| |
|
Islands of the Spirit Bear — Waters of the Humpback
A 7 Day Adventure Cruise aboard the 54 foot motor yacht Great Bear II
Ocean Adventures on BC's West Coast. Bear and Whale Watching
Our seven day cruises to Islands of the Spirit Bear, Waters of the Humpback, begin and end in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Included in our trips are the return seaplane flights, over the picturesque northern reaches of the Inside Passage to the First Nations village of Hartley Bay, where guests join our ship,
Great Bear II. Our new ship is equipped with all the latest navigation equipment as well as our 16 foot Zodiac for excursions and tours ashore and kayaks to explore and enjoy the serenity of our coastal anchorages.
Our small group sizes, (of 2-6 guests), are perfect for photographers and those guests preferring a more intimate experience, while providing the highest level of safety.
With our small group sizes our guests enjoy more personalized service... they are never part of a crowd.
See Schedule for departure dates from Prince Rupert.
FOCUS OF ISLANDS OF THE SPIRIT BEAR, WATERS OF THE HUMPBACK
Whether it's watching tiny white cubs as they gorge themselves on ripening wild crab-apples, their large black mum watching from below;
or watching the white and black bears fish in the creek below the viewing platform; or witnessing mighty whales as they seemed to fly out of the water and thunder back into the sea, wildlife viewing opportunities abound along this part of Canada's West Coast. September is a time of abundance—returning salmon for the bears, wolves and birds to feast on, ripening berries for them to pick, and schools of herring for whales to devour—all making possible some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in the world. This spectacular landscape, its unique wildlife, and the Gitga'at First Nations culture are the focus of these cruise trips.
SPIRIT BEARS, BLACK BEARS, WOLVES...
Walk the great creeks and rivers with your expert bear viewing guide,
(one of the founding members of the Commercial Bear-viewing Association of BC), and marvel at the struggle of all five species of Pacific Salmon as they return to their spawning grounds. As you sit quietly at the water's edge, taking in all the sounds and smells of the rainforest, watch closely for Black bears, Spirit Bears, Wolves, Otters, Eagles, and Ravens as they come in search of a salmon dinner.
OUR SMALL GROUP SIZES ARE BEST FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING
Our small group sizes of 2 - 6 guests, provide our guests with the best wildlife viewing and safety, while making the least impact on the lands we visit and the wildlife we view, something that is extremely important to us. Our small groups ensure our guests the most intimate experiences, and our photographers, the best opportunities.
GITGA'AT FIRST NATIONS CULTURE
Also included in these trips will be a full day spent on one of the local Gitga'at First Nations' bear viewing platforms, located on one of two creeks, commonly frequented by Black Bears and Spirit Bears, as they come to fish on spawning salmon. On this day the group will be guided by Marven Robinson, a Gitga'at guide, so this will be an opportunity to learn more about their culture and the importance of the Spirit Bear to the Gitga'at people.
(The Gitga'at are the only First Nations people who have this incredible animal as a family crest.) Time permitting we may also have an opportunity to experience a guided tour through the village's community cultural centre, the cultural focal point and meeting place of the Elders and residents of Hartley Bay, British Columbia.
Whenever we are invited by the people of Hartley Bay, to a feast, it is always a life changing moment for our guests. The school children of Hartley Bay, led by drumming and singing, and dressed in their button blankets, perform traditional dances in the cultural centre. After the dancing, guests are invited to help themselves to the waiting feast - including many traditional foods of the Gitga'at people. The generosity of the Gitga'at people is always inspiring.
HUMPBACK WHALES BREACHING, BUBBLENET FEEDING
Whale Channel on the northwest side of Princess Royal Island continues to provide us with many hours of spectacular Humpback Whale watching.
The Humpbacks here are feeding, readying themselves for the long migration to Hawaii. Displays of tail lobbing, fluke slapping, full breaches and bubble net feeding are virtually commonplace. Guests and crew of the Great Bear II have watched for several hours while a group of 7 humpbacks performed bubble nets — 29 times!
TAKE A KAYAK FOR A PADDLE OR SIMPLY SIT AND RELAX
On board our ship, the Great Bear II, sit on deck and enjoy the majesty of BC's most remote and wild inlets or take one of our kayaks and explore the shoreline of our coastal anchorages, discovering rich tidal pools, playful river otters and seals. If you are very quiet perhaps you will even hear the mournful howl of a wolf as it communicates with its pack.
SOAK IN PRISTINE NATURAL HOTSPRINGS
Soaking in the pristine, natural hot springs on the polished rocky shores of Bishop Bay, one can forget everything of the outside world. As the lacy boughs of cedar trees hang from the forest canopy and the mist rising from the water wraps around you like a warm blanket, the only sounds that can be heard may be that of songbirds, the howl of a distant wolf, or the blow of a Humpback whale as it surfaces in the bay in front of you.
Join us for Explore B.C.'s Fiordland in August, where we may see Spirit Bears fishing for salmon.
Experience the Wild in Wilderness !
Testimonials
"A 'spiritually' rejuvenating week in supernatural surroundings. Thank you for creating such a magical experience that we will never forget." ~
Penny & Phil, Ontario (formerly U.K.)
"Many thanks for using your deep experience to share one of the world's greatest treasures with us--and what a treasure chest--we'll be back!To see bears in their own environment has been so beautiful!" ~ Ross & Alison, Australia
"Beyond my wildest dreams, higher than my greatest expectations." ~ Barb, North Vancouver, B.C
|
| |
