Whale Watching on B.C.'s North Coast

5 & 7 Day Whale Watching Adventure Cruises aboard the Great Bear II

Our five or seven day adventure cruises to "Whale Watching on B.C.'s North Coast" begin and end in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.  Included in this trip is the return seaplane flight, over the picturesque northern reaches of the Inside Passage, to the First Nations village of Hartley Bay, where guests will join us aboard our ship, the 54 foot motor yacht, the Great Bear II.  Our new ship is equipped with all the latest navigation equipment as well as our 16 foot Zodiac for tours and excursions off the ship, and kayaks to explore the serenity of our coastal anchorages. 

FOCUS OF WHALE WATCHING ON B.C.'S NORTH COAST

Experience unparalleled Whale Watching on British Columbia's north coast, take part in research and meet biologists as they study these magnificent cetaceans. We will visit ‘Cetacealab' and meet two biologists who live and work here. The biologists will join us on board our ship for at least one of the evenings, so everyone will have a chance to learn first hand about what the research is being used for, and how the population in these waters are being threatened.

On board our ship each day, guests will become involved, if they wish, in the sighting and identification of the Humpback Whales that are being studied. Days will primarily be spent on the water, in the comfort of the ship, watching the many behaviours of the Humpbacks as they travel, feed, and interact. As the they surface, and blow, we will hear them from miles away—the clue to their whereabouts. Bubble net feeding is a co-operative feeding behaviour—one of the most fascinating behaviours we will witness. When the sound of thunder echoes across the water, you can be almost certain that at least one of the whales has performed a full breach—literally flying out of the sea and thundering back in. Seemingly bored, or maybe just trying to knock parasites off their wing-like pectoral fins or tails, we often see the Humpback whales flipper slapping or tail lobbing—a time when we all realize the power of these magnificent cetaceans. For more on ‘Cetacealab' visit www.whaleresearch.ca 

OTHER WILDLIFE

On the surrounding islands, it is possible to see bears as they come to the waters edge to eat barnacles or other delicacies from the sea.  Some of these islands are home to Black Bears, the rare and elusive Spirit Bear, Wolves, River Otters, Eagles, Ravens and many other species of birds.  Life on land here is supported in a large part by the returning wild Pacific salmon, who have, at sea, shared in the bounty of herring with the mighty Humpback Whales.  Out on the water during the day or in the comfort and stillness of our anchorages, guests may also see Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Seals, River Otters and many kinds of songbirds.

OUR SMALL GROUP SIZES ARE BEST FOR WHALE WATCHING & WILDLIFE VIEWING

Our small groups, with a maximum of 5-6 guests, provide more opportunities for whale watching and wildlife viewing while still maintaining the safety of our group.  These smaller group sizes also have much less impact on the animals and places we visit, something that is extremely important to us.

GITGA'AT FIRST NATIONS CULTURE

Also included in this trip will be guided tours through the village of Hartley Bay's community cultural centre, the cultural focal point and meeting place of the Elders and residents of the village.  Here you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Gitga'at  people, a bit of their history, and the importance of the whales to them.

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 some of BC's most remote wilderness and tranquil 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 you may 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 above, and the mist rising from the water wraps around you like a warm blanket, the only sounds you may hear may be that of Humpback whales as they surface in the bay in front of you, or the distant howl of a wolf, or of songbirds in the trees above you.

Please contact us for departures that include whale watching or to design your own Custom Trip, focusing on whale watching.

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