Whale Watching
Whale watching on the west coast is one of the most requested and popular “must-do” activities while visiting our spectacular Islands. Tourism Victoria statistics indicate that this is the number-one favourite visitor recreational activity, a result of visitor-exit poll returns.
Join us on our daily two and three-hour fully guided tours of the ecosystem surrounding Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands; including the visually stunning U.S. San Juan Islands. Let highly trained marine biologists and naturalists lead you on a thrilling and informative excursion, providing insight and facts about all aspects of this incredible and unique oceanic playground.
From eagles to elephant seals; porpoises, dolphins and sea lions, it is all right here in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
Primarily focussing on the natural daily activities of our resident orca population, there are often migratory species such as grey and humpback whales in our waters during prime seasons. However, it is the orca that captures most of our whale watching attention.
There are three types of orcas that ply the waters off Victoria and Puget Sound:
- Southern Resident: Non-migratory, family-based “pods” whose diet consists mainly of fish species, such as herring and salmon;
- Transient: The great mammal killers of fame and folklore; where the term killer whale originated. The early Spanish explorers watched in awe as orcas attacked and killed other marine mammals, and were, in their written recorded literature of the time, particularly distressed observed orcas killing other types of whales. The misnomer came from a reversed translation of the term “whale killers”.
- Offshore: Little is know about these whales and their habits as they often range far beyond our observable boundaries. However, pods of approximately 200 offshore orcas have been seen in our waters as recently as the summer of 2003 and more data is being acquired every season.
The Whale Watching Operators Association of the North West, in cooperation with the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Services (NOAA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO/FOC) have developed strict viewing guidelines to assure that boater-interactions with whales are kept to a minimum level. Any operator that is active in whale watching activity should be a participating member, and customers should look for this assurance prior to booking their trip. OutpostBC.ca staff members are well trained in this regard, and ensure that all operators using the outpostbc.ca Adventure Centre services are members in good standing.
Mainly self-policed, the Whale Watching Association guidelines that have been implemented are crucial for the ultimate survival and protection of all species of cetaceans. While remaining a low-impact source of tourism revenue, whale survival is dependant on this type of cooperation. By educating visitors and boaters alike about whale lifestyles and their natural habits, enhanced chances for survival have been made possible by the cooperation of all parties involved.
The combined data provided by scientists, marine biologists, and guide-naturalists has been highly invaluable. These scientific studies and recorded naturalist observations are the most extensive in history. In fact, they may have demonstrated the many benefits of educational whale watching increasing the whales overall chances for long-term species recovery. Guides and researchers alike take great pride in using their skills to make sure your day is both a safe and informative one.
Reservations are required and can be easily made by calling or e-mailing us anytime.
E-mail: info@outpostbc.ca
Toll-free In North America: 1-866-449-7368
Or 1-250-478-8359; Fax: 250-478-8395
Payment may be made by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). There is a 24-hour cancellation policy in effect.
*In winter seasons, although full safety equipment is provided, gloves, good footwear and hats are strongly recommended.
E-mail: info@outpostbc.ca
3202 Happy Valley Road, Victoria, BC, V9C-2V8
Toll-free In North America: 1-866-449-7368
Or 1-250-478-8359; Fax: 250-478-8395