The Marine Detective - A Special Orca Waters Base Camp Kayak Tour

Join “The Marine Detective”, Jackie Hildering, on this special September 10 to 13 Orca Waters Base Camp kayak tour. September often provides us with the most diverse wildlife on northern Vancouver Island and this tour, combining kayaking and a whale watching cruise, is designed to let you experience as much of it as possible. Jackie will enrich our sightings by sharing the in-depth knowledge she has gained from her years of scuba diving, educating, and studying whales in this area; work for which she was recognized as the 2010 winner of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Murray A. Newman Award for Excellence in Aquatic Conservation.

We will kayak for 3 days to intimately explore the area. On the fourth day we visit Telegraph Cove's Whale Interpretive Centre and join an afternoon whale watching tour with Stubbs Island Whale Watching.

Using the same established site as our regular base camp kayak tours, we will explore the area by kayak and take the time to interpret nature, explore sheltered bays and spot wildlife. In addition to “The Marine Detective” you will have the attention of two highly experienced Kingfisher guides. We will strive to show you the great diversity of marine life in this rich area - from small inter-tidal creatures; to harbour seals and sea lions; to the humpback and killer whales

Partial proceeds from this trip will go towards assisting Jackie with the Humpback Whale Entanglement Research that she is involved in.

With the comforts of our established Orca Waters Base Camp, you’ll have more time for relaxing and exploring – plus we make use of a water taxi for drop-off and pickup, ensuring maximum time on the water.

The Marine Detective - A Special Orca Waters Base Camp Kayak Tour 

Departure Point: Port McNeill, Vancouver Island

Dates:  2012 Tour Dates ... To be determined

Cost: $1250 CAD per person plus tax

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Approximately $ USD plus tax
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Approximately £ GBP plus tax
Approximately $ AUD plus tax

Taxes: Canadian Residents pay 12% HST. Visitors to Canada only pay 6% HST as our multi day kayak tours qualify for a 50% tax rebate at the point of sale.

All prices are charged in Canadian funds. Your credit card company will convert to your home currency using their exchange rates. The above foreign exchange prices are approximate and for reference only and are updated daily using rates provided by www.coinmill.com

Please note: Most of our base camp kayak tours have a maximum of 8 guests. However, with the extra attention of our two guides plus Jackie as our guest naturalist, this tour may have a maximum of 10 guests.

Grizzly Bear Viewing Tours: Many of our guests add a grizzly bear viewing day trip before or after they join us kayaking. Let us know if you would like to add this activity and we will make all the arrangements.

The Orca Waters Base Camp: All the camping equipment at the base camp is bigger, roomier and more comfortable than what you will find on our expedition style kayak tours. We provide very roomy 4 person tents (one couple per tent), thick comfortable sleeping pads, warm barrel style sleeping bags and full size pillows. The tents are permanently set up for the summer and are situated throughout the forest with views of the ocean and are raised off the ground on wooden platforms. A large covered kitchen and dining area made from locally milled cedar makes for a very comfortable camping experience.

The base camp is equipped with a permanently installed hydrophone so we can listen to orcas from camp (we also have a portable version to take with us kayaking), a re-charging station for guests cameras, an extensive library of natural history books (a few specifically for kids), a propane heated shower, rustic beach side sauna, and an outhouse with a fantastic view.

Includes: We provide you will all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including kayaks, paddling jacket, PFD (life jacket), group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and sleeping bags(you may bring your own). A comprehensive list of required personal items can be viewed here. All meals during the kayak trip are provided and prepared by your guides. We’re proud of our menu that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of international dishes, and freshly baked treats. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated given sufficient prior notification. Transportation is all-inclusive from Port McNeill by our network of vans and water taxis.

What is not included: We do not provide transport from your home to Port McNeill, nor do we provide airport transfers. Accommodation in Port McNeill is not included. Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility. Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home. The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.

Suggested reading: Our base camp has a library of field guides and local history books, including many listed below. We recommend the below books if you want to learn a bit about the area before visiting. Each title is linked to Amazon.com and will open in a new window. .

Operation Orca: Springer, Luna and the Struggle to Save West Coast Killer Whales
Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us
Full Moon, Flood Tide: Bill Proctor's Raincoast
Heart of the Raincoast: A Life Story

Charts: You do not need to bring charts on this kayak tour. Your guides have charts of the area and will review them with guests each day. If you wish to bring your own chart(s) they are listed below. Each chart is linked to the corresponding page on the Canadian Hydrographic Service's website and you can search where to buy these charts locally (links will open in a new window).

3546 - Broughton Strait - 1:40,000