Birds of a Feather Private Marine Boat Charters
Humpys, Orcas, Stellars and California Sea Lions all in one afternoon
Sun, 10/12/2008 - 08:58 — DieterEvery day is a unique adventure out on the Salish Sea but today’s trip stood out. We launched at Pedder Bay Marina in Metchosin to place us close to Race Rocks. As the California and Stellar Sea Lion bulls were entertaining us from their perches on the rock formations we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by a dozen or so of these mamoths swimming, diving and porpoising. Then the incredible happened. One of the stellars suddenly sprang out of the water not 40 feet from us with a huge salmon which it had just caught as it breached the surface. The salmon was squirming it the sea lion’s mouth. Just as quickly as the stellar had surfaced he dove again and repeated this motion 2 more times. All the while a dozen or so of his very excited mates were porpoising almost in unison as a group. In 12 years being out here on the ocean that was a first for me. This was just the begginning of our adventure. We had heard reports of 4 to 6 humpbacks in the general vicinity over the past week. As we networked with our colleagues we heard 6 transient orcas were nearby. We spent a bit of time enjoying the orcas before heading out in the direction of the shipping lanes where soon we spotted 4 humpbacks. They put on quite a show for us including some excellent tail flukes. The humpbacks were also very vocal. All this in the space of 4 hours on one of those special autumn days when the seas were calm and the sun was out.
Bald eagles, turkey vultures, porpoise, seals, sea lions, orca killer whales
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 07:53 — DieterA superb stay in an outstanding location - topped by a fantastic day with Dieter looking for - and finding the local wildflife, bald eagles, turkey vultures, porpoise, seals, sea lions and the highlight 2 orca killer whales. All in the most stunning scenery. Its been wonderful to stay here for four nights on our road trip around the west coasts of Canada and America - celebrating our silver wedding anniversary. We’ve also enjoyed the chance to sit and watch the birds - the birding scope is a great idea. Thanks for a wonderful stay in a fabulous place - we hope to return.
Whale watching trip was awesome
Sun, 09/14/2008 - 16:29 — DieterHad a wonderful stay at this beautiful place. Perfect setting. Watched the sunrise every morning. Accommodation excellent. Attention to detail much appreciated. Whale watching trip was awesome.
Baby Orca and 6 breaches
Sat, 08/16/2008 - 09:39 — DieterThis was a perfect vacation - loved the room and view - stayed here our first two days watching the Otter and her baby - the 16 Swans (2 babies), hundreds of Geese - Ducks - Herons - Deer and even a Sea Plane! We look forward to seeing that and maybe us on the website Dieter! Be sure to take a Whale Watching trip through the Islands with Dieter - we saw lots of Whales - a baby Orca and 6 Breaches!! Another must - Port Renfrew and the trails at China Beach. Canada is a beautiful country and the people are wonderful! Thank you Dieter and Annette, Monty and Emily - come visit us!
The whales were awesome
Sun, 06/22/2008 - 10:18 — DieterWhat a great place to stay. Dieter gave us a wonderful trip through the islands and the whales were awesome. We really enjoyed our day trip on the ocean. Thanks Dieter. Annette the breakfasts were great. Thank you both for a great stay.
Boat trip was fantastic, rooms were fantastic
Sun, 06/22/2008 - 10:46 — DieterRRU Convocation 2008. Thank you so much to Dieter and Annette. The place was fabulous and was a great introduction to the island for my "Prarrie Parents" !
The boat trip was fantastic, rooms were fantastic and food superb! Hope to get back here some day! Thank you.
Whales, tall ship wreck and oceanside vineyards
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 06:27 — Dieterthe Crowther Family Boating Journal: Our Alaska cruise pulled in to Vancouver just after 7:30 am and by 11:30 we met up with Dieter. Our flight back home to Australia left the next day. With Dieter’s planning advice it all went like clockwork. We flew in to Ganges from the Vancouver harbour on a float plane with Salt Spring Island Air where Dieter met us. After enjoying an excellent lunch on Salt Spring we headed south through the Gulf Islands and stopped at the Saturna Island Vineyards to sample their wines and bought a few bottles. This oceanside vineyard reminded us of those back home in southern Australia near Melbourne. We also saw a tall ship wrecked on a reef near there. We passed through the San Juans where we spent an hour or so watching a super pod of Orcas. A large male breached completely out of the water just a few hundred yards from the boat. This is an experience we will never forget and recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and wildlife. Dieter dropped us off in Victoria right next to the West Coast Air float plane docks at 5:30 pm. By 7:00 pm we were back in our hotel in Vancouver! What a perfect day. This was the icing on our perfect week to the west coast. Thank you "Birds of a Feather". Next time we’ll be back to stay at your B&B in Victoria.
Baby Orca breached!
Thu, 06/19/2008 - 07:32 — adminThe open air market on Salt Spring Island was a unique and fun experience. The arts and crafts stores in Ganges were a delight to discover. We enjoyed the fresh air, the natural scenery and the Dahl’s porpoises along the way. The ride back to Victoria was even more scenic as we boated through the channel and under the old wooden bridge between the Pender Islands. Going home the long way through the San Juans and around the bottom of San Juan Island was an excellent choice. We saw Orcas and a recently born baby orca breach out of the water! The boat is very comfortable and Dieter knows the waters like a seasoned mariner. We really appreciated having the zodiac all to ourselves and not being on any schedule. This was the best trip to Victoria ever! See you again next year for another adventure.