Multi-day Tours

Ocean EcoVentures is now offering a multi-day ocean photography safari in conjunction with award winning wildlife photographer Jon Cornforth. We will visit the heart of Vancouver Island’s prime marine mammal viewing territory.

You will have four days to explore and photograph the abundant waters of Discovery Passage, Johnstone Strait, the Broughton Archipelago and Queen Charlotte Strait. After each days’ adventure you will relax in comfort at Dent Island Lodge and historic Telegraph Cove.

This tour is a photographer’s dream and had been designed especially for photographers of all calibers. You will have the opportunity to take pictures and have one-on-one instruction with one of North America’s leading wildlife photographers! Jon is one of the hardest working and personable photographers out there. He strives to help his clients create the best images possible at every opportunity.

Captain Simon, also an aspiring wildlife photographer, has the uncanny ability to put the boat in the right place at the right time for you to capture those “Once in a Lifetime Photographs”. Simon is the head captain, naturalist and owner of Ocean EcoVentures and has been running whale watching tours for the past ten years.

This marine ecosystem is teeming with diversity. Each day we will explore emerald waterways in search of Orca Whales, Humpback Whales,
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Sea Otters and a myriad of marine birds. After dinner we will recap the days’ adventures and photographs. Jon will discuss composition & technique, digital editing, and advice on marketing your images.

Each day the travel itinerary will be dictated by the best wildlife sightings and good weather. Spending the entire 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. This ensures us of excellent wildlife sightings throughout the trip

Tour Dates

• Day 0 – (optional) Arrive in Campbell River, Vancouver Island. Introductory evening meeting with your captains and fellow passengers.
• Day 1 – Meet at the boat at 8:00 am for vessel orientation, safety and route briefing. We will head out in the boat in search of Orcas Whales, Humpbacks Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins and then on to Bute Inlet in search of Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. Arrive at Dent Island Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
• Day 2 – After breakfast we will explore Desolation Sound, Discovery Islands and Johnstone Strait in search of Orcas, Humpbacks, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins and Black Bears. Arrive at Telegraph Cove for dinner and overnight accommodations.
• Day 3 – 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. Then we will head back to Telegraph Cove for dinner and overnight accommodations.
• Day 4 – 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

Total cost for 4 days and 3 nights – $3299 + H.S.T.

This includes all accommodations and meals for the duration of the tour. Alcohol, gratuities and dinner on are not included. This tour is limited to a maximum of 6 passengers to ensure passenger comfort and individual photography instruction.

The Boat

“Taku” is our newest vessel that we started using last year. She is an excellent platform for photography and marine mammal viewing. There is ample space and everybody has a “window seat.” Taku is powered with a pair of low emission 225HP Honda four stroke outboard motors. Our cruising speed is 28-30mph with a top speed of 45mph. This enables us to cover a large amount of water each day in search of wildlife and scenery.