Pelagic Bird Watching Tours

Pelagic Bird Watching Tours

In the Gulf Islands Coastal Waters

Experience the thrill of birding by boat on the scenic waters surrounding Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. From April through October, our tours offer nature lovers and birders of all levels a front-row seat to an incredible variety of seabirds and coastal species that call the Salish Sea home.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this is a unique opportunity to witness the Pacific flyway in action — all from the comfort of our stable, quiet Axopar 28 Cross Cabin vessel.

What You’ll See

Our sea birding tours explore rocky islets, open waters, and coastal cliffs—prime habitats for a wide range of birds. Sightings vary by season, but common highlights include:

Spring to Early Summer (April–June)

• Pigeon Guillemots

• Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata)
  

• Pelagic & Double Crested Cormorants

• Marbled Murrelets

• Surf Scoters

• Black Oystercatchers

Midsummer to Fall (July–October)

• Heermann’s Gulls

• Bonaparte’s Gulls

• Common Murres

• Red-necked Phalaropes

• Jaegers (Parasitic & Pomarine)

• Greater Yellowlegs

• Sooty Shearwaters (on longer trips offshore)

And year-round residents such as:

• Bald Eagles

• Glaucous-winged Gulls

• Great Blue Herons

• Turkey Vultures (most common in spring/summer)

These waters also attract occasional rare sightings during migration periods, offering exciting surprises for more experienced birders.

A Tour for Birders, By Birders

Each tour is designed with bird viewing in mind:

• Quiet approaches to sensitive nesting areas

• Stability for binocular use and photography

• Customizable routes based on recent sightings

We welcome all levels of interest—from nature lovers to listers—looking to observe seabirds in their natural habitat.

Want an Expert Birding Guide?

We are pleased to partner with the Victoria Natural History Society, offering the option to book a specialist birding guide to join your charter (additional fee applies). With deep regional knowledge and expert spotting skills, your guide will enrich the tour with:

• Species identification

• Ecological insights

• eBird logging (optional)

• Customized species targeting based on your birding goals

Ideal for serious birders, photographers, and nature clubs.

Book Your Sea Birding Charter

We run private birding tours from April through October, with departure times tailored to weather, tides, and bird activity.

Half-day & full-day options available
Small private groups only (up to 6 passengers)
Departures from Sidney or other areas by arrangement

Whether you’re adding birding to your vacation itinerary or planning a dedicated excursion, this tour is a serene and exciting way to explore the Salish Sea’s wild residents.