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| Responsible
whale watchers. |
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Updated
05/05/2007
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Whale
Watching Tours |
Ocean Explorations sets high standards for Safe, Professional
and Quality tours. Departing from Victoria's Inner Harbour,
our expeditions explore coastal waters in search of killer whales
and other marine wildlife. Ocean Explorations tours focus on
the territory of the southern resident community - three pods
of killer whales, ranging from 20 to 60 members each. Sightings
and close encounters with these magnificent ocean predators
are common from April through October as migrating salmon return
from the open sea.
A short distance from Victoria's Inner Harbour lie the protected
island strewn waters of Juan de Fuca Strait, Haro Strait, Georgia
Strait, the Greater Puget Sound
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and some of
the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the world. A typical
trip may cover 50 to 100 km and journey north through the beautiful
San Juan Islands or west around the rugged tip of Vancouver
Island. The final decision to where we travel depends on recent
weather and whale information gathered by our search network.
Expeditions are led by an experienced guide/naturalist, knowledgeable
with regard to our marine environment and its inhabitants. Many
opportunities will exist to take photos and ask questions when
the boat slows or stops to observe wildlife and points of interest
during the tour.
In addition
to Killer whales, this cool clear nutrient-rich sea supports
an astonishing animal ecosystem. Here you will also find Gray
Whales, Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises,
and Harbour Seals, Elephant Seals, Sea lions, Eagles, sea birds
and many other fascinating aquatic creatures. Click
to see more pictures
Our
Whale Search Network:
Ocean Explorations does not rely on luck alone to find whales.
We have developed a highly successful whale search network that
gathers whale information from all over our local waters. You
can typically find our whale spotter
perched high
on a mountain top peering through a set of huge binoculars.
With our high-tech equipment and a clear view of the straits,
we can find whales amazing distances away in the remotest locations.
We find this to be a valuable technique; our whale sighting
percentages are the some of the highest in the industry. Communication
is very important; every member of Ocean Explorations is in
radio contact with each other at all times. Our boats respond
to accurate sighting information and are kept up to date with
current weather and sea conditions.
Ocean
Exploration's Staff:
Our staff are chosen for their knowledge, experience and most
importantly their attitudes. Our guides are exceptional mariners
and excellent naturalists. We expect our Guides to be the best
on the water and have very high standards for them to live up
to. You will undoubtedly find all our crew to be friendly, polite
and courteous.
Safety
and Comfort:
Your safety and comfort is our top priority. Our boats are purpose
built for the demands of whale watching, they are Coast Guard
inspected annually and are always maintained in top condition.
Passengers are supplied with Coast Guard approved stay-warm
flotation suits
to protect against cool airand ocean spray. Ocean Explorations
staff are correctly trained to make your experience safe and
enjoyable.
Our
commitment to responsible wildlife viewing:
Ocean Explorations is a member of the Whale Watch Operators
Association Northwest, we strictly follow guidelines and regulations
set forth to protect the marine environment. Our
objective is to observe whales and marine life while remaining
non-intrusive, to look into their lives with out becoming part
of their lives. We are fortunate to associate with these
animals; they
must be respected first and foremost. Ocean Explorations is
Proud
to practice responsible wildlife viewing."
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