Guaranteed Sightings! NOT!!!
There are lots of choices currently regarding which company to go whale watching with. Some whale watch companies claim to guarantee sightings, others claim to have the best boats. Some say they can get closer to the whales than other companies, while some claim to spend more time with the whales. All of this is nonsense and a way to get you on their boat. I do not guarantee sightings on a daily basis. Either the whales are in the area on the day you are interested in or they are not. My policy is to give you an update on sightings when you arrive for your trip and offer you the option to reschedule, cancel or come along and take your chances. We’ll tell you the odds of seeing whales on that particular day so you can make the choice. I also offer the option to come along on another trip while you are on the island if we do not see whales, if I have the space available. It is, however, surprising how many times I have left the dock without a whale sighting only to get a report of whales in the area when already underway. Like most of the companies here, Deer Harbor Charters is part of a whale sighting network that gives us up to the minute reports on the whales’ location and direction of travel via VHF radio, text messages and cell phones. The network is comprised of all the whale watch companies, shore based people, ferry captains and private boaters. It works very well. In 2010, our success rate was close to 90%, just like all of the other companies here. Since we all work together, we all know where the whales are as well. It is not a secret that one whale watch company has over the other.
I’m going into my third decade doing this and only this. I don’t offer fishing, water taxi and picnics. I specialize in whale watching and educating you on the southern resident orca, the transient orca, and the entire eco-system that makes up the web of life around these islands. The captains and naturalists that work with me (most of whom have been with my company for many years) will inform, educate and enlighten you. You will come off the boat after the trip with a new understanding of the spectacular wildlife here, the problems they are facing, as well as the environmental issues we too as humans are coming to grips with. I have always prided myself on the personal experience and attention to detail Deer Harbor Charters is known for.
Choose a company that will give you lasting memories of an unbelievable experience, watching one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. One that advertises with integrity and is honest about their services. Make sure the company is a member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest/Pacific Whale Watch Association. If you’re planning a trip here but maybe not Orcas Island, call me if you have any questions about a company you are thinking of going out with. I have been doing this longer than all but one company (Island Mariner Cruises in Bellingham, Washington). I’ve watched all of the whale watch companies operate their day to day operation from their beginnings. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about any other whale watch companies, either in Victoria, Vancouver or the US.
Tom Averna
Owner/operator
