Because of this unique location and the larger amount of salmon in that area, which is the main food source for the resident killer whales, this site naturally offers some of the best and most spectacular Orca sightings in the world. Orca Camp Photo Gallery >>

An addtional feature of this trip is the exciting boat ride from Campbell River to Orca Base Camp through the Inside Passage, one of the world's most scenic waterways. It is quite common to encounter Orcas and other marine mammals already during this part of the tour.

Another advantage of Orca Base Camp is the use of unloaded sea kayaks (no camping gear). Unloaded kayaks are light and easier to paddle, which can be important during whale encounters, where a good photo depends on quick maneuvering.

Arriving at Camp, the first impression is Orca Camp's gorgeous setting and the million dollar unobstructed view into whale habitat. If photography is your hobby, you will also enjoy those wonderful sunrises and sunsets.

Sea Kayaking and Orca viewing is our main focus on this tour, but the Camp also has other unique features to offer: Our Beach Sauna, the fresh water salmon stream, barbecues and wonderful fishing, fly fishing and photo opportunities...... guest testimonials

Unlike most other companies we avoid the busy whale watching and kayak areas of Northern Johnstone Strait and we enjoy the remoteness, privacy and amazing wildlife sightings of our comfortable ocean front base camp beside the killer whale reserve, far away from the crowds.

Our trips depart in Campbell River, easier and cheaper to reach than any other whale watch destination in BC, which can save $250 in travelling costs.

Highlights of this tour:

• Absolutely the best Orca viewing base camp, ocean front, right beside the killer whale reserve and rubbing beaches. Spectacular whale- and other wildlife sightings, (.....and some wonderful sunrises and sunsets), highly recommended for nature photographers.
• Night paddling on calm nights, to enjoy the spectacular phosphorescents. The ocean looks like the sky full of stars. It is an amazing experience to hear the whales breathing at night.
  Orca Camp Photo Gallery >>
• Beach sauna and campfires in the evenings
• Beautiful creek beside the camp, great for swimming and the dip after the sauna
• Leaping salmon in front of our camp site is fun to watch
• Interpretive rain forest walks from camp
• Visit of Orca research station (weather and ocean conditions permitting)
• Delicious gourmet meals including barbecues and a million dollar view
• Outhouse and solar showers
• Very light and unloaded high tech sea kayaks (no heavy camping gear in kayaks), super easy to paddle and fast to maneuver, a real advantage when it comes to whale photography..
  Under water microphones to listen to the songs of the whales
• Super exciting high speed boat transport from Campbell River to Orca Base Camp, leading through the gorgeous world famous Inside Passage. On many occasions we encounter the first Orcas and other marine mammals during that ride.
  

There are three different types of Orcas: resident, transient and offshore. The resident Orcas of Johnstone Strait usually arrive at the beginning of July and stay until October, feeding on salmon. Best time for kayaking with the Orcas is from the beginning of July until the beginning of September.

With our sea kayaks, we have a very high success rate viewing the resident Orcas in their natural environment. guest testimonials

On our trips you learn about feeding and social behaviors of the whales and how to identify the whales by their different dorsal fins and saddle patches. When the animals communicate we can listen to them with our hydrophones.

Our experienced trip leaders will guide you safely through the waters of Johnstone Strait.

We use underwater microphones (hydrophones) to listen to the songs and sounds of the Orcas. We visit whale researchers (weather and ocean permitting) and enjoy our comfortable ocean front base camp on a very remote beach where our privacy is ensured. This is a trip you won't soon forget.

Orca Camp Photo Gallery >>

Trip Itinerary day 1-4:

Orca pod viewed from camp.

Our trip begins with the exciting high speed catamarn ride from Campbell River through the world famous Inside Passage from Campbell River to Orca Base Camp in Johnstone Strait. Camp and safety procedures. 1st paddle in Johnstone Strait, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of this rugged wilderness.

Approximately 200 resident Orcas spend the summer months in the area feeding on salmon. Due to the prime location of our camp, which is located beside the Orca reserve and rubbing beaches, Orca and other wildlife sightings can be very spectacular. Another highlight is the leaping salmon in front of our base camp.

Johnstone Strait is also home of Humpback, Gray and Minky whales, dolphins, bald eagles, sea lions and black bears and many other exciting animals.

During the stay in Orca Camp our guests are spoiled with delicious gourmet meals, including barbecues. In the evenings, after a wonderful dinner and desert, our guests enjoy our beach sauna, campfire, the fun camp life and a dip in the crystal clear creek beside the camp.

View towards "Robson Bight", the Orca reserve. Our campsite is located to the left of the valley.

After hearty breakfasts we leave our base camp for day excursions. We use hydrophones (underwater microphones) to listen to the songs of the whales.

Day 4 return to Campbell River in the late afternoon.

Trip duration: 4 days

Trip Difficulty Rating: Suitable for all levels

Minimum age: Please contact our office



Included:

• Exciting high speed catamaran transport from Campbell River through the Inside Passage to Orca Base Camp in Johnstone Strait, watch for whales during this beautiful boat ride.
• High quality Tents
• Delicious gourmet meals including barbecues. We also serve vegetarian meals and cater to guests with food allergies
• Snacks, deserts and beverages
• Professional sea kayak guides
• Unloaded and very light high-tech sea kayaks, doubles and singles, including life jackets, spray skirts and paddles
• Dry bags for gear protection
• Sea kayaking instructions
• All safety equipment
• Hydrophone for listening to the songs of the whales
• Solar showers
• Beach sauna, heated with hot stones, a wonderful experience, cool down in the creek.

Not included:

• Items of personal nature
• sleeping bags and pads (can be rented)

Note: A waiver has to be signed prior to departure

Remarks:
60 days prior to departure you will receive a comprehensive info package including your equipment checklist, waivers, medical forms, maps etc.

Orca Camp Photo Gallery >>

Price:
4 days $1150.00 CAN, approximately $1050 US/ $560 GBP/695 Euro (foreign currencies vary with exchange rates)
last minute specials

Add 5% tax (visitors from out of the province can apply for a 50% visitor tax refund)

Deposit:
$150.00 CAN

In order to confirm your reservation, Coastal Spirits must receive your deposit. We accept Visa, Master Card and personal or business cheques. How to get to us.

The balance of your payment is due 60 days prior to departure. If the payment is not paid when due, Coastal Spirits reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled. Orca Camp Photo Gallery >>

• More than 60 days prior to departure, full refund minus deposit
• 60 to 30 days: 50% refund
• 29 days or less: no refund

Tourdates 2008

We recommend early reservations!

To book this tour, please Click Here

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Desolation Sound Sea Kayaking Tour Magical Fjordlands Sea Kayak Tour Emerald Lagoon Sea Kayaking Tour British Columbia Kayaking with Quadra Magic