What to Bring on a Vancouver Whale Watching Tour

The single biggest mistake first-time Vancouver whale watchers make is dressing for downtown weather instead of Salish Sea weather. Even at the peak of summer, the water off Vancouver runs roughly 10–15°C cooler than the city — and a moving boat compounds that with wind chill. People show up in shorts and T-shirts, then spend the 5-hour covered catamaran tour from Granville Island huddled in the heated cabin trying to warm up.

This guide is the full packing list — for both covered catamarans and zodiacs, and for every season the tour operates.

The Essentials (Every Tour, Every Season)

These items apply to both boat types. The tour’s own “to bring” list specifies warm clothing and closed-toe shoes as the bare minimum.

What to Wear on a Covered Catamaran

The Prince of Whales catamaran from Granville Island has a heated indoor cabin, so you have a warm refuge if you over- or under-dress. But you’ll spend most of your good wildlife time outside on the viewing decks — and that’s where the wind chill bites.

Recommended layering (summer — June through September):

1. Base layer: Long-sleeve T-shirt or thin merino
2. Mid layer: Light fleece or sweater
3. Outer layer: Windproof jacket (rainproof is a bonus)
4. Bottoms: Long pants — leggings or jeans are fine; skip shorts even on a hot day
5. Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (trainers or boat shoes work)
6. Head: Hat, sunglasses

Spring and fall (April–May, October):

Add a second mid-layer, a beanie instead of a sun hat, and gloves if you run cold. The cabin will be your friend more often.

On a hot summer day in town (25°C+):

Yes, you still need the layers. Pack them in a small backpack and add them after the boat picks up speed. The first 10 minutes will feel like overkill; minute 30 onwards you’ll be grateful.

What to Wear on a Zodiac

Zodiacs are open, fast, and exposed to wind and salt spray. Operators provide full-body waterproof cruiser suits that go over your clothes — that’s the primary outer layer. Your job is to dress warmly underneath the cruiser suit, because cruiser suits block wind and water but don’t add much insulation.

Under the cruiser suit:

• Warm base layer (long-sleeve thermal or merino)
• Mid layer (fleece or sweater)
• Long pants (leggings work; jeans are uncomfortably wet if any spray gets in)
• Wool or synthetic socks — your feet will be coldest

On top of the cruiser suit:

• Hat that secures (a beanie under the cruiser-suit hood works best)
• Polarised sunglasses with a strap
• Gloves if you have them (especially shoulder season)

Skip: down jackets (they don’t recover well from spray), cotton anything (stays cold and wet), expensive cameras you don’t want to splash, and loose hats.

Camera and Photo Gear

On the covered catamaran: A professional photo package is included free — a crew photographer with a long lens shoots wildlife and guests throughout the tour, and you get the photos to download afterwards. This is genuinely useful — it means you can put your phone down and actually watch the whales. If you still want your own shots, a smartphone is fine for sea-lion close-ups and scenery; a mirrorless or DSLR with a 70–200mm or longer lens does well for distant orcas.

On a zodiac: Bring your own camera and a waterproof dry bag to keep it in between sightings. Salt spray is brutal on electronics. A smartphone in a waterproof case is the safest bet for most travellers. If you bring a real camera, expect to clean it thoroughly afterwards. Polarised sunglasses double as a quick filter for spotting whales below the surface — the lenses cut surface glare.

For Families With Kids

If you’re taking kids on the covered catamaran (welcome from age 4+ on most departures):

• Extra layers — kids feel the cold faster
• Snacks — the boat has snacks for purchase, but bringing familiar ones removes a meltdown risk
• Activity backup — the tour provides a Jr. Naturalist kids’ coloring book; bring a small notebook or extra books for the steaming-out portion
• Motion sickness tablets — kids’ formulations exist; pediatric dose if you think there’s any risk
• Change of clothes in your car or hotel — for after the tour, if anyone splashed or spilled

Zodiacs are not recommended for younger kids — most operators require age 8+ and the experience is intense for small children.

Seasickness — Plan Ahead, Don’t Hope

Vancouver whale watching takes you onto the Salish Sea, which is mostly sheltered but can have real chop in spring and fall. If you or anyone in your party gets motion sick:

1. Take medication 30–60 minutes before departure — over-the-counter dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol) or meclizine works for most people; check with a pharmacist if you take other medications
2. Eat a light meal beforehand — empty stomachs and giant breakfasts both make it worse; aim for toast or oatmeal
3. On the catamaran, the indoor cabin is your friend — sit mid-ship near a window and look at the horizon
4. Skip the zodiac entirely if you’re seriously prone

Ginger candies, sea-bands (wrist acupressure bands), and ginger tea are popular non-drug options that help some people. Don’t try them for the first time on the boat — test at home first.

What NOT to Bring

Quick Pre-Boarding Checklist

Pack the night before; lay it out:

• Warm jacket (windproof)
• Layers underneath
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Hat + sunglasses
• Sunscreen applied + extra
• Reusable water bottle (full)
• Backpack to carry it all
• Smartphone with confirmation email saved offline
• Camera + dry bag (if zodiac)
• Motion sickness tablets (if prone)
• Snacks for kids
• Cash for tips (optional, appreciated by crew)

Ready to Book?

The most-reviewed Vancouver whale watching tour — Prince of Whales covered catamaran from Granville Island. 2,362+ guests at 4.8/5. Five hours, three viewing levels, naturalist crew, free professional photo package (so you can leave the long lens at home) — from $186 per person, free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check availability and book →