Vancouver Island's Ultimate Multi Day Marine Safari
Ocean EcoVentures is now offering a multi-day ocean safari into the heart of Vancouver Island's prime marine mammal viewing territory. Spend four days exploring the abundant waters of Discovery Passage, Johnstone Strait, the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. After each days' adventure relax in comfort in three different remote marine lodges.
This marine ecosystem is teeming with diversity. Each day we will explore these waterways in search of Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears and a myriad of marine birds.
This tour is a photographer's dream, but you don't have to be a photographer to join us. This is a marine safari designed for anyone who has a love of the sea and all that inhabits it.
Each day the travel itinerary will be dictated by the best wildlife sightings and good weather. Having all day on the water enables us to take our time when we get those great wildlife encounters. We are part of an extensive whale and wildlife spotting network operating from Southern Vancouver Island to the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
Tour Dates
Departing Campbell River at 8am Saturday September 24th 2011 and returning to Campbell River at 5pm Tuesday September 27th 2011.
Itinerary
Day 0 - (optional) Arrive in Campbell River, Vancouver Island. Introductory evening meeting with your captains and fellow passengers.
Day 1 (Sept 24th) - Meet at the boat at 8:00 am for vessel orientation, safety and route briefing. Explore Desolation Sound, Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait in search of Orcas, Humpbacks and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins. Arrive at Telegraph Cove for dinner and overnight accommodations. ~ http://www.telegraphcoveresort.com/
Day 2 (Sept 25th) - After breakfast we will head out in the boat in search of Orcas, Humpbacks, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins and then on to Knight Inlet in search of Grizzly Bears. Arrive at Pierre's in Echo Bay for dinner and overnight accommodations. ~ http://www.pierresbay.com/
Day 3 (Sept 26th) - Following breakfast we will venture out into the Queen Charlotte Strait and visit The Duke of Edinburgh Ecological Reserve which is the second largest seabird nesting site on the west coast of Canada. We will also be searching for whales and other marine mammals. Arrive in Sullivan Bay for dinner and overnight accommodations. ~ http://www.sullivanbay.com/
Day 4 (Sept 27th) - After breakfast we will make our way south back to Campbell River in search of whales, dolphins and bears. Our route will cover some of the wild ocean rapids like Hole In the Wall, Yaculta and Arran Rapids. Arrive in Campbell River at 5:00 pm, unload the boat and say good bye to your new friends!
Cost
Vessel Charter Rate - $425/day for each passenger + H.S.T.(tax)
Accommodations and Food - $200/night for each passenger + H.S.T.(tax).
This includes breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner each day. Alcohol, gratuities and dinner on Sept 27th(day 4) are not included in these prices.
Total cost for 4 days and 3 nights - $2300.00 + H.S.T.
The Boat
"Taku" is our new vessel this year. She is an excellent platform for photography and marine mammal viewing. There is ample space for everyone and everybody has a "window seat." Taku is powered with a pair low emission 225HP Honda four stroke outboard motors. Our cruising speed is 28-30mph with a top speed of 40mph. There is also a small marine head(toilet) on board.
