Understanding Responsible Whale Watching - A Brief History
Shrouded in mystery for millennia, the creatures of the deep have both mystified and captivated the imagination of humankind. Up until the late 1960's and the early 1970's, viewing of marine mammals was restricted to ferry travelers, private boat owners, public Aquaria, or zoos. The capturing of whales in BC waters during the 1970's was a common practice and the demand for captured mammals (whales, otters, seals, etc.) was a prosperous business on the West Coast. Being the most naturally playful and intelligent whale, the orca (or killer whale) was the most desired mammal for large public aquatic venues.
In the mid-1980's, pressure from scientists, animal rights activists, and the general public (partially a direct result of Hollywood-style depictions of whales in captivity) turned what was widely perceived as acceptable 'training' of these highly intelligent creatures, at times under questionable circumstances, into strong apathy for them. Aquaria closed, or at least limited their orca exhibits, and a successful awareness and re-education program based on the natural wonder of these whales took on a dramatic new focus.
The local whale watching industry grew out of mutual desire, both by the scientific community and the public, to study and observe sea life as they truly exist; at peace and in their natural environment. Such demand has resulted in one of the most comprehensive, co-operative studies of whale movements and behaviours to date in southern BC and northwestern Washington State.
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- Whale Watching
- Whale Watching Vancouver
- Cycle Tours
- Cycle Rentals
- Canoe Rentals
- Kayak Rentals
- Power Boat Rentals
- Rowboat Rentals
Recent Sightings
February 3. 2010: We listened to crazy vocals on the hydrophone for an hour while having coffee this morning, hoping for an encounter on our late morning trip! It was a successful encounter with many transient killer whales; they were just south of Race Rocks and they were active. Lots of spyhops, zigzagging back and forth, calves and very large dorsal fins... it was great to be on the water!
December 5. 2009: We haven't been out much lately but we're still operating. The whales are still being sighted and Race Rocks is busy with steller and California sea lions. Due to weather and with it being the slow time of year, we don't get out every day but call us and check in if you're interested as we're always around!
November 11. 2009: We had a great afternoon with J's and K's today! They were really spread out, across Haro Strait and heading South West. J1, aka Ruffles, paid us a special visit!!
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Call us toll free (from anywhere in North America):
1-877-733-6722
Or locally and long distance:
250-386-2277