Beluga Encounters

Get up close and personal with our beluga whales!

Join us for a Beluga Encounter and come face-to-face with a Beluga whale in a hands-on, interactive and sometimes splashy training session!

The Beluga Encounter offers visitors an insider's glimpse at the amazing ways that Belugas are able to survive in the harsh Arctic environment. In this behind the scenes adventure, you will get the unique opportunity to touch the whales and feed them a fishy snack, while discovering more about their curious behaviours. It is an amazing experience you will never forget!

Highlights:

• Go behind-the-scenes and into the Beluga habitat!
• Enjoy a special presentation with the Trainer Team complete with displays and props!
• Visit the marine mammal kitchen and make up a fishy snack for the belugas!
• Participate in a full, interactive training session alongside Aquarium trainers!
• Feed, touch and get splashy with the belugas!
• Learn more about the Aquarium's research, conservation, and animal care projects!
• Receive a take-home CD of digital photos taken during your beluga encounter!

Members receive a 20% discount on all Trainer Tours!

Children* under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
* Child = ages 8-12. Minimum age 8 years.

Beluga Encounters require participants to stand and kneel for extended periods of time, go up and down stairs, walk on wet, rocky surfaces, and be in and around the water. Please advise us of any disabilities, special needs, medical conditions or concerns you may have that could prevent you from fully participating in the program. No concern is too small. The more information you can provide about yourself, the better prepared we can be for your experience.

Beluga Encounters book quickly so contact us early to reserve your spot!   

To book by phone please call 604-659-3552 or 1-800-931-1186.  To book online please e-mail programs@vanaqua.org.  Please allow 24 hours notice for phone and email bookings.  Within 24 hours, please book onsite at the Membership desk.

Programs are subject to change so please ask us about the current schedule. Group size is limited.

For phone reservations, payment by credit card is due upon booking.  For bookings made over the phone or by email, please allow at least 24 hours notice.   Within 24 hours, please book onsite.

Note: One of our beluga whales is pregnant! As a result all Beluga Encounters will be temporarily unavailable starting June 1, 2008.

Get closer to the sea otters or sea lions, learn more about Trainer Tours!