Directory of Orca Pass Ecotourism

BATSTAR ADVENTURE TOURS
Batstar Adventure Tours offers Gulf Island B&B-based sea kayak trips in the off-season, as well as deluxe, 7 day sea kayak trips to Johnstone Strait in late August and September. They also offer trips to the Queen Charlottes, Broken Group, Clayoquot Sound and Central Coast. 1-877-449-1230 or www.batstar.com.

BLUE VISTA RESORT AND SEA KAYAKING
Experience the exceptional beauty and abundant wildlife of the Mayne Island area. Blue Vista offers guided half-day tours, evening tours, lessons and rentals. View orca, seals, sealions, eagles, otters, seabirds and more. The primary paddling area is situated within the newly established Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Toll Free: 1-877-535-2424, 250-539-2463, www.bluevistaresort.com, bluevista@bluevistaresort.com.

ECOMARINE OCEAN KAYAK CENTRE
Ecomarine offers weekend trips into the Orca Pass area, launching from Mayne Island and paddling to Cabbage Island, and return. They also offer five day trips which run the length of the Gulf Island chain. Toll free: 888-4-C-KAYAK, 604-689-7575, www.ecomarine.com.

GRAND CENTRAL ADVENTURES
Paddle the enchanting Gulf Islands and San Juans. The good ship "Tumus" will get you way out there all year round, camping and day trips as you wish. 9-passengers, 6-kayaks, 25+ knots service speed. Quality sea kayak and gear sales, islands delivery, rentals and lessons. 1-866-655-0091, gca@sylva.com, www.edinet.ca , boat cell 250-812-4229..

GULF ISLAND KAYAKING
Gulf Island Kayaking, established 1982, is an owner/operated company with extensive experience in introducing kayaking skills and intertidal life. Small group size enhances the year round, daily 3hr to 6hr guided tours and camping trips. Featuring a large fleet of single and double kayaks for tour or rentals. 250-539-2442, kayak@gulfislands.com, www.seakayak.ca.

ISLAND ADVENTURE TOURS
Island Adventure Tours offers guided kayak tours to Canada's newest National Park-Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. 2 and 3 day trips depart from Sidney BC. West Coast hiking trips also available. Kayak rentals from dockside location. 250-812-7103, www.islandadventuretours.com, adventuretours@canada.com.

ISLAND CAMPING
Island Camping offers kayaks, camping services, tours, water taxi in and beyond Orca Pass. Located at Port Sidney Marina in Sidney, BC next to the Marine Ecology Station. 250-656-4826, www.islandcamping.ca.

ISLAND ESCAPADES ADVENTURES
Salt Spring Island's outdoor gear, sportswear & adventure company with 13 years of eclectic coastal adventures through Orca Pass. Kayak tours to marine parks with spectacular scenery and wildlife. Catered multi-day expeditions with certified knowledgeable guides. Day tours, lessons, full moon paddles and rentals. Sailing, hiking and climbing excursions, wilderness youth camps and outdoor ed programs. 888-KAYAK-67 or 250-537-2571. Store: 250-537-2553. www.islandescapades.com, escapades@saltspring.com.

KAYAK PENDER ISLAND
Kayak Pender Island is located at Otter Bay Marina, 5 minutes from the ferry terminal on Pender Island. They offer tours, lessons and rentals in beautiful Orca Pass. Got a question? Give them a call at 1-877-683-1746, email info@kayakpenderisland.comor check out www.kayakpenderisland.com.

MAPLE LEAF ADVENTURES
Be awed by orca, explore beaches, sea-life, bird-life and local history in Orca Pass, aboard the 92-foot schooner Maple Leaf. As part of a group of nine guests, you will go ashore often, learn from our onboard naturalist and help sail the ship if you choose. A gourmet chef and great camaraderie keep body and spirit well nourished. www.MapleLeafAdventures.com, 1-888-599-5323 or 250-386-7245.

MAYNE ISLAND KAYAK & CANOE
Mayne Island Kayak & Canoe Rentals Inc., located in downtown Miners Bay, rents single or double kayaks and canoes. Rental cost includes instruction, safety equipment and trailering to a choice of 7 launch sites. Lessons and marine tours available as well as sales, trip planning, group discounts and complimentary ferry pick-up. Beginners welcome. 250-539-5599, www.maynekayak.com, maynekayak@gulfislands.com.

MOTHERSHIP ADVENTURES
The 68' Columbia takes paddlers to remote places, with delicious west-coast meals, double kayaks, and instruction by qualified naturalist guides. The classic vessel features dry, heated cabins, hot showers, and an extensive library on wildlife and local interests. Suitable for novices and experienced: paddle on calm, island-filled waterways then go aboard to relax for the evening. 888-833-8887. www.islandnet.com/~momship.

NATURAL WEST COAST ADVENTURES
NWCA offers kayak tours to the Gulf Islands, an excellent opportunity to see a broad range of sea life. It is not uncommon to see dolphins searching for food, seals basking on a rocky outcrop, or a bald eagle scanning the water for a meal. Gunkholing the many islets and bays provides a glimpse of an area surprisingly different from Vancouver Island and the mainland. For info: 604-535-7985 White Rock 250-391-0331 Victoria.

NAUTILUS EXPLORER
The 116 ft. Nautilus Explorer offers 'Different Seasons, Different Seas' with trips to Alaska, British Columbia and Mexico's Baja for diving, kayaking, whale watching & on-shore wilderness excursions. Savour the comfort of staterooms, the taste of hearty gourmet fare and the easygoing camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. Toll free: 1-888-434-8322, sales@nautilusexplorer.com, www.nautilusexplorer.com.

OCEAN ADVENTURES CHARTER CO. LTD.
Join the 67' Ocean Light for an exciting wilderness adventure cruise among the beautiful islands and waterways that make up Orca Pass. Enjoy wildlife viewing, whalewatching, marine life, fishing and kayaking. Experience beautiful anchorages, gourmet cuisine and a friendly, professional crew. For full details see www.theoceanlight.com, 604-815-8382, info@theoceanlight.com.

OCEAN RIVER SPORTS
Ocean River Sports (estab. 1981) offers 3 hour tours of Victoria's historic Inner Harbour, getaways to the Gulf Islands, as well as trips to Baja, Tonga, or fjords of Norway, with highly-trained guides and instructors. Ocean River's retail store has the best in kayaks, canoes, paddling accessories, camping equipment, clothing and footwear. 800-909-4233. www.oceanriver.com.

ORCA SPIRIT ADVENTURES
Experience Orca Pass aboard Victoria's large and luxurious, high-speed Orca Spirit whale watching vessel. A hydrophone and naturalist will help you appreciate the sights and sounds. Enjoy onboard amenities including free beverages. Choose warm indoor seating or outer decks. Or try an open-air Zodiac. Orca Spirit Adventures: 1-888-672-ORCA (6722), 250-383-8411, whales@orcaspirit.com, www.orcaspirit.com.

ORCAS OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
Located in the San Juan Islands, WA, at the Orcas Island Ferry Landing, Orcas Outdoors offers daily 1, 2, 3 hour, full day, overnight sea kayak tours, and instruction. They customize trips to fit client needs, dates, and schedules and can help plan trips with accommodations, outer island boat charters, whale watching, and other exciting adventures. 360-376-4611, www.orcasoutdoors.com.

OUTDOOR ODYSSEYS
Outdoor Odysseys Kayaking Tours of Friday Harbor, WA has been offering hand-crafted kayak tours for 16 years and features personable, naturalists/guides, small groups and the gentle art of Dutch oven cookery on their overnight tours. 360-378-3533 or 800-647-4621, ceekayaker@aol .com, www.outdoorodysseys.com.

SALT SPRING KAYAKING
Salt Spring Kayaking is at the waterside gateway to the southern Gulf Islands, whether for a day trip from Vancouver or Victoria, or a longer visit. Their location next to the ferry allows you to avoid ferry line-ups. Just leave your car behind and step into a kayak or bike when you arrive on foot. 250-653-4222, www.saltspringkayaking.com.

SAN JUAN SAFARIS
San Juan Safaris offers whale watching and sea kayaking from Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, WA. They specialize in small groups and independent travelers, with naturalist guides, state of the art equipment, and 30 years experience. Why be herded when you can be guided? Serious Fun. 800-450-6858 or 360-378-1323, fun@sanjuansafaris.com, www.sanjuansafaris.com.

SATURNA SEA KAYAKING
Established in 1998. Located in Boot Cove, just 5 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. Owners Bob and Bev Bruce, local residents since 1981, offer guided day trips (with fully certified guides) to various locations, including Tumbo and Cabbage Islands, as well as rentals and custom overnight trips. 250-539-5553, rbruce@gulfislands.com.

SEA OTTER KAYAKING & SAILING
Sea Otter Kayaking & Sailing Charters offers kayaking and sailing/kayaking tours from Salt Spring Island, in the heart of the Gulf Islands including guided kayak day tours ranging from 2 to 6 hrs and unique fully catered multiday adventure kayaking tours for 2 to 7 days. They also offer multiday sailing/kayaking packages aboard a 41' sailing ketch. 1-877-537-5678, www.seaotterkayaking.com.

VANCOUVER ISLAND CANOE AND KAYAK
VICKC offers tours in the southern Gulf Islands: the Little Island Excursion is a leisurely 4-day tour from Sidney, suitable for all paddlers, including white sand beaches and scenic islands the Big Island Excursion is a more demanding 5-day tour from Nanaimo south to Sidney through the Gulf Islands, with dramatic sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. 250-361-9365. paddlers@canoeandkayakcentre.com, www.canoeandkayakcentre.com

VIKING ADVENTURE TOURS
Viking offers mothership kayaking with a qualified guide to provide instruction and guidance for paddlers. All meals are supplied aboard the vessel with pack lunches for paddling excursions. The interior is spacious, and comfortable for evenings in the various harbours and coves along the route. 250-755-9175, cell: 250-616-9336, klund@islandnet.com.