🌊 Race Rocks Ecological Reserve Marine Tour

A journey to one of the Salish Sea’s most spectacular marine protected areas

Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is a unique and unforgettable destination—just a short cruise from Victoria but a world apart in biodiversity and beauty. This marine tour takes you through rich tidal waters teeming with life, set against the backdrop of rugged rocks, windswept vistas, and a storied lighthouse.

🐾 What You’ll See

Race Rocks is famous for its high concentration of marine mammals and birdlife. On this guided charter, you may encounter:

• Steller and California sea lions hauled out on rocky outcrops

• Harbour seals lounging near the water’s edge

• Elephant seals, a rare but thrilling sight

• Bald eagles, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers, and dozens of other seabird species

• Kelp forests and intertidal zones alive with marine invertebrates

• Occasional passing orcas or humpback whales

This area experiences some of the strongest tidal currents on the coast, creating nutrient-rich waters that support a vibrant and visible food web. It’s one of the best places on the West Coast to witness marine life in a concentrated, dramatic setting.

🏛️ A Living Classroom: Pearson College UWC

Race Rocks is more than a scenic destination—it’s also a living research and education site. The reserve is administered by Pearson College UWC, located nearby in Metchosin. This renowned international school uses the site for ecological study, conservation research, and sustainability education. Our tours respect and highlight this unique partnership between education and environmental stewardship.

🗼 Race Rocks Lighthouse

Built in 1860, the Race Rocks Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse on the British Columbia coast, just behind Fisgard Lighthouse (1859). Constructed from granite quarried on nearby Nelson Island, it has stood as a rugged and resilient beacon on the edge of the Juan de Fuca Strait for over 160 years.

Though now fully automated, the lighthouse once housed dedicated keepers and played a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation through one of BC’s most powerful tidal passages. Today, it remains an iconic highlight of the reserve—offering a dramatic contrast of human history and wild natural surroundings.

🚤 The Experience

Your charter will be aboard our comfortable, heated Axopar 28 Cross Cabin, ideal for navigating these dynamic waters.

• Departure: Victoria or nearby Gulf Island docks

• Duration: Approx. 3 – 4 hours

• Private small group experience

• Interpretation provided on marine ecology and the natural history of the reserve

🧭 Why Race Rocks?

There’s simply nothing else like it on the South Island. Few places offer such consistent and dramatic wildlife viewing within such a compact area. Whether you’re a photographer, marine enthusiast, birdwatcher, or curious adventurer, Race Rocks will leave a lasting impression

Note this is an expensive tour because of the travel time and fuel costs. Happy to add on any other points of interest and/or stops along the way.