Mackay Whale Watching
Mackay Whale Watching
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About
During this global Covid 19 pandemic, we are doing our utmost to ensure the safety of our guests and crew, employing thorough cleaning protocols, poly barriers and physical distancing. At the present time, we are taking reservations from residents of British Columbia only, and will take reservations from other Provinces and countries when health authorities deem it is safe to do so. In order to further limit exposure, our trips this year will be three hours in duration and will not include lunch. All guests and crew will be required to wear masks during the tour. If you cannot provide your own mask, let us know. The cost per person is $130.00 (plus 5% GST). Preferred payment method is email money transfer to, once again, limit exposure for both guests and staff. We will not be able to run our tours on a daily basis and will be running twice a week (to start with), on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Trips depart at 1:00 pm and will return to the dock at 4:00 p.m.
Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada
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(54 reviews)

(49 reviews)

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
249 reviews
Excellent
231
Very good
15
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Dendroctonus
Victoria Capital Regional District, Canada157 contributions
Jul 2022
A lovely afternoon on the water with otters, whales, porpoise and entertaining hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon with McKay, the driver and interpreter were full of great information and enthusiasm.
These guys have provided whale watching on the north island for many decades and that experience shows. Great vessel and deeply knowledgeable.
Highly recommended.
These guys have provided whale watching on the north island for many decades and that experience shows. Great vessel and deeply knowledgeable.
Highly recommended.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda A
Port McNeill, Canada2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Went on the 4 hour whale watching tour yesterday and was not disappointed! We were surrounded by northern residents, humpbacks, porpoises, otter & finally stellar sea lions. It was and is an amazing experience being on the water surrounded by the beauty of wildlife. Marijke (sp?), John & of course Bill are so knowledgeable and make everyone of their guests feel welcome & safe. Bill has been doing this for 42 years and has immense knowledge. I highly recommend this tour company.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shuginou
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2021
My husband, 6-year old, and mother spent an amazing afternoon with Mackay Whale Watching. Captain Bill is a consummate professional and his boat is super fast and comfortable. On a cool, rainy day like today, you can be indoors with a clear view through sea-level windows or on one of two outdoor decks. We saw several seals, Dall's porpoises, and humpback whales and the guide was very knowledgeable. Not to be missed if you are visiting the North Island.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jacqueline b
Ottawa, Ontario3 contributions
Sep 2021
We just came back from a whale watching tour with Mackay whale watching tours. It was an amazing experience. We were surrounded by humpbacks and Orca killer whales. We saw orcas teasing hump backs, two pods of orcas and had a brilliant time. The crew were amazing, they got us close enough to feel like we were in the middle of the action but never so close that we felt we were intimidating the whales. Beautiful boat, fabulous tour, well worth the visit.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Geoff Hunt
Coquitlam, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
I have been on this tour twice and it has never disappointed. The staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable. As a operator they obviously have close relationships with the community and other operators to maximize enjoyment. The Naiad Explorer is a fast boat that allow more ground to be covered in comfort. Inside viewing areas for those that need to warm up. Lastly the whales :) OMG we were able to see so many!
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Our whale watching excursion aboard the Naiad was “ first class”! We saw humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, sea otters and beautiful scenery.. Captain Bill and Marika were such enthusiastic and knowledgeable hosts. We learned so much about marine wildlife. Thank you! We will definitely be recommending MacKay Whale Watching to friends and family ( as a matter of fact, we already have!) .
Written August 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary W
Kelowna, Canada67 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We were with a tour company in July and we had two tremendous days with them. John and Marika were excellent made sure we saw a lot of wildlife from seal lions, sea otters and whales when they were spotted. There knowledge of the area was tremendous. The rapids they took us too was a experience. I would recommend them and I am sure the experience will be the same. Thumbs up and 5 stars.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sidocean
Germany22 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The absolute best whale watching tours you can get are with Bill and his amazing Crew out of Port McNeill! The stories and knowledge they share with us while we're surrounded by stunning wildlife activities are fascinating. Bill is a legend and makes sure to approach the animals with caution and gives them enough space, which is important to me. One of the best places in the world for seeing Orcas and Humpback whales. Also sea lions, bald eagles and sea otters! You have to accept you're spoiled after being on these tours :P :)
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda A
Port McNeill, Canada2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
Just had an amazing whale watching excursion with this company today. Within an hour of leaving the dock in Port McNeill we were surrounded by Orcas, Humpbacks and Dahls Porpoises! The Naiad we were on was spacious with plenty of seating and with Covid protocols in place. Marika our guide was excellent and Bill Mackay the owner/captain knew just where to take us for the best viewing experience. I will continue to recommend this tour company and definitely book another tour next summer with my two grandsons. Thank you for a terrific day!
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kate
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Aug 2020
We had a fantastic day out whale watching with our kids. The check in process was easy and the tour ran to time, very punctual. We saw humpback whales, dolphins, porpoise, sea lions, orca's, jelly fish, cuddle fish, eagles and lots of other birds. We had Bill and Marieke and they both were fantastic, Marieke was so knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife. The only thing, the orca's are in a protected area where the boat can not get too close to. It was hard to see them, so I recommend to bring binoculars. Bill kindly lent us his binoculars, which we were very much appreciated. Such a fantastic day out, highly recommend.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wendysLantzville
lantzville4 contributions
What length is your season of operation
wanderwoman50
Belleville, Canada121 contributions
Be sure to use this operation. It was the highlight of our trip
broomee
Gold Coast31 contributions
Is there much area on the outer decks for photographing the whales?
IrishOrcaGirl
Victoria, Canada35 contributions
Yes. The boat is perfect for Whale Watching. It has a large upper deck with seats and standing room and a spacious back deck too. It also has a washroom and a heated inside cabin. They also provide lunch!
duke-fire
Parksville, Canada4 contributions
What is the time of departure for the Whale watching trip
IrishOrcaGirl
Victoria, Canada35 contributions
10am
Heather W
4 contributions
how much is this tour
Tours are $130 per person. Tax and lunch included; and the tour is 4-5 hours generally. :)