Orca Waters Base Camp Kayak Tour - Sea Kayaking Johnstone Strait

Below is a sample itinerary and exact routes will vary depending on possible wildlife sightings, currents, tides and weather.

Day 0: Plan to be in Port McNeil the night before the kayak tour departs, as there is an 8:00 pm pre-trip meeting with your guides at our office, located at 1790A Campbell Way, across the street form the Haida Way Inn and next to the Black Bear Resort. We’ll provide you with an overview for your trip, distribute dry-bags to pack your gear in, and answer any questions you may have.
Meals Included: None

Day 1: We meet at 8:30 AM to head down to the marina to load our water taxi. It’s just a short walk from the hotel, and all your equipment can be transported by our van. Vehicles and extra bags can often be left at your hotel while you’re on the kayak tour – just ask at the front desk. Otherwise, let us know as we have limited free parking at our office.

The 45-minute water taxi ride takes us to our campsite, where we’ll settle in. The guides will provide a site orientation and kayak briefing. We will head out for a paddle before lunch giving you time to get used to the kayaks, the wilderness setting and each other.
Meals Included: Lunch - Dinner

Days 2 and 3: Each day brings a new journey; our base camp is ideally situated for exploring the area. Close to orca travel routes, routinely visited by Humpback whales, and close to numerous islets thick with sea birds and seals, there is plenty to see.

Orcas regularly pass by our camp, and we’ve enjoyed many dinner shows from the beach. If we encounter Orcas on the water, we can drop one of our hydrophones so you can listen to their beautiful vocalizations.

Your kayak guides will plan each day according to weather conditions, wildlife spotting, and guest interests. Lunches are usually spent on a secluded beach, each night returning to the comforts of our Base Camp.

Every day is different, but rest assured, our goals are the same as yours – exploration, paddling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing.
Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 4: On our last day, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for one last paddle. Returning to camp for lunch, you’ll pack up your gear, and snap a few last photographs. Our water taxi will pick us up between 3:00 – 4:00 PM for the trip back to Port McNeil, arriving by 5:00 PM.

We usually arrive back in Port McNeil in enough time for you to fly out of Port Hardy or catch a late ferry back to the mainland, but delays do happen. We suggest that our guests spend the last night in Port McNeil, enjoy the hot showers, and slowly transition out of vacation mode. Most guests choose this, and we often get together for a no-host farewell dinner at the Haida-Way Inn.
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch

Orca Waters Base Camp Kayak Tours

Departure Point: Port McNeill, Vancouver Island

Dates:  2012 and 2013 Tour Dates ... June 12 to 15, 2012 June 19 to 22, 2012 June 26 to 29, 2012 July 3 to 6, 2012 July 10 to 13, 2012 July 17 to 20, 2012 July 24 to 27, 2012 July 31 to August 3, 2012 August 7 to 10, 2012 August 14 to 19, 2012 August 21 to 24, 2012 August 28 to 31, 2012 September 4 to 7, 2012 September 11 to 14, 2012 September 18 to 21, 2012 September 25 to 28, 2012 .... June 18 to 21, 2013 June 25 to 28, 2013 July 2 to 5, 2013 July 9 to 12, 2013 July 16 to 19, 2013 July 23 to 26, 2013 July 30 to 2, 2013 August 6 to 9, 2013 August 13 to 16, 2013 August 20 to 23, 2013 August 27 to 30, 2013 September 3 to 6, 2013 September 10 to 13, 2013 September 17 to 20, 2013 September 24 to 27, 2013

Cost: $1250 CAD per person plus tax

View taxes and other currencies +/-

Approximately $ USD plus tax
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Approximately $ AUD plus tax

Taxes: Canadian Residents pay 12% HST. Visitors to Canada only pay 6% HST as our multi day kayak tours qualify for a 50% tax rebate at the point of sale.

All prices are charged in Canadian funds. Your credit card company will convert to your home currency using their exchange rates. The above foreign exchange prices are approximate and for reference only and are updated daily using rates provided by www.coinmill.com

The Orca Waters Base Camp: All the camping equipment at the base camp is bigger, roomier and more comfortable than what you will find on our expedition style kayak tours. We provide very roomy 4 person tents (only 2 people per tent), thick comfortable sleeping pads, warm barrel style sleeping bags and full size pillows. The tents are permanently set up for the summer and are situated throughout the forest with views of the ocean and are raised off the ground on wooden platforms. A large covered kitchen and dining area made from locally milled cedar makes for a very comfortable camping experience.

The base camp is equipped with a permanently installed hydrophone so we can listen to orcas from camp (we also have a portable version to take with us kayaking), a re-charging station for guests cameras, an extensive library of natural history books, a propane heated shower, rustic beach side sauna, and an outhouse with a fantastic view.

Includes: We provide you will all the necessary kayaking and camping equipment, including kayaks, paddling jacket, PFD (life jacket), group shelters, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and sleeping bags(you may bring your own). A comprehensive list of required personal items can be viewed here. All meals during the kayak trip are provided and prepared by your guides. We’re proud of our menu that includes abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of international dishes, and freshly baked treats. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated given sufficient prior notification. Transportation is all-inclusive from Port McNeill by our network of vans and water taxis.

What is not included: We do not provide transport from your home to Port McNeill, nor do we provide airport transfers. Accommodation in Port McNeill is not included. Any meals outside the kayak portion of the tour are your responsibility. Travel insurance for accidents or emergency evacuation is not provided; we recommend you purchase a policy before leaving home. The trip price does not include guide gratuities; should you feel that the service was exemplary, it is always appreciated.