Our Boats
The Scarab style
- Is the rated #1 boat design for whale watching on Vancouver Island by actual visitors.
- A superior, safe, smooth & stable ride.
- An ultra low acoustical footprint (quiet underwater) that minimizes impact on whales.
- Used by coast guards, search & rescue operations, and international offshore racing professionals.
- Faster than most of our competitors allowing for greater range and increased wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Unlike 'zodiac' style prevalent in our industry, scarabs offer a smooth, dry and safer ride when mother nature gets feisty.
- Links to details of our scarab vessels; 'Goldwing', & '../eaglewing'.
Safety & Comfort
Your comfort and safety is our top priority. In addition to a perfect safety record, our two scarab-style boats feature:
- spacious seating with a walking aisle,
- private on-board washrooms,
- protected seating area,
- web-sprung seating,
- A list of extras not found on competitors vessels.
Our sturdy 38' Wellcraft Scarab & 60' custom built aluminum deep V-hull vessels both undergo rigorous annual government safety inspections. Goldwing & Eaglewing and their fully qualified professional captains and crew are all Transport Canada Certified.
Eco-Friendly
We are proud to offer our guests the most environmentally friendly vessels used in the Victoria whale watching industry. Eagle Wing Tours’ commitment to the environment is comprehensive and extends beyond our obligations on the water.
- We are the only company to self-implement a comprehensive environmental program (Go Green) where we reduce and eliminate our 'corporate/commercial carbon footprint'.
- We also support and follow a very extensive set of rules & regulations which helps us to minimize our impact on the wildlife as we view them in their habitat.
- Our engines are the only ones that exceed the EPA regulations, the California 3 s tar rating and meets the EU (European Union), and Kyoto Accord for emission/pollution standards. The EU and Kyoto Accord have the toughest regulations for emission standards (pollution) in the world!
Personal touch
Our boats are deliberately designed with the guest experience foremost:
- Large vessels and zodiacs offer comfort and thrills respectively, but not both. Our vessels uniquely provide the thrills of a smaller open vessel combined with the protective features of larger vessels.
Eagle Wing Extras
Our all-inclusive marine tours provide you with everything that you need for the trip...see our many extras!
Scarab vs. zodiac (inflatable boat):
The Scarab has..
- greater range in choppy condition guaranteeing access to whales.
- a smoother & more comfortable ride in choppy sea conditions.
- private, more comfortable washroom facilities (many zodiacs have none).
- a superior underwater sound system; not all boats have hydrophones.
- optional 2 piece waterproof outfits for comfort in all weather situations, (zodiacs require mandatory, full body water resistant suit, which are especially hot on a summer's day)
- faster boat = more time with marine life
- many 'extras'
- Eagle Wing does not schedule trips back to back allowing for the possibility of extending a trip if necessary to view whales or other wildlife.
Scarab vs. a large covered boat?
The Scarab has..
- much greater range to access whales & other marine wildlife (40 mph vs. 15-25 mph!)
- an open vessel provides better viewing vs. enclosed with limited viewing through windows.
- more personable experience with a maximum of 12 or 26 passengers.
- many 'extras'?
- Eagle Wing does not schedule trips back to back allowing for the possibility of extending a trip if necessary to view whales or other wildlife.
- large vessels trigger sea sickness far more often. Our boats have a lower center of gravity and lots of fresh air.
"Inspiring the conservation of our marine environment, with a thrill!"
