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In the Presence of Orcas:
An Experience to Remember
Orcas, or Killer Whales, as they are commonly known are
plentiful in our West Coast waters. Come along with me as
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures takes me whale watching.
Contributing Photographer & Editor, Dave Kemp—Picture Perfect Bed & Breakfast
I arrived dock side at 8:30 am, at the Steveston Seabreeze Adventures' office, at the south foot of No. 1 Road in Steveston to sign up. At 9:00 we depart aboard a sleek Seabreeze Adventures aluminum boat that carries
approximately 23 passengers. Once en route, we're briefed on safety and locations of life vests. Each boat has a lavatory, or head, but I recommend you use the one on shore prior to departure. The seas can get a little bumpy.
As we head west along the south arm of the Fraser River, I saw numerous bald eagles perched atop the many piles that dot the passage. Once we arrived at the mouth of the river, the skipper turned south towards the bottom end of the Gulf Islands. The run takes approximately one hour and will take us through the Gulf Islands en route to where the orcas gather. Once within range of a pod of whales, there will likely be many pleasure boats taking in the same views and sightings.
We spent two hours with the orcas watching them perform their tail and flipper splashing, and if you're lucky, you will witness a breach or two. It's difficult capturing whales breaching, as you never know when they will surface. Sometimes you will see pods of whales in numbers up to 30 or so. To see such beautiful mammals in the wild is simply breathtaking.
While on board, Sarah, our host explained orca behavior and also the markings that identify each whale, called the saddle patch. Our skipper, Lloyd, was always on the lookout for whales and he will take you within meters of them. The whales normally swim in one direction, so positioning the boat between them and their course is very important. Seabreeze Adventures will supply light snacks, such as granola bars, and bottled water for those thirsty travelers.
After about two hours with the whales, it’s time to head back to Steveston. The journey back seems much quicker than the trip down, as my fellow adventurers are looking at their pictures and sharing them with others. Normally they travel with a number of other boats, which I believe is for safety reasons.
Anyway, my little seaborne adventure in my own backyard with Seabreeze Adventures will not be one I'll easily forget and is a must for everybody visiting Steveston.
 ©Dave Kemp—Orca mural on Steveston Seabreeze Adventures office.
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures is located at 12551 No. 1 Road, Steveston (Richmond), BC Canada V7E 1T7, Tel: 604-272-7200. Office wheelchair accessible, boats, not too sure. Talk to the staff.
Related Articles:
The History of
Vancouver Whale Watch
Another Successful Season at Vancouver Whale Watch
Photo Gallery of Orcas
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Steveston Articles:
Steveston Galleries
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