Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
Kayak 14 years ago 1,433,554 views
Theyre All Around Us! Who knew when I woke up on this Thursday morning that it was going to be an extraordinary day that would produce a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a beautiful afternoon with calm seas; so, Allan from West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals http://www.westcoastoutdoor.ca and I decided to take the Hobie kayaks for a spin. Heading out towards Secretary Island just off Sooke, BC in the Juan de Fuca Strait, we got word there was a large pod of Orcas close by. We were so excited to receive this news and at the prospect of seeing killer whales; we were immediately intrigued. As luck would have it, the whales were just as intrigued by us. We could see the whales were swimming near Otter Point, about a mile and a half from where we drifted and bobbed about like buoys in our kayaks. We could just make out the black specks of dorsal fins on the horizon. The killer whales were hugging the shoreline, so we were completely amazed at the events that would take place over the next 30 minutes. Even though we were in the open, usually turbulent, waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait, we were in a flood tide so paddling was smooth—effortless. We held our position and the whales got closer, and closer. The entire pod was heading our way. The pod got a little closer, then a lot closer. Then they were all around us! And under us! And beside us! A mother and her calf gave us an unbelievable experience; if I hadnt caught the scene on video, I would never have believed it. I can wholeheartedly say that this was one of the most stunning, thrilling (and scary!) events of my life. Mother and baby swam straight towards us, and dove directly in front of the bow of my kayak. I could see them both swimming under my kayak and then disappear into the depths. Not knowing where or when then would emerge, I sat in anticipation. And then, they surfaced directly in front of my kayak. Wow. Unbelievable! They were all around us. Dont believe me? Think Im exaggerating? This is no fishermans tall tale, and I have the video to prove it. Join me on my adventure and watch this astonishing recount. Dont forget to check out the official Discover Sooke Online website to learn more about Sooke businesses and our community www.discoversooke.com. http://www.discoversooke.com West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals is located at Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina http://www.sookeharbourresort.ca ***UPDATE*** We'd like like to let everyone know that we have been in contact with the DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) as they had some concerns about this video. We assured them that our intentions that day were NOT to intentionally place ourselves in the middle of whales, but rather head out in hopes that we might witness them passing by from a safe distance. "L-POD" were spaced out about 1km in diameter, which placed us amongst them before we even knew it as they were close to shore and moving very quickly. We felt that we didn't have the ability to safely move out of the way nor did we have the time. They appeared around us as quickly as it started. There were fishing vessels and a whale watching boat near us, so we felt we were doing the proper thing by just staying where everyone else was. West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals does not rental kayaks for the Strait of Juan de Fuca and are only used in the Sooke Harbour and Basin. These were not rented, we were on our own time. For whale guidelines and regulations, please vist the Whale Wise website: http://www.straitwatch.org//whale_watching_guidelines.html ***END OF UPDATE***
Transient Orca are year round and in lesser "pods", usually 2-3 together, sometimes more, but are frequent throughout and even come into Sooke Harbour now and then, such was the case 2 weeks ago.
10. comment for Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
20. comment for Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
30. comment for Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
I'd have had a total heart attack!! lol
50. comment for Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
Now I wonder what would have happened to you if you left the boat? Would they have gotten closer?
Along time ago i went for a dip on the East coast along with some buddies in the Bay of Fundy,We did not know at the moment but a whole pod was swimming around us. Didn't take us long to get out of the water but as being normal humans and never seen these magnificent creatures in the wild before we got the living shit scared out of us!.But seeing them in the wild we were in awe! I was glad to have the privilege once in my life time!! All i can say it was bloody amazing!!! I had realised after then they don't belong in any aquarium for people to see.There should be no more capturing.The ones in captivity or the ones born should remain as they won't know how to survive in the wild.You haven't seen a erect dorsal on a full grown orca, until you see it in open water, it is huge!! That just shows how healthy it is. They have attacked and killed trainers in captivity but that is only because they have been cooped up for so long and they get bored. Even sea lions,seals and dolphins believe it or not. As my brother use to be a trainer and got bit on the back of the calf while coming out of the pool on the plat form and ended up with quite a few stitches.
If you ever get a chance this is the place to see them..... in the wild they are more amazing then seeing them as a amusement in a park some where.
100. comment for Kayaking with Orca, or Killer Whales off Sooke, BC on Vancouver Island.
Its like looking at a Neanderthal and a homo sapien (actually a lot more drastic then that) and saying that we are the same.
Well atleast Neanderthals and humans could mate, dolphins and whales cant.
That's like saying were are baboons, or chimpanzees.
I am always ready to be corrected if needs be so maybe they are, but I think I've heard somewhere on a video about "Blackfish" that they aren't whales........can't remember for sure so you'll get the benefit of any doubt I may have until I can say otherwise.
Please be mindful during any adventure to keep it safe, respect your surroundings and leave as little a footprint as possible so it will be there to enjoy always :)
(and to see your PIERCED BROW).
tHIS IS PRICELESS! I WILL DO THIS IN THE FUTURE!!!
I'd rather have 50 of these waterbikes (that's what we call them in the Netherlands) in the water than 10 whale watching boats!
Wild and Free, as they all should be!