OCEAN LIGHT II ADVENTURES COASTAL EXPLORATION ABOARD THE OCEAN LIGHT II ORCA EXPLORER

The Northern tip of Vancouver Island is an incredibly rich and abundant wildlife area. During the summer months it is home to a variety of marine mammals as the Pacific Ocean delivers nutrients to the numerous channels and inlets of the region. Killer Whales (Orcas) and Sea Lions assemble to feed on the Pacific salmon that are returning to their natal rivers. Humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises and coastal seabirds feed on the nutrients and fish stirred up by the strong tidal currents. The area is also home to a strong and prosperous native culture who have made this part of the coast their home for over ten thousand years. In 2010 we will be offering a five-day Orca Explorer (brochure) and an eight-day Orcas and More Explorer (brochure). Both journeys journey will depart from the coastal resource town of Port McNeill. Once on board the Ocean Light II, we will head towards Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. This area is regarded as one of the best places in the world to observe killer whales in their natural habitat. Over the next several days we will hope to see the whales hunting, feeding, and playing as they travel through these scenic waters. We will have a hydrophone on board which will allow us to listen to the whales underwater communication. We will take time from whale watching to visit with the local whale researchers who make this resident population of killer whales the most studied and understood in the world. The researchers will help us understand the complex social behaviour of resident killer whales and point out the issues facing killer whales with regards to their food supply and habitat. During the evenings we will anchor among the numerous islands and bays of the Broughton Archipelago. Here we may see a black bear foraging through the rich intertidal or a Great Blue Heron fishing atop the abundant kelp beds. These islands provide us the opportunity to paddle one of the Ocean Light II kayaks and explore our calm, protected anchorage. Visiting this area would not be complete without learning more about the history and traditions of the local native people (Kwakwaka’wakw). A tour through the U’mista Cultural Centre in the modern village of Alert Bay is a stop we frequently do, as is a walk through one of their ancient village sites. The Kwakwaka’wakw proudly express their culture with breathtaking carvings, songs and dance. This journey into the realm of the Orca will be an unforgettable experience. The photographic opportunities are amazing. Join us on our four- or seven-day Orca Explorer trips and leave with memories of a spectacular area, abundant with the wonders of nature. Schedule & cost Orca Explorer 5-day brochure Orca Explorer 8-day brochure