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 many of our orca pods who disappear mysteriously during the late fall and return in the early spring.
OTHER MARINE LIFE:
The Oak Bay are features two marine conservation areas, each home to large colonies
of seals and sea birds. You can also encounter sea
lions,dolphins and porpoises as well as many raptors such as ospreys and eagles throughout these Gulf Island waters.
SEA LIONS
We have two species
of sea lions on our coasts: the brown coloured Stelars and the black
Californ
ia sea lions. The Stellar sea lions are by far the larger, weighing more than 1,000 kg (2000 + pounds)
- more than twice the size 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.
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 whale
s 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 four. Both Resident and Transient orcas are distinguished by their huge dorsal fins, some protruding as much as 2 meters (6 feet) above the water.
Whale Watching/Aquitania Tour Package: If you want to make sure of seeing whales on your trip to the West Coast, we can arrange for for a whale watching tour whether from our base at Oak Bay Marina or from downtown Victoria. This whale watching option (featuring discounted prices) can be undertaken: after having completed your kayaking trip with us or on any other day which might be more convenient to you.
Our partner in whale watching is Great Pacific Adventures . They are a reputable company featuring experienced drivers that have a good knowledge and respect for whales. You will be given a "rain check" in the event you don't see whales. Great Pacific is based out of Victoria's Inner Harbour . You have a choice of going on their 12 person zodiacs or on the "King Salmon", a 45 foot ocean cruiser with a capacity of 47. Yes, all their boats also feature hydrophones to enble you to listen to the whales.
Whale Watching Prices If you reserve through us (and have taken either our sailing kayaking or motor launch trips to Discovery Island) we can offer you the following Prices with Great Pacific: $75. for adults, $65. for youth from 13-17 and $59. for children 12 and under (plus tax).
Sailing/Aquitania Tour Package: If you desire to whale-watch from a sailboat or just enjoy a "ha
nds-on" sailing experience, then join us for a sail that might well turn out to be an addiction: I would be your Skipper and my 35 foot Beneteau sloop would by your vessel. And I am a certified sailing instructor. Oak Bay, and the two straits adjacent (Haro and Juan de Fuca) are reputed to be among the best sailing areas on the coast, featuring reliable winds as well as many lovely islands where one can visit and find pleasant anchorage. Prices: $90. per person or $400. for up to 6 persons for a three hour sail. Click Here for more information.
Kayaking/Aquitania Tour Package: Blackfish also offers a variety of kayak tour
s not only in the Oak Bay area but in a number of other beautiful paddling areas such as Saanich Inlet an amazing fjord (close to the Butchart Gardens). You do not need any paddling experience to participate (we provide instruction). For more information on these day and overnight tours (also offered at a discount to persons having participated in our Aquitania Giant Canoe tours) Click here.