This is only our first Viator Tour who ultimately contracted Surfside Adventure Tours. Traditionally we explore on our own. This time we were traveling with friends that invited us on this adventure. What a delightful way to learn about new places. We were greeted by our wonderful guide Sandy at the Ogden Point Cruise terminal where our Luxury Private tour began with and emphasis on Butchart Gardens which we had never done even though we’ve been here three times before. It was a Half Day Private tour in Victoria BC. We explored the beautifully historic center of Victoria, then moved on from downtown streets for the flower-lined paths of Butchart Gardens and drive by Fisherman's Wharf, the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, and Craigdarroch Castle, all the while driving through scenic roads of Vancouver Island. Wish we could have done the full day so we could have gotten out at each stop instead of just a drive by. Sandy was so passionate about her country and was able to give us a down to earth personal experience. There’s so much to see and do. We’re going to have to come back.

I had the best day with Darwin. He was friendly, kind and very, very knowledgable about the area. The tour included parts of this beautiful island I’d otherwise have been unable to see and Darwin was flexible and accommodating to make sure I had the best day! Many thanks

Excellent tour to give you the overview highlights of Victoria. Helps you to see where you want to explore in more depth. Also provided time to explore the beauty of Butchart Gardens. Sandy was very engaging and made for a fun experience.

This was the best tour that we have taken!! Darwin is very professional and knowledgeable about the history of the island as well as all of the sites you won’t want to miss! We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!

We had the most awesome day with Darwin! He was so personable and knowledgeable about all things Victoria, BC. He customized our experience to cover exactly what we wanted to see. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone!

I found this trip using links from my Marriott account, booking the 3-hour Private Guided Rainforest Hike. My adult daughter and I were picked up by Darwin in our hotel lobby (very convenient!). Darwin drove us "in style" and it was just the two of us with him filling us in on the "local scene:" history, topography, climate, people, culture, and wildlife. He has lived on Vancouver Island for many years and really knows it well. We were able to see three unique spots on the island - all within a very modest drive from downtown, Victoria. We saw waterfalls, beautiful coastal vistas, local flora and fauna, rainforest, and an astounding castle - Hatley Castle. It was an amazing 3 hours of fun and flew by! We took seriously that we should be dressed for the weather and we did, though we never got the rain that had been predicted. A bonus! We were prepared. Darwin also took pictures of us on our cameras, another bonus! I would highly recommend Darwin AND this particular trip, especially if you only have a day or two on the island - he was a terrific guide and we got to experience places we would not have found on our own. THANK YOU, DARWIN! S. Horstman

Making our group tour was fast and easy. Communications with owner, Darwin, was excellent. We had his driver Sandy do or tour. She was a blast and fit right in with our crazy group. She was so much fun, we invited her to join us for our lunch. We could not be happier with how our day went.

Yes do it! We liked it a lot and the Guide is so funny and has so much experiance. Very kindly and gives you options which eviroments do you prefear to See. We rate him 10 out of 10. thank you!

Darwin was right on time picking me up from Spinnakers before the scheduled Rain-forest trek/tour. Great vehicle and excellent driver. Fabulous nature Guide and historian. He completely customized the rainy day's tour to my liking and current stamina level. I was beyond pleased! The Autumn terrain was lovely, exquisite foliage. GREAT PHOTO-OPS! Even driving to the trailhead inspired capturing images of the giant trees and cliffs, I LOVED every part of this flat-trailed walkabout. YET sighting numerous eagles at one point was thrilling! And minor climbing over fallen trees was a perfect challenge towards regaining my fitness confidence. While navigating a big-stones dry riverbed -- to access a waterfall was an adventure too. Will definitely book with Darwin again! Hopefully Spring 2023. Thank you Sir Darwin!

Darwin, who runs Surfside Tours, was fantastic and waiting at the ferry terminal holding our name on a sign. He took us to all the major sites allowing photo stops as desired. We got to go out of the city along the coast and even to Mt Tomlo for an amazing view of Victoria from above. He provided a natural narrative and we enjoyed hearing his perspective as a local. He even dropped us off at the Fairmont Empress for our Tea time. This was so much better than a hop on hop off and was well worth the money!

Our group of 4 truly enjoyed this wonderful customized tour led by Darwin, who was very professional, informative, timely, and accommodating! We saw a lot of Victoria without feeling rushed, including the Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Castle, downtown Victoria and more. The SUV was comfortable, clean, and well maintained. I will definitely reserve another tour with Darwin during my next visit to BC.

Our driver was the owner Darwin. He was so nice and accommodating. We got off the ship later than expected. He took us straight to the gardens before all the buses arrived. That gave us time to walk through the gardens and still get back to town to see all of the other sights. I would highly recommend his company and we will definitely contact him again if we come back to Victoria.

Darwin was an incredible tour guide for the City of Victoria and Butchart Gardens. Due to the amount of time available for our ship in-port visit, we didn't have time for a full half-day, but Darwin packed the time available with so much that we now want to come back to see Victoria and the Butchart Gardens in more depth. He was so very friendly and helpful. He went above and beyond. You can't go wrong in booking with his company

This was our first time having a Private Tour of any location we’ve visited… and thanks to Darwin, my children and I got to experience Victoria in a spectacular way! From the introductory call we received to customize our itinerary the week before our tour right through to the very end of our exciting full-day tour adventure, Darwin created a highly memorable and enjoyable experience for all of us :) His detailed knowledge of the area coupled with his down-to-earth nature, sense of humour, and authentic passion for having his guests experience a joy-filled day is amazing. You definitely can’t go wrong booking Surfside Adventure Tours if you want to remember living a special time in Victoria!! Much appreciation to Darwin for a wonderful time that we won’t soon forget.

Thanks to Darwin, our shore time in Victoria was saved! We had a fantastic ride to the Gardens and Darwin provided excellent guidance on what to see, how to see it, and a great explanation of the history of the Butchart Gardens.. our Royal Princess cruise and passengers weren’t properly prepared to disembark and we were held up an hour! Darwin was patiently waiting when we disembarked and quickly hustled us to his beautiful van to beat the big bus travelers! His knowledge and love of the area was very evident as we traversed his town. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon!