World Ocean Day returns to Fisherman’s Wharf on May 31
From touch tanks to research ships, this event showcases marine sustainability
lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/Victoria, BC, May 28, 2026 — The annual World Ocean Day event returns to Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, 31 May, with an array of activities and exhibits designed to inspire action for healthy oceans.
Organized by Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours and supported by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), this free, family-friendly event runs from 11am to 4pm and features activities on land and water.
More than 20 marine and conservation organizations will offer marine exhibits, live diving presentations, touch tanks, and ocean conservation displays. Visitors can explore two research ships – the University of Victoria’s (RV) John Strickland and the Arctic Research Foundation’s (RV) Tiriarnaq – which will be moored at the docks. Members of Victoria’s Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue team (RCM-SAR Station 35) will demonstrate man overboard drills, while Wilson Diving will conduct an underwater clean-up.
Schedule
- 11:00 am: Opening ceremony.
- 11:10 am: Esquimalt Nation Singers & Dancers.
- 11:30 am: Seaquaria divers in the water.
- 12:30 pm: RCM-SAR man overboard drills.
- 1:30 pm: Seaquaria divers in the water.
Participants include Ocean Week Victoria, Songhees Tours, Dakini Tidal Wilds, Peninsula Streams Shorelines Society, Capital Regional District Gorge Waterway Initiative, Royal BC Museum, Georgia Strait Alliance, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Pacific Wild Alliance, Ocean Networks Canada, Gorge Waterway Action Society, Salmon Coast Society, Seaquaria, and Watershed Sentinel.
Several ‘Local Catch’ businesses will also showcase sustainable marine operations.
Brett Soberg, co-owner of Eagle Wing Tours, said: “This World Ocean Day event is a great way to learn about the importance of healthy oceans to our planet. It’s fun and ideal for anyone who is curious about marine life and ecosystems.”
Rowan Benning, GVHA sustainability manager, said: “This event brings together a unique group of organizations dedicated to sustainability. It’s an opportunity to learn about the oceans from marine mammals, like orcas and whales, to shorelines and the seabed.”
World Ocean Day is celebrated around the world after being officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. This is the 12th time that the event has been staged at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Notes to editors: Photographs from the 2025 World Ocean Day event are available.