Whale Watching and Cultural Tour
This tour is currently not available for the 2022 season. Please check out our Grizzly Bears of The Wild tour.
Discover why the mighty orcas (killer whales) are such an important part of our Kwakwaka’wakw culture, on a four-hour whale watching adventure from Vancouver Island that combines cultural history and epic wildlife sightings. Known as Max’inux (Knowing How to Stalk Their Prey), orcas often appear on our ceremonial masks, and in our songs and stories as an important part of our oral history. Our agreement to live in harmony with them extends to our approach to whale watching as we stay a respectful distance from them to allow the whales to move freely through our ocean.
Departing from Port McNeill, located North of Telegraph Cove and Campbell River on Northern Vancouver Island, BC, our whale watching tour combines cultural discoveries at a local First Nation museum, with world-class wildlife watching on an adventure into the heart of the traditional First Nations’ territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw.
Share our love of the local landscape and witness the simple beauty of our natural world as we encounter whales and other wildlife. Learn more about the spiritual side of our connection with the wildlife that calls these waterways home. Experience the elements on a four-hour tour that puts you at one with nature and offers a personal perspective of our Kwakwaka’wakw culture.
What will we see?
With a greater understanding of the cultural and spiritual importance of wildlife to the Kwakwaka’wakw, we will take an exhilarating zodiac expedition to discover the home of orca, humpback, grey, and minke whales. Watch the whales feed, spout and breach while we wait at a respectful distance from these magnificent creatures and keep an eye out for other wildlife. The Pacific waters offer spectacular sightings, with time to reflect and take in the simple beauty of the natural world. Whale and wildlife sightings vary according to the seasons and migration patterns, but we hope to encounter some of these majestic mammals and birds: Humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, bald eagles, great blue herons, seals, sea lions, and migrating bird species.
Where do we go?
Our adventure begins on land in ʼYa̱lis (Alert Bay) at the U’mista Cultural Centre – a museum dedicated to telling the story of the people of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation. Your tour guides, members of one of the 19 tribes of Kwakwaka’wakw, will interpret the exhibitions to delve deeper into the history of the artifacts. These cultural artifacts include ancestral masks that were confiscated during the Potlatch Ban between 1884 and 1951, which outlawed traditional ceremonial feasts and Potlatches and had a devastating impact on Indigenous people.
What kind of boat will we travel on?
Our 33 foot vessels, the MAYUMI and soon to be named sister ship, were built in Oregon and delivered to Vancouver Island. The 3100 North River OS is designed with a unique and highly stable hull which allows greater payloads and tougher seas to be navigated. We meet all Transport Canada Specifications and Regulations for safety and stability. Our operators are licensed by Transport Canada. We are certified for 12 passengers and two guides. A heated cabin and marine head makes for a comfortable ride!
Your family and friends will be safe with the unequalled stability provided by North River’s hull design, either while under power or at rest. North River’s huge reverse chines allow occupants to move freely about the deck. Few other boats on the market can match North River’s design and safety.
The Zodiac Hurricane 630 Mid IO is used as a shipboard boat for a variety of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement and force protection. The deep-V fiberglass hull and inflatable collar combined with bench style seating; provides the seaworthiness, shock mitigation, stability and maneuverability required to operate reliably and effectively. The ruggedized hull and collar construction and highly responsive diesel engine/outdrive propulsion system allows the Hurricane 630 to be a safe vessel for wildlife viewing and sightseeing,
A fine reel from one of our guests!
#Repost @bcoutdoorsmagazine
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Some encouraging news for Salmon populations in BC courtesy of the talented @rolfhickerphotography
“The removal of fish farms has greatly impacted our bears in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Back in 2019, my photos highlighted the heartbreaking sight of starving bears due to a lack of salmon.
Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to join @seawolfadventures and visit X̱a̱ḵwika̱n in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw People.
Seeing salmon leaping over waterfalls and grizzly bears enjoying a feast was a sight I hadn’t witnessed in years.
A huge thank you to Sherry and Alan for showing us the remarkable return of salmon and the healthier bears that come with it. 🙌
But our work isn’t done. Fish farms still operate around Knight Inlet, and the government has extended their “fade out period” for another 5 years. We need to act quickly—our bears might don’t have that much time left! 🕰️💪”
#bcoutdoorsmagazine
#Repost @bcoutdoorsmagazine
・・・
Some encouraging news for Salmon populations in BC courtesy of the talented @rolfhickerphotography
“The removal of fish farms has greatly impacted our bears in the Great Bear Rainforest.
Back in 2019, my photos highlighted the heartbreaking sight of starving bears due to a lack of salmon.
Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to join @seawolfadventures and visit X̱a̱ḵwika̱n in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw People.
Seeing salmon leaping over waterfalls and grizzly bears enjoying a feast was a sight I hadn’t witnessed in years.
A huge thank you to Sherry and Alan for showing us the remarkable return of salmon and the healthier bears that come with it. 🙌
But our work isn’t done. Fish farms still operate around Knight Inlet, and the government has extended their “fade out period” for another 5 years. We need to act quickly—our bears might don’t have that much time left! 🕰️💪”
#bcoutdoorsmagazine
The Great Bear Rainforest Photography Tour is coming up! Here’s a little reminder of what’s out here!
The Great Bear Rainforest Photography Tour is coming up! Here’s a little reminder of what’s out here!
Many many people have connected to this mountain, in the recent years, and it really is a special place in many hearts. But we’d like to share just the titbit of information on what this mountain means to us as the four tribes of the Dzawada̱`enux̱w. The Musg̱a̱makw Dzawada̱`enux̱w is: Kingcome, Gilford, Hopetown, and Wakeman. For millennia, we’ve paid respect to this mountain and what it represents. It is rich with Gwawa̱`enux̱w history which we uphold tremendously. Many non-Musg̱a̱makw, in recent times, have flown there, landed on there, got married on there, and therefore hold this mountain in high regard; it’s a special place that you can see from the Broughton Archipelago. This mountain is known to our people as K̕we and has a deep beautiful history! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw #kwe
Many many people have connected to this mountain, in the recent years, and it really is a special place in many hearts. But we’d like to share just the titbit of information on what this mountain means to us as the four tribes of the Dzawada̱`enux̱w. The Musg̱a̱makw Dzawada̱`enux̱w is: Kingcome, Gilford, Hopetown, and Wakeman. For millennia, we’ve paid respect to this mountain and what it represents. It is rich with Gwawa̱`enux̱w history which we uphold tremendously. Many non-Musg̱a̱makw, in recent times, have flown there, landed on there, got married on there, and therefore hold this mountain in high regard; it’s a special place that you can see from the Broughton Archipelago. This mountain is known to our people as K̕we and has a deep beautiful history! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw #kwe
At Sea Wolf Adventures, our team is more than just a group of dedicated professionals; they are the heart and soul of our operation. I am deeply grateful for each member’s hard work and dedication. Watching them grow every day and every year has been nothing short of inspiring.
Their blossoming confidence and evolving skills are evident in how they passionately share our stories and culture with visitors from around the world. It is truly amazing to see them become not only educators but also ambassadors of our heritage. Their commitment to our mission and their ability to connect with guests is a testament to their incredible growth and unwavering dedication.
Together, we are not just showcasing the beauty of our lands but also preserving and sharing our culture, creating meaningful connections, and ensuring that our traditions and stories are passed on. I am incredibly proud of our Sea Wolf team and all that they have achieved. They are the embodiment of our values and the driving force behind our success. #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #seawolfteam #kwakwakawakw #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw
At Sea Wolf Adventures, our team is more than just a group of dedicated professionals; they are the heart and soul of our operation. I am deeply grateful for each member’s hard work and dedication. Watching them grow every day and every year has been nothing short of inspiring.
Their blossoming confidence and evolving skills are evident in how they passionately share our stories and culture with visitors from around the world. It is truly amazing to see them become not only educators but also ambassadors of our heritage. Their commitment to our mission and their ability to connect with guests is a testament to their incredible growth and unwavering dedication.
Together, we are not just showcasing the beauty of our lands but also preserving and sharing our culture, creating meaningful connections, and ensuring that our traditions and stories are passed on. I am incredibly proud of our Sea Wolf team and all that they have achieved. They are the embodiment of our values and the driving force behind our success. #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #seawolfteam #kwakwakawakw #musgamakwdzawadaenuxw
It’s been amazing witnessing the comeback of our salmon in X̱a̱kwika̱n. A shout out to all of you that helped remove open net fish farms out of our territory; especially our own people. To witness wolves, in Grizzly Bear country, catch wild salmon is hard to put into words. We’ve never seen this pool so black with fish for such a long time. The baby salmon can now swim through our waters unharmed by the salmon factories; and this video shows the results! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #wolves #kwikwasutinuxwterritory #salmon #saveoursalmon
It’s been amazing witnessing the comeback of our salmon in X̱a̱kwika̱n. A shout out to all of you that helped remove open net fish farms out of our territory; especially our own people. To witness wolves, in Grizzly Bear country, catch wild salmon is hard to put into words. We’ve never seen this pool so black with fish for such a long time. The baby salmon can now swim through our waters unharmed by the salmon factories; and this video shows the results! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #wolves #kwikwasutinuxwterritory #salmon #saveoursalmon
Named after my daughter, Mayumi, our new canoe is very sophisticated; as you can see. Part of my daughter’s heritage brings her back to Japanese history. Mayumi means Truth and Beauty; which is so fitting in many ways. As we make the transition to these wonderful canoes, we hope for your understanding in seeing where we are wanting to bring our experiences to; the next level:) in the same breath, we’d like to honour our nephew @garrettwilliemusic for paving the way for indigenous blues/rock and expressing his own unique style of music! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #mayumi #garrettwilliemusic 🎥 - @downtofilm
Named after my daughter, Mayumi, our new canoe is very sophisticated; as you can see. Part of my daughter’s heritage brings her back to Japanese history. Mayumi means Truth and Beauty; which is so fitting in many ways. As we make the transition to these wonderful canoes, we hope for your understanding in seeing where we are wanting to bring our experiences to; the next level:) in the same breath, we’d like to honour our nephew @garrettwilliemusic for paving the way for indigenous blues/rock and expressing his own unique style of music! #seawolfadventures #traveltruthbeauty #mayumi #garrettwilliemusic 🎥 - @downtofilm
Hi`hatsawe in our territory is priceless to watch! #dolphins #kwikwasutinuxwterritory music @garrettwilliemusic
Hi`hatsawe in our territory is priceless to watch! #dolphins #kwikwasutinuxwterritory music @garrettwilliemusic
Just a few highlights:) 🎥- @alan_hunt88
Looking for a boat that’s not just your run-of-the-mill, bobbing-on-the-water experience? Our vessels are the epitome of stability and reliability—think the Rolls-Royce of the sea. Luxurious doesn’t even begin to cover it; you’ll feel like Poseidon in a penthouse. And those diesel outboards? They’re the secret sauce that makes us different. Unique, you ask? We redefine the word. These boats are not just worthy; they cut through waves like a hot knife through butter.
But it’s not just about the ride. With Sea Wolf Adventures, you’re not just a passenger; you’re part of a proud First Nations journey. We invite you to experience our rich cultural heritage firsthand, from our traditional territories to our language and stories. Join us and turn the sea into your personal playground, while immersing yourself in the legacy of our ancestors. Sail with us, and let’s make waves—both literally and culturally. That wicked ass music by @garrettwilliemusic! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #ABDBOATS #TheRide
Looking for a boat that’s not just your run-of-the-mill, bobbing-on-the-water experience? Our vessels are the epitome of stability and reliability—think the Rolls-Royce of the sea. Luxurious doesn’t even begin to cover it; you’ll feel like Poseidon in a penthouse. And those diesel outboards? They’re the secret sauce that makes us different. Unique, you ask? We redefine the word. These boats are not just worthy; they cut through waves like a hot knife through butter.
But it’s not just about the ride. With Sea Wolf Adventures, you’re not just a passenger; you’re part of a proud First Nations journey. We invite you to experience our rich cultural heritage firsthand, from our traditional territories to our language and stories. Join us and turn the sea into your personal playground, while immersing yourself in the legacy of our ancestors. Sail with us, and let’s make waves—both literally and culturally. That wicked ass music by @garrettwilliemusic! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #ABDBOATS #TheRide
Living in a rainforest, priceless! 🎥 @taylormichaelburk
We are very fortunate that Pacific White Sided Dolphins use our territory for their birthing places. Watching the adults teach their young ones how to hunt and how to use the art of synchronization to their advantage is priceless! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #dolphins #kwikwasutinuxwterritory
We are very fortunate that Pacific White Sided Dolphins use our territory for their birthing places. Watching the adults teach their young ones how to hunt and how to use the art of synchronization to their advantage is priceless! #seawolfadventures #swa #traveltruthbeauty #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #dolphins #kwikwasutinuxwterritory