See more photos of Orcas

I've made the mistake of going whale watching in Victoria in April. We did see some dolls porposes (they are smaller cousins of orcas), some other dolphins and lots of sea lions and seals. However, we did not see a single orca. The very best time to see orcas on a whale watching tour is between July & August. You are guaranteed to see pods of at least 20 whales. I've seen up to 3 separate pods of whales playing on one tour in early August. Many will come very close to your boat. I have been out on both the larger boats and the zodiacs. The very best way to photograph anything on one of these tours is by zodiac. The zodiacs do not disturb the wildlife as much since they are small and can float around without the motor on, and you get very up close and personal. I've gone whale watching with three companies in town and I recommend Seacoast Expeditions. They have very experienced and informative biologists and naturalists as guides. They really care about the wildlife in the area and tell fascinating stories. I've been out with them three times and have always enjoyed the experience. If you go out on a tour with a different company, make sure you ask if there is a naturalist as a guide. Sometimes your only guide is the captain of the zodiac or ship and it's harder for them to spot wildlife and drive at the same time. I have not been out with Ocean Explorations, but their web site includes a list of wildlife photographers specializing in orcas.

When to go?: I recommend going out on the 4:30 p.m. tours in the summer. The sunsets are specacular and the orcas are usually done feeding and are more active and playful. You can go in the spring, fall and winter, but you will not be guaranteed to see orcas.

What to bring?: You can put your camera zipped inside your huge orange lifesaving device and it should stay dry. I always bring extra ziplock bags and seal everything anyway. I have only gone out when the sea is fairly calm, so haven't experienced huge waves splashing into the zodiac. Bring your largest lens, you'll need it. The orcas will come up close to the boats, but most of the shots you'll get will be from at least 10 to 20 feet away. Bring extra lenses if you have them, but keep a decent 80-300mm or 80-200mm zoom on the camera at all times and only change the lens if the orcas get really close. You can also store your stuff in the seat below, but it's kind of a pain to get it out when there are other people sitting on the same seat as you. One thing you should definitely bring... ear muffs or a hat. Even on a 25 degree day in Victoria, it's only about 5 degrees out on the open sea. Your ears will get so cold it will feel like they are falling off. Bring light gloves too because your hands will also freeze. Sometimes the companies will lend you hats, but sometimes they won't.

I invite you leave your own advice and feedback about whale watching around Victoria, B.C.