Local tour operators anticipate a particularly successful whale watching season after unusually high transient killer whale sightings over the last few weeks. “We’re seeing transient killer whales in larger numbers than in previous years and all the whales that we see seem to have babies with them,” says Cathy Morimoto, owner and office manager at Steveston Seabreeze Adventures.
Cedric Towers of Vancouver Whale Watch experienced similar awe-inspiring encounters. “The plentiful sightings are pretty nice for this year right off the bat,” he enthused. “We’ve had tremendous sea lion sightings as well. It’s going to be a really good season.”
Both whale watching companies began this season’s touring on April 1. Travelling Orcas are currently filling the Georgia Straight in droves, feeding on seals and sea lions as they pass through. B.C.’s resident Orcas are expected to return to the area in mid-May. The whale watching season will continue through until the end of the salmon migration in October.
A whale watching excursion is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Richmond or the Lower Mainland. Steveston Seabreeze Adventures and Vancouver Whale Watch each offer eco-friendly tours that maintain a respectful distance in the animal’s best interest. Both utilize vessels that emit the lowest emissions possible and are active members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association – Vancouver Whale Watch owner Cedric Towers is Vice President of the Canadian chapter of the PWWA – a trans-boundary organization of whale watchers that acts as a voice for the industry. PWWA support a grant that funds scientific research on the Southern Resident Orcas and have developed the strictest guidelines in the world for watching Orcas. In addition to this, Seabreeze Adventures donates a portion of proceeds towards local marine research programs.
While it is one of the area’s most popular activities, many visitors are unaware that whale watching excursions are possible from the Lower Mainland. Steveston Seabreeze Adventures and Vancouver Whale Watch offer daily whale watching excursions with a 90 per cent sighting success rate. Both companies are based out of the Historic Fishing Village of Steveston in southwest Richmond.
Fresh off the launch of last year’s Explorathor II – a 47-passenger vessel with an upper observation deck and Volvo engines that emit the lowest emissions possible – Vancouver Whale Watch has upgraded its original Explarothor this year with over $250,000 in renovations. Both crafts will also sport retractable roofs this season so passengers can truly get up close and personal with nature.
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures offers a complimentary door-to-door shuttle service from all hotels in downtown Vancouver and Richmond, resulting in big savings for families.
Tours depart daily and last three to five hours. All trips guarantee whale sightings or you are invited back for free until you do – for life, no expiry. Professional naturalists are onboard each trip to answer questions and enhance the guests’ experience with interpretive commentary. Both companies offer passengers hydrophones to hear the whales communicating under water.
After a whale watching excursion, spend an afternoon touring the picturesque Historic Fishing Village of Steveston – one of BC’s most charming destinations – or dining at one of the waterfront restaurants along Steveston’s boardwalk.
To book a whale watching excursion visit Vancouver Whale Watch or Steveston Seabreeze Adventures.
5 fun facts about BC’s Orca whales:
1. Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family and can grow up to 23 to 32 ft (7 to 9.7 m), roughly the length of a school bus.
2. The three pods (or families) of Orcas that return to the Georgia Straight every year are known as J, K, and L pods. K and L pods leave in late September to spend the winter months further out at sea. The J pod stays year round and is often spotted travelling near Salt Spring Island. It’s the J pod that you’re most likely to see on your whale watching excursion.
3. Each Orca pod makes distinctive noises that its members recognize even at a distance.
4. Orcas, or Killer Whales, are so named for being one of the top predators in the sea. Orcas’ teeth can be four inches (ten centimeters) long. These teeth are used for feasting on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even whales.
5. Orcas are matriarchal, which means that the eldest female leads the group. The J pod is led by Granny, who is thought to have been born in 1911.
