iris-whale - About Us

A Passion for the Pacific

What began as a single boat and a deep fascination with marine mammals has grown into one of Vancouver Island's most respected whale watching operations. Since 2009, iris-whale has introduced thousands of visitors to the wonders of our coastal waters.

Our founders spent years working alongside marine biologists and conservation groups before launching their first tours. That scientific foundation shapes everything we do, from how we approach whales to the stories we share with guests.

Today our fleet consists of three vessels, each designed for different types of encounters. We employ marine naturalists year-round and contribute to regional research programs that track whale populations and health.

What Guides Us

These principles inform every decision we make, from tour operations to business partnerships

Respect for Wildlife

We maintain distances that prioritize animal comfort over photo opportunities. Our captains are trained to read whale behaviour and adjust approach accordingly. When animals signal stress, we back off.

Scientific Integrity

Every piece of information we share is grounded in current research. Our naturalists continue their education throughout the year and collaborate with university partners on population studies.

Environmental Stewardship

Our vessels use low-emission engines and we offset our carbon footprint through verified reforestation programs. Single-use plastics have been eliminated from all operations since 2018.

Community Connection

We partner with local First Nations to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into our programming. A portion of every ticket supports youth marine education programs in Victoria schools.

Conservation in Action

We believe that witnessing whales in their natural environment creates advocates for ocean health. But we also recognize that our presence carries responsibility.

Our contributions to marine research include:

Photo identification data submitted to regional whale catalogues
Acoustic monitoring equipment installed on our vessels
Annual funding for resident orca health assessments
Beach cleanup initiatives along Salish Sea coastlines

When you book with us, you become part of these efforts. Your ticket directly supports the ongoing work of protecting these remarkable animals.

Natural landscape with mountains and water

Our Waters

The Salish Sea, where we operate, is one of the most biologically productive marine regions on Earth. These waters support three distinct orca populations, migrating humpback whales, grey whales travelling between Mexico and Alaska, and occasional visits from minke and fin whales.

Our knowledge of local geography means we know where currents concentrate food sources, where pods rest during different tidal conditions, and where seasonal migrations bring specific species closer to shore.

This isn't luck. It's fifteen years of daily observation, detailed record keeping, and genuine commitment to understanding the ecosystem we share with these animals.

About Us