..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait..Kayaking Tours with The killer whales of Johnstone Strait
This tour is perfect for those that are pressed for time and offers one of the best values for Kayak tours on Johnstone Strait
Orca Galore is simply the best Sea Kayaking Trip offered within the Core Area of Johnstone Strait. We have in this location since 1986 and have become one with the weather, wilderness and the abundant wildlife. This four day Sea Kayak Trip is an adventure with the added thrill of encounters daily with wild orca whales and the marine mammals that co=habitat with them. One of the highlights of each of these trips is the exploration of the Micheal Bigg/Robson Bight Ecological Reserve by sight. The view from our camp looks into this scenic reserve. It is here that pods of Orca come to rub and socialize..
Our secluded island base camp is located just a short kayak journey to the whale reserve boundries. We often visit the boundaries and beaches that flank the Robson Bight Reserve. When you take a trip with us, it allows us to financially support research in the area.
With comments like:
The campsites were lovely, the sea kayaks were easy to maneuver, the killer whales were spectacular - as well as the porpoises,
the eagles, the scenery." - Kristine Fowler & Davis Krauter, Oakland, CA
This is our most popular tour and space does fill up fast. Make sure you book early to reserve your spot.
Johnstone Strait is unquestionably the best place on earth to sea kayak with the Killer Whales in the wild. Most of British Columbia's 300 Killer Whales return to these waters to feed, sleep, play, and rub their bodies on the pebble beaches of the world-famous Robson Bight Ecologically Reserve.
Our guests on the water with Robson Bight and Mt. Derby in the background. copyright @ All rights reserved 2008
Mornings can start with the call of an eagle or the passage of a pod of Orca Whales. At low tide we can enjoy the marine life of the area by walking the shoreline of our island or floating over the sun starfish, anemones and sea urchins. At anytime we can be visited by, Minke Whales, Stellar Sea lions and Harbour Seals. Resident Pods of Orca Whales often pass by at slow rates of speed. We often experience numerous surfacings and sometime an entertained by the play of the baby whales.
Camp is special. Tents are private and located on level platforms situated close to the shoreline. Eagles, kingfishers, and songbirds, including thrushes and wrens are seen and heard in the area surrounding the base camp.
Evenings often end around a beach fire, and listening to the Orca's visit our base camp in the evening.
Day 1-4: Our Orca Trips depart exclusively from Telegraph Cove . Orca Galore is designed to give you a four day experience in the beauty area of Johnstone Strait between Telegraph Cove and The Michael Bigg/ Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The first morning is always met with a degree of anticipation and excitement. To save time we shuttle you out of Telegraph Cove to our basecamp where we know there is quiet waters and a high degree of seeing and paddling with Orca Whales. Often we start paddling with the friendly current that dominates the Strait. Guides monitor the VHF for information on the whales but often situate you on route to a surprise encounter with a pods or pods of whales. We have see through kayaks to observe the sea life at depths of 20-30 feet.
During this four days we can spend anywhere from four to six hours (with breaks) in the kayaks. All this time is not paddling. Some of the time it is just a blast to float with the current or snap a memorable picture of a seal or a whale. Morning paddles are a great way to start the day. Wildlife is just waking up, the sun is rising and the morning light is excellent for photography . You might catch an eagle swooping down for her breakfast or the early morning passage of Orca. After breakfast, we will then start the rest of the day’s activities. One of these activities is a wonderful rainforest walk through large cedar trees, sword ferns and mushroom patches. All this ends at cliff looking directly across at Robson Bight. If whales pass by you will be the first to see them. A short discuss with summer researchers will enlighten you on how informed we are about the movements of the whales and the hazards that the whales must endure each day.
One of the highlights of these trips is our visit to the beaches and waters immediately around Robson Bight. Often it is here where we have our most interesting associations with Orca. We have experienced a variety of situations with certain pods of Orca but the best encounters occur when we raft-up and let the whales choose whether to play or simply pass us by. Amazing situations have evolved each time we simply let the whales dictate whether to swim under your sea kayak or swim by us. Although we cannot guarantee what will take place our guests are never disappointed. Our pictures speak for themselves. Besides the Orca, many other species of marine mammals and land animals will be sighted during your few days in Johnstone Strait .
Afternoons start with a lunch stop on a comfortable beach in clear view of the path of the whales. Later we can take time to investigate the complexity of tidal pools or the diversity of an accessible rainforests complete with Old Growth Cedars . At times we hike a little further to get a view of the islands and beaches that make up this area? During hikes we often come upon deer, otter and a variety of forest critters, so it is a good idea to keep your camera handy.
Evenings are sometimes hard to find because it stays light until 10 pm. However, we customarily relax around a beach fire or paddle out to enjoy the sunset to end a perfect day. The passage of the Orca can occur at anytime and is affected by weather, currents, and the movement of salmon. Patience and time are the two ingredients that you must come with in order to enjoy encounters with whales. If the whales have forged the night before they usually relax or socialize during the following day. This gives us the best time to be around them for this is when they breach, vocalize and spyhop. Often you will hear whales before you will see them. At our basecamp we are equipped with a hydraphones. These devices allow us to listen and determine which sub pods are in the area. Vocalization sometimes occurs between pods of Orca or sometimes just a single repeated vocalization between Mom and her son. Arrival back at Port McNeil in the late afternoon on day four.
Note: *This itinerary is flexible. Weather dictates the direction we go each day.
June 16-19, June 23-26
June 30-03, July 07-10, July 14-17, July 21-24, July 28-31
August 04-07, August 11-14, August 18-21, August 25-28
September 01-04, September 08-11, September15-18, September
22-25
Trip Prices... CAD $899.00 per person (adults & over 18)