Whale Watching/Sailing Package: If you want to make sure of seeing whales on your trip to the West Coast, we can arrange for a transfer to a whale watching boat from our sail boat from any one of a number of anchorage in the Gulf Islands, or if more convenient, to be picked up by the whale watching boat from our base at Oak Bay Marina - after having completed your sail with us. Our partner in whale watching, Ron, of Sea King Adventures, has a fast, safe and sleek vessel which features all the amenities needed for comfortable travel (yes, there is a toilet on-board). Ron's whale watching vessel (pictured at the bottom of this page) takes a maximum of 12 guests.

Price for whale watching is $85. for adults and $55. for children under16. There is a also a discount of $10./person if you combine whale watching with sailing.

___________________________________________

Kayaking/Sailing Package: Another option after you have sailed with us and want a more intimate experience with the ocean and marine wildlife, is to join one of our sea kayaking excursions.We again offer a $10. /person discount should you combine kayaking with sailing. And yes, I will also be your "captain" while kayaking, as this is my way of getting some exercise and change of "scene" (we can get much closer to most marine wildlife in a kayak than in a sail boat).

Kayaking Price: Our kayak tours start at $70. per person for a three hour trip. Please go to our kayaking website for a description of all of our kayaking options

__________________________________________

TYPES OF WHALES: The waters around Victoria are home to many varieties of whales and the success ratio of seeing them is extremely high (over 75%) during the summer months. Resident Killer Whales (Orcas) are among the more plentiful, numbering some 80 whales in three pods.

In addition there are substantial numbers of the more elusive 'Transients' - a species of Killer Whales who difference is primarily that of language and diet. For example, Transients hunt only mammalian prey such as seals and sea lions - as opposed to salmon and other fish pursued by Resident Whales. Another major difference is that Transient Killer Whales by virtue of their land-based prey, can usually be seen near shorelines and hunting in smaller packs seldom exceeding 4.

Both types of orcas are distinguished by their huge dorsal fins, some protruding as much as 2 meters (6 feet) above the water.

Our pacific coast is also home to Minke, Gray, and Humpback whales. While not as common and as 'showy' as our orcas, they are nevertheless just as impressive. These whales can be found most any time of the year- as contrasted by orcas who disappear mysteriously during the late fall and return in the early spring.

OTHER MARINE LIFE: And of course, there are lots of seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises to be seen, as well as a wide range of sea birds, and raptors such as ospreys and eagles .

SEA LIONS: We have two species of sea lions on our coasts: the brown coloured Stelars and the black California sea lions. The Stellar sea lions are by far the larger, weighing more than 1,000 kg (2000 + pounds) - more than twice that of their southern cousins. These brown levithians, both male and female can be found here year around. Only male Californian sea lions however come north to our area to winter, leaving their female counterparts to look after their young back on the breeding grounds of the Baha Peninsula. A popular spot to view both species is at Race Rocks, just 45 minutes south of Victoria by boat.

Sea King Adventures, our partner in whale watching is described below.

whale

To go to Seaking's website, Click!

Go to Top

EMail Us or Tel: (250) 216-2389
Blackfish Sailing Adventures, Victoria, BC. Canada

_____________________________________________

Home - Day Sailing - Multi day Sailing/Charters - Whale Watching & Kayaking Option - Basic CYA Cruising - Intermediate CYA Cruising - Caribbean Escape - Navigation - PCOC Card - Private Lessons & Deliveries - Our Boat - Instructors - Questions - Reservations - Links