BACK
April 23, 2026
Whale watching is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience that every nature lover should experience at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just someone who loves taking pictures, capturing the perfect whale watching photo can be a challenge. In this post, we’ll share five tips, directly from our wildlife photographers and naturalists, that will help you take stunning photos of these magnificent creatures on your next trip!
1. Invest in a quality camera
The first and most important tip for capturing the perfect whale watching photo is to invest in a quality camera. While smartphones are handy and convenient, they may not be able to capture the fine details and nuances of these massive creatures. A camera with a high megapixel count and a long zoom lens will enable you to get up close and personal with the whales and capture stunning images.
2. Get the timing right
Whale watching tours typically last several hours, and it’s important to time your shots correctly. The best time to capture the perfect whale watching photo is when the whales breach, or jump out of the water. Breaching is a rare event, so it’s important to be ready and have your camera set up and ready to go at all times.
3. Use the right settings
When taking whale watching photos, it’s important to use the right settings on your camera. If you’re shooting in low light, adjust your ISO and aperture settings accordingly. If you’re shooting in bright sunlight, use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and reflections on the water. Experiment with different settings to find the best combination for the lighting conditions.
4. Keep your distance
While it’s tempting to get as close to the whales as possible to get that perfect shot, it’s important to keep a safe distance. Not only is it dangerous to get too close to these massive creatures, but it’s also illegal in many areas, especially in BC. To insure the safety of our guests and of the wildlife keep a safe distance from the whales at all times. This is another reason why you should bring good lenses to zoom in and get the perfect shot even form a distance!
5. Take advantage of our Free Photo Package
Capturing the perfect whale watching photo can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge that’s well worth it. At our three locations on all covered boats’ tours, we offer a Free Photo Package to help you capture those special moments. Our professional photographers will take photos of yourself and the wildlife throughout the tour, and you’ll receive a digital copy of all the images emailed to you on the same day. The Free Photo Package is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss any of the action during your whale watching tour. Our experienced naturalists and photographers know how to capture the perfect shot, and they’ll be there to help you every step of the way. So, sit back, relax, and let us take care of capturing those special moments for you. Our free photo package is available at any of three locations; including, our Victoria whale watching tours and Vancouver whale watching tours.
In conclusion, capturing the perfect whale watching photo requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning images of these magnificent creatures. And if you’re looking for a little extra help, we got you covered with our Free Photo Package!
Contact us if you have any questions, and we can’t wait to have you on board!
Sea you soon!
