Experience Nature

Mackay Whale Watching is family owned and operated, let us show you the rugged coast of Northern Vancouver Island

Join the Mackay family, pioneers in killer whale watching in BC with over 40 years of experience for a cruise aboard the most innovative certified passenger vessel on the British Columbia coast. The Naiad Explorer will whisk you from Port McNeill to a whale watching experience like no other. Our 3 hour tours are complete with information, history and wildlife.

See Nature in a new way

Come join us Virtually with regularly featured content from our archives

Choose your own Adventure

We look forward to helping with your future adventures.

the owners

We love what we do from meeting people from around the world, helping those closer to home and aiding in conservation to protect our little corner of the world we call home.

2026 Trip Info



The cost per person is $160.00 (plus 5% GST).

Trips will start in early July

Trip Advisor Reviews

star rating  This operator is knowledgeable committed and and inspiring. It makes a difference. We went out to see orcas and got humpbacks. A grizzly sea lions and seals and so many… read more orcas. Then there was the soup and tasty desserts. Oh yes. Also a super mini lecture on the importance of sustaining this awesome part of the planet. I would gladly have paid more, the staff was brilliant and motivated beyond the confines of a job. What an experience! My husband and I will never forget this trip and we’ve done many whale watching trips around the world.

wanderwoman50
September 17, 2019

star rating  Spectacular Day on the Water – 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… read more 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.

G8521YFlindaa
September 3, 2022

star rating  One of the great joys of my life is being out on the water to see marine mammals in their natural surroundings. Being a local gives me the advantage… read more of going out with Mackay Whale Watching with every trip a magical mystery tour. A few weeks ago a relative visiting from Ontario and I were awed by the incredible sightings of orcas/humpbacks/seals/eagles/porpoises. So much happening it was hard to know where to look. The Naiad is a comfortable and spacious vessel. There is room for everyone to be seated indoors or to stand or sit on 2 decks. A great price for a 4-5 hour tour including a hot bowl of soup/bun & sweet treats. Add Captain Bill’s vast knowledge and humour and it all adds up to the perfect whale watching experience.

orcaland
September 1, 2019

Choose your adventure

From day trips to exclusive vessel rental we've got you covered

$160

/person
Our famous

Day Trip

4 hour tour departs at noon on select days. Begins early July 2024

Call

Private

Exclusive use of vessel

Optimal for tour groups, water taxi needs or after hour cruises. Message for details

Mackay Whale Watching

1514 Broughton Boulevard
Port McNeill, British Columbia

Phone Lines Open 7 Days a Week
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Pacific Time