Orca Dreams
Orca Dreams
4.9
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About
Orca Dreams whale watching on Vancouver Island is Canada's first multi-day whale watching camp. Orca Dreams is located in the beautiful Broughton Archipelago off Northern Vancouver Island a short distance by boat from Telegraph Cove, BC. Orca Dreams whale watching camp offers killer whale watching and humpback whale watching tours daily. This is also your chance to sea kayak with killer whales, humpback whales and dolphins. Our tents are luxury safari style tents offering you the most comfortable camping experience on the coast.
Heriot Bay, British Columbia, Canada
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
46 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Dale B
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Solo
I went on the four day, three night tour this week. I was traveling solo, but I had an amazing time and incredible experience with the staff, the other guests and of course the Orcas, Humpbacks and other wildlife.
I was pleased to see appropriate covid procedures were in place (masks on the smaller fishing boat, sanitizer available all around camp, social distancing, reduced group sizes).
The trip leader John (JD) is an incredibly interesting guy and experience guide. He was flexible with daily activities that included hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and crabbing. I appreciated that I could go with the flow based on what I was feeling each day and with what JD though would create a good experience that day.
The camp was beautiful and had great views out into the straight. I could hear Humpbacks surfacing at all hours and could see them from my tent. The tents were comfortable, African Safari Glamping style, on a solid wooden platform, with proper beds and clean sheets inside. I was pleasantly surprised by the hotshower and bath as well.
There were four general staff that worked around the camp and led kayak trips. They were very friendly, helpful, and had some great travel stories themselves. That made for some nice campfire conversation.
The chef Amy was friendly and helpful too. She cooked some great meals and did a great job incorporating fresh seafood with local produce in every meal. Plus fresh baked goods regularly.
The whale watching was beyond expectations. I would estimate 100+ Orca sightings and 100+ Humpbacks too. I also saw Eagles, Seals, Sea Lions, Dahl Porpoises, Deer, and other sea birds. Every trip out resulted in great sightings.
I would definitely recommend this tour and I hope to come back with my girlfriend next August.
I was pleased to see appropriate covid procedures were in place (masks on the smaller fishing boat, sanitizer available all around camp, social distancing, reduced group sizes).
The trip leader John (JD) is an incredibly interesting guy and experience guide. He was flexible with daily activities that included hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and crabbing. I appreciated that I could go with the flow based on what I was feeling each day and with what JD though would create a good experience that day.
The camp was beautiful and had great views out into the straight. I could hear Humpbacks surfacing at all hours and could see them from my tent. The tents were comfortable, African Safari Glamping style, on a solid wooden platform, with proper beds and clean sheets inside. I was pleasantly surprised by the hotshower and bath as well.
There were four general staff that worked around the camp and led kayak trips. They were very friendly, helpful, and had some great travel stories themselves. That made for some nice campfire conversation.
The chef Amy was friendly and helpful too. She cooked some great meals and did a great job incorporating fresh seafood with local produce in every meal. Plus fresh baked goods regularly.
The whale watching was beyond expectations. I would estimate 100+ Orca sightings and 100+ Humpbacks too. I also saw Eagles, Seals, Sea Lions, Dahl Porpoises, Deer, and other sea birds. Every trip out resulted in great sightings.
I would definitely recommend this tour and I hope to come back with my girlfriend next August.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate B
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We had an absolutely fantastic 4 day trip and would highly recommend Orca Dreams to whomever truly wants to experience observing whales at their best in the wild. There are obviously never any guarantees but our host JD’s knowledge and network in the area are the best there is. Luckily Mother Nature was on our side as the weather (mid August) was perfect and whale viewings were abundant. The Orca Dreams friendly staff are knowledgeable ensuring your stay is safe, clean and a whole lot of fun! Not to mention the food is healthy and delicious. Our group was a fun loving perfect mix of families and couples. The schedule is kept light and organized on a daily basis. We liked this laid back approach as it allowed us to choose activities as we pleased. Definitely worth every penny!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeDraven
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Aug 2020
We've wanted to see whales in the wild and have gone on other excursions before but nothing like this. Most "whale watching" tours feel very commercial, but with Orca Dreams it is a much more personal experience. JD and his team did a wonderful job taking care of us. The accommodations were comfortable and the food is excellent. Having JD take you to various spots in his high speed boat to see humpbacks, orcas and porpoises close by is amazing. And then to top it off, getting to kayak with humpbacks, orcas and sea lions up close is the icing on the cake. And that's not even accounting for the other stuff we did like fishing and crabbing. Probably one of the best experiences I've had on any trip.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ingrid0042017
Dover, MA2 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
have done many extreme adventures ...both kayaking and backpacking but have no idea how these folks got such a great rating! They were the most reckless , unprofessional and unethical organization I have ever encountered or heard of....and by the way, other outfitter I kayaked with several days later was appalled!
I arrived with short notice (2-3 days) because of hiking cancellation in central BC due to wildfires
communications was by phone with owner...advised him of a leg fracture last year hiking,it is healed and I am back to hiking again.During rehab I strained my shoulder (March) but it was OK now and cleared by Ortho to kayak.I told him this per telephone but since I had limited access to computer left him another message that I would bring paperwork up with me unless he had any questions or issues in which he could reach me by cellphone.No further communications until metope in Telegraph Cove.Hardly anyone there had heard of this group.Finally got the shuttle and later in afternoon went whale watching in small open boat .NO life preservers to be found and none offered.I was later told they were near kayaks somewhere on island.During the trip it started to rain, got very cold and windy .Dangerous boating location...
Next morning I had a slight ache in my shoulder from lugging bags and asked if I could go out for 15 min or so with guide to see how my shoulder feels.The owner seemed to be open to this but the female guide and the wife had a fit.
The guide told me she had had shoulder surgery and a rod in her leg from a fracture and I should not be kayaking.
I told her I am a sportsmed MD and was also cleared by my orthopedist , so not to worry.Just allow me to test shoulder that AM.and prove myself
Heated private discussion occurred between the 2 females and owner.I was told I was not allowed in a kayak....at all.I should sit in whale watching boat or hike around island by myslef for next 3 days(cougar was seen on island and warning was out)
I told the three that that was not why I was here and that I was able to kayak with no problem if possibly resting my shoulder that day.
They ...2 females and owner ...then informed me this was not the trip for me and told me to get packed.They shuttled me off the island...wife managing small boat laughing and quite inappropriate.
I was dropped off in a remote area with no available lodging.Subsequently had to drive almost 6 hours to find lodging
This is a totally irresponsible group managed by 2 females and the owner .None of it makes sense when the guide herself was by her own admission impaired.the reckless manner in which the initial whale watch was conducted ...no life preservers in stormy conditions
their cavalier attitude in suggesting I hike around island by myseld with apparently a cougar around (Native with rifle was out hunting it )and their overall arrogant irresponsible behavior in dropping me off in the wilderness with no lodging or contingency plans is inexcusable and abominable.It is the utmost in recklessness.
I believe the main reason I was booted out was that I was the only solo traveller and considerably older than some of the hard drinking boisterous guests(apparently that bothered the operator and especially the guide),..None of it otherwise makes any sense.It is an example of very poor, unethical and reckless leadership.
I arrived with short notice (2-3 days) because of hiking cancellation in central BC due to wildfires
communications was by phone with owner...advised him of a leg fracture last year hiking,it is healed and I am back to hiking again.During rehab I strained my shoulder (March) but it was OK now and cleared by Ortho to kayak.I told him this per telephone but since I had limited access to computer left him another message that I would bring paperwork up with me unless he had any questions or issues in which he could reach me by cellphone.No further communications until metope in Telegraph Cove.Hardly anyone there had heard of this group.Finally got the shuttle and later in afternoon went whale watching in small open boat .NO life preservers to be found and none offered.I was later told they were near kayaks somewhere on island.During the trip it started to rain, got very cold and windy .Dangerous boating location...
Next morning I had a slight ache in my shoulder from lugging bags and asked if I could go out for 15 min or so with guide to see how my shoulder feels.The owner seemed to be open to this but the female guide and the wife had a fit.
The guide told me she had had shoulder surgery and a rod in her leg from a fracture and I should not be kayaking.
I told her I am a sportsmed MD and was also cleared by my orthopedist , so not to worry.Just allow me to test shoulder that AM.and prove myself
Heated private discussion occurred between the 2 females and owner.I was told I was not allowed in a kayak....at all.I should sit in whale watching boat or hike around island by myslef for next 3 days(cougar was seen on island and warning was out)
I told the three that that was not why I was here and that I was able to kayak with no problem if possibly resting my shoulder that day.
They ...2 females and owner ...then informed me this was not the trip for me and told me to get packed.They shuttled me off the island...wife managing small boat laughing and quite inappropriate.
I was dropped off in a remote area with no available lodging.Subsequently had to drive almost 6 hours to find lodging
This is a totally irresponsible group managed by 2 females and the owner .None of it makes sense when the guide herself was by her own admission impaired.the reckless manner in which the initial whale watch was conducted ...no life preservers in stormy conditions
their cavalier attitude in suggesting I hike around island by myseld with apparently a cougar around (Native with rifle was out hunting it )and their overall arrogant irresponsible behavior in dropping me off in the wilderness with no lodging or contingency plans is inexcusable and abominable.It is the utmost in recklessness.
I believe the main reason I was booted out was that I was the only solo traveller and considerably older than some of the hard drinking boisterous guests(apparently that bothered the operator and especially the guide),..None of it otherwise makes any sense.It is an example of very poor, unethical and reckless leadership.
Written July 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Ingrid, we are sorry your trip with us on July 21st did not work out for you. We fully understand the value of our guests vacation time and asking you to leave the camp after just one night was a decision that was very difficult to make. This was in fact the first time I have asked a guest to leave our camp in over 22 years of operating tours in the wilderness.
I would like to to respond to each of your issues above....
I arrived with short notice (2-3 days) because of hiking cancellation in central BC due to wildfires communications was by phone with owner...advised him of a leg fracture last year hiking,it is healed and I am back to hiking again.During rehab I strained my shoulder (March) but it was OK now and cleared by Ortho to kayak. I told him this per telephone but since I had limited access to computer left him another message that I would bring paperwork up with me unless he had any questions or issues in which he could reach me by cellphone.No further communications until metope in Telegraph Cove.
Our response....
We asked you to call or leave us a message on the phone stating any issues you had that might effect your activities or if you had any dietary concerns we should know about. The only thing you mentioned by phone was that you did not eat red meat. On arrival we found out that you had just recovered from a serious shoulder injury just three months ago. You did not disclose this to us prior to your arrival. We tried twice in two days to call you but both times you said you were too busy to talk with us.
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Hardly anyone there had heard of this group.Finally got the shuttle and later in afternoon went whale watching in small open boat .
Our response...
We have 300 guests a year go through Telegraph Cove each summer, although irrelevant, everyone in the whale watching business in Telegraph Cove knows about us.
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NO life preservers to be found and none offered.I was later told they were near kayaks somewhere on island.During the trip it started to rain, got very cold and windy .Dangerous boating location...
Our response...
Our boat the "Tenzing" carries 12 keyhole style life preservers that our located under your seat which can be accessed within seconds in the event of an emergency. They are the same life preservers used on cruise ships and are Coast Guard certified. We notify our guest of their whereabouts on the departure of our first trip out.
I have been skippering boats for 34+ years including 6 years as a commercial fisherman off the West Coast of Vancouver Island and I can assure you that our 2.9 mile trip up the coast of Swanson Island was not dangerous. The Tenzing is a very safe boat and is used as a life boat by the US Navy.
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Next morning I had a slight ache in my shoulder from lugging bags and asked if I could go out for 15 min or so with guide to see how my shoulder feels.The owner seemed to be open to this but the female guide and the wife had a fit.
Our response...
Yes I was at first open to this until I found out that your slight ache was the result of a severe injury that you had just 3 months ago. Our guide Cedar had a similar injury over a decade ago and knew first hand the extent of your injury. She let me know that she felt very uncomfortable taking you out with the rest of the group. I would never go against the judgement of our lead guide and would never risk injuring one of our guests on a kayak trip. It was then that we advised you that we would not allow you to kayak. If you were to injure your shoulder while kayaking with us this would be considered gross negligence and we could be held liable in the event of an injury. Further, had you injured your shoulder we would have had to evacuate you from our remote location which would be a risk we were not willing to take. We did ask other members of the group if they were willing to go with you in a double kayak but no one volunteered to paddle with you.
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I was told I was not allowed in a kayak....at all.I should sit in whale watching boat or hike around island by myslef for next 3 days(cougar was seen on island and warning was out) I told the three that that was not why I was here and that I was able to kayak with no problem if possibly resting my shoulder that day.
Our response...
We did offer you the whale watching trips on the boat as an alternative which you were not interested in. We also suggested that you could walk our trails providing you went with another person. You did mentioned you needed to have someone join you in the hikes as you said you were not comfortable walking on uneven ground. You kept asking us if one of our kitchen staff could join you on your walks. Unfortunately we needed our kitchen staff to prepare meals and we could not have them join you each time you wanted to go for a walk.
At this point in time it was becoming clear to us that we could not possibly accommodate your needs. It is also important to note that you were becoming quite enraged by our concern for your safety. The other members of the group were also starting to become irritated by your behaviour and communication. As mentioned earlier we value our guests precious holiday time. When this issue was starting to effect the safety and enjoyment of the other group members we then decided we had to remove you from the camp.
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They ...2 females and owner ...then informed me this was not the trip for me and told me to get packed.They shuttled me off the island...wife managing small boat laughing and quite inappropriate.
Our response...
Although I was not on the boat with my Partner, I did get a text from her while I was whale watching with the other group letting me know that you were becoming very loud and obnoxious and talking in vulgar language. If my partner came across as laughing I am sure it was more of a way of coping with your loud and vulgar language. Another staff member was with my partner and he did not witness any fit or laughing from my partner, though he did have to translate some of the vulgar words you said to Kelly in German.
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I was dropped off in a remote area with no available lodging.Subsequently had to drive almost 6 hours to find lodging This is a totally irresponsible group managed by 2 females and the owner .
Our response...
You were dropped off in Telegraph Cove, the most popular tourist destinations on the North Island. It is quite possible that there was no accommodation in Telegraph Cove but Port McNeil has plenty of accommodation options just 15 minutes down the road. Being that you did not pay for the tour with us, we did not feel obliged to cover your accommodations. We would have been happy to find accommodations for you given the chance.
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None of it makes sense when the guide herself was by her own admission impaired.the reckless manner in which the initial whale watch was conducted ...no life preservers in stormy conditions their cavalier attitude in suggesting I hike around island by myseld with apparently a cougar around (Native with rifle was out hunting it )and their overall arrogant irresponsible behavior in dropping me off in the wilderness with no lodging or contingency plans is inexcusable and abominable.It is the utmost in recklessness.
Our response...
I already replied regarding the life preservers and again, in over 34 years of skippering boats including 6 years as a commercial fisherman I have only encountered stormy conditions on two occasions. The trip we did to see the humpback whales 3 miles north of camp along the Swanson Shore was not one of them.
Our guide was not impaired by her injuries that she incurred over a decade ago in her mid 20's however she was well aware of how an injury of this kind could effect a person that sustained a similar injury at the age of 72 just 3 months ago.
The Broughton Archipelago is the natural habitat for cougars, bears and wolves amongst other animals such as dear, mink, otters, squirrels and mice. Although I have never seen a cougar in the wild in over 20 years of operating in the Broughtons, they are occasionally spotted. Most wildlife transits our small Island on their way to larger more productive Islands. Indeed a cougar was spotted two weeks earlier by the first nations but not sighted since. We make our guests aware of encounters so that they understand that it is important to take precautions while out on hikes.
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I believe the main reason I was booted out was that I was the only solo traveller and considerably older than some of the hard drinking boisterous guests(apparently that bothered the operator and especially the guide),..None of it otherwise makes any sense.It is an example of very poor, unethical and reckless leadership.
Our response....
We had other solo guests on this trip including one german gal who was on her forth trip with us. The other "hard drinking boisterous guests" were enjoying wine at dinner and engaging in playful conversation which was enjoyed by all. After all, they were on holiday.
I am very sorry this trip did not work out for you. Had you been more upfront with your injuries and expectations we would have suggested earlier that this might not be the trip for you. I am happy you found another option for kayaking and I hope you were able to find some other activities on beautiful Vancouver Island.
Yours truly,
John Waibel
Written August 10, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hangloose62
Grand Rapids, Michigan90 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
We spent 7 days at Orca Dreams in mid September. We figured with the unpredictable nature of wild life, we might not see everything in 4 days, so why not book back to back trips. Within 72 hours, we had seen more whales (orcas and humpback), sea lions, dolphins and bald eagles than we could count. At times, there was so much activity you did not know which way to look. Amazing. The photos on their web site are what we experienced. Over the remainder of our stay, we continued to head out to see wildlife, but we also spent some time relaxing in camp. JD and Kelly have done a great job of putting the camp together. Large safari tents on platforms are roomy and dry. The beds are amazingly comfortable. Loved the hot outdoor shower and bathtub overlooking the sound. The food was plentiful and very good- definitely not camp food! Not sure I would call it glamping...but definitely upscale camping. Activities included whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and some fishing. To top it off, the people at camp were great. 16 travelers from around the world (including the staff) made for great company. Overall, fantastic experience. Exceeded our expectations. We will return.
Written September 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duncan W
Amersham, UK10 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
This was a truly great trip. We certainly agreed with all the other superlative reviews. We are a couple in our mid 50s, when we booked we were asked if we minded being on a trip with two families, we didn't. Indeed the other guests helped make the trip so much fun, the children were enthusiastic and everybody was keen to join in, including the evening games.
Huge thanks to JD, Kelly and the staff (Magdalena, Jan, Flo, Jacqui and Havana) for looking after us, feeding us and guiding us on the various kayaking, boating and fishing trips. The care and dedication they showed to ensure we had a great time was without fault.
We arrived at camp by water taxi on Sunday lunchtime. After the first of many delicious meals we all went out on the boat for an orientation trip with JD. Imagine our excitement on returning from this trip having seen orcas, humpback whales including 'bubble netting' at close quarters, seals, bald eagles and two separate black bear sightings. This set a high standard for the rest of the trip - which was maintained with plenty more sightings of all the above and also sea-lions and a deer added for good measure.
Having the flexibility to go out on the boat or in kayaks was really valuable - particularly if you want to see orcas.
Our personal favourites were the humpbacks, having one surface a short distance from our kayak was particularly memorable, and watching 'bubble-netting' by humpback 'Lucky' was another highlight, also seeing humpback 'Ripple' making a less successful attempt at the same trick and seeming to be having coaching from Lucky was worthy of an Attenborough documentary.
Mention should be made of the camp - the love and care that had gone into building it was clear. Sitting in our luxury tent, or lying on the double bed, watching humpbacks blowing in the bay and herons feeding was magical, doing the same while having a shower was the icing on the cake.
All in all a fantastic trip. JD, Kelly and the gang - many thanks.
Catherine and Duncan (UK)
Huge thanks to JD, Kelly and the staff (Magdalena, Jan, Flo, Jacqui and Havana) for looking after us, feeding us and guiding us on the various kayaking, boating and fishing trips. The care and dedication they showed to ensure we had a great time was without fault.
We arrived at camp by water taxi on Sunday lunchtime. After the first of many delicious meals we all went out on the boat for an orientation trip with JD. Imagine our excitement on returning from this trip having seen orcas, humpback whales including 'bubble netting' at close quarters, seals, bald eagles and two separate black bear sightings. This set a high standard for the rest of the trip - which was maintained with plenty more sightings of all the above and also sea-lions and a deer added for good measure.
Having the flexibility to go out on the boat or in kayaks was really valuable - particularly if you want to see orcas.
Our personal favourites were the humpbacks, having one surface a short distance from our kayak was particularly memorable, and watching 'bubble-netting' by humpback 'Lucky' was another highlight, also seeing humpback 'Ripple' making a less successful attempt at the same trick and seeming to be having coaching from Lucky was worthy of an Attenborough documentary.
Mention should be made of the camp - the love and care that had gone into building it was clear. Sitting in our luxury tent, or lying on the double bed, watching humpbacks blowing in the bay and herons feeding was magical, doing the same while having a shower was the icing on the cake.
All in all a fantastic trip. JD, Kelly and the gang - many thanks.
Catherine and Duncan (UK)
Written August 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KaVa
United States56 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Safari pros Kelly and JD helped make our short trip to Vancouver Island feel like a multi-week escape. The island located on the aptly named Blackfish Sound is prime location for Orca and Humpback viewing. The kayaking was fun, but having the option to track Orca pods and Humpbacks from the boat allowed us to spend lots of time observing the animals. We were fortunate to observe Humpback bubble-netting and lunge feeding. This isn’t afternoon whale watching, it’s a safari complete with a comfortable basecamp. The cooks were accommodating with gluten free friendly dishes and awesome deserts. The on-demand hot water shower was a nice surprise!
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review. For others reading, please note that we always have vegetarian options, but due to our rustic camp kitchen, remote location and food cache, we cannot offer gluten free meals or other special diets. Thanks for understanding.
Written October 1, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David D
Montreal, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I went to on a trip with Orca Dreams in August and I couldn't ask for a more perfect experience. Firstly, the whales! The camp itself is located just metres away from a ground where humpback whales seem to live. You wake up and fall asleep to the sounds of whales, and you see them throughout the entire day, it's amazing! Additionally, with their whale watching motor boat, you're able to go see any Orcas far away from your camp, which is a huge advantage. I was debating doing a pure kayak trip instead, but having this boat allowed us to travel distances and see whales I would have never seen with a kayak because of how far away they were. But even in the kayak excursions we did with orca dreams, we saw a ton of orcas (which apparently, isn't the most common for other kayak groups)! They would swim under our boat, and literally come within arms length away. If you want to see whales, definitely go with Orca Dreams! Also, the fishing was awesome (caught a 15lbs salmon and ate it).
Next, the staff. They are incredible people! I was young, and travelling alone, so you never know how you'd fit with a group, if you'd be included in the conversations/ activities... But that was never an issue with Orca Dreams. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They were hilarious, and we had great conversations. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help us/ make us smile.
The food. Prior to coming on the trip, I didn't think this was important, but man was it delicious. There was always freshly baked cooking available, and the meals were so filling and delicious!
Overall, this was a truly exceptional experience. From the moment I first emailed them, all the way to the end (they even sent me back a sweater and hat I forgot at the camp). I couldn't recommend Orca Dreams more. If you're looking for a great time (for families, couples or individuals), want to see A TON of whales, and get 5-star service, go with these guys!!!
Next, the staff. They are incredible people! I was young, and travelling alone, so you never know how you'd fit with a group, if you'd be included in the conversations/ activities... But that was never an issue with Orca Dreams. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They were hilarious, and we had great conversations. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help us/ make us smile.
The food. Prior to coming on the trip, I didn't think this was important, but man was it delicious. There was always freshly baked cooking available, and the meals were so filling and delicious!
Overall, this was a truly exceptional experience. From the moment I first emailed them, all the way to the end (they even sent me back a sweater and hat I forgot at the camp). I couldn't recommend Orca Dreams more. If you're looking for a great time (for families, couples or individuals), want to see A TON of whales, and get 5-star service, go with these guys!!!
Written August 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sigrid R
Mayen, Germany8 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
Orca Dreams was our last week of fantastic holidays in BC
and it was top of the end!
The camp is really comfortable, best food, cosy beds in big tents with an indescribable view!
A better opportunity to experience wildlife cannot be found.
We never expected to see so many sea lions, Orcas and breaching humpbacks.
John and Kelly are very kind hosts.
Hope to have the chance to come back again!
Sigrid and Andrea
and it was top of the end!
The camp is really comfortable, best food, cosy beds in big tents with an indescribable view!
A better opportunity to experience wildlife cannot be found.
We never expected to see so many sea lions, Orcas and breaching humpbacks.
John and Kelly are very kind hosts.
Hope to have the chance to come back again!
Sigrid and Andrea
Written October 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
npotter2017
Charlotte, NC134 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
I can't put into words just how amazing this experience was. I have been fortunate enough to experience whale watching tours in Hawaii, California, and Australia and this one experience by far trumps them all. The boats are small, the experience intimate, the hosts (JD and Kelly) are wonderful and clearly passionate about wildlife and in love with their place. We watched from our small boat as a pod of Orcas hunted and killed a sea lion (a rarely witnessed event), listened in on Orcas talking to each other, sat in our small boat while surrounded by humpback whales and watched a bear look for food on a nearby island as sea lions gobbled salmon in the distance. From listening to the humpbacks splash and play at night, to watching eagles soar by, the entire trip was the best that it could be for a nature lover like myself. Few tips: 1) no kids (this is a trip for adults only); 2) follow the packing list -the weather in this part of the world is unpredictable. We used all of the gear we brought. The packing list isn't a suggestion, it is a list of necessities; 3) make sure your toiletries are in a case for safekeeping - the wildlife like all sorts of things; 4) add the cost of a tip of at least 10% to the price to be paid at the end - the guides and staff work hard and it is well deserved 5) come with a relaxed attitude it is camping after all. For best wildlife viewing book a trip in September but beware that it is the start of the rainy season. Although the weather was perfect for us, it had rained for two weeks straight before we got there.
Written October 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning to book this trip for us and our 2 kids (age 8 and 10) the last 4 days in June. Can anybody tell us if you will see whales around that time? It would be a great disappointment for our son especially, if we would not see any!
Written February 2, 2017
Hello Anje, This is John from Orca Dreams. I thought I should respond to your message.
Can anybody tell us if you will see whales around that time?
Late June is considered early for seeing Orcas however humpback whales are seen daily. If it is orcas your son is most interested in seeing then any time after July 15 is best. We can see them at any time of year but they do not tend to show up in larger numbers until mid July. Late June is still a wonderful time to visit Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago but if not seeing orcas would disappoint your son, then a later date would be better.
Written February 3, 2017
Hi,
Has anyone travelled from the UK just for the four days? I am hoping to plan this as a surprise for my other half, but we have a 2 year old so can't really be away longer than 7 days total, including travel. Does anyone have any advice on travelling and the best route options?
Thanks in advance
Emma
Written September 4, 2016
The best way to get there if you do not need a car for anything else is to fly from the Vancouver South terminal with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Port Hardy, from there you can take a taxi to Telegraph Cove wich will cost 100CAD one way, and will be cheaper and easier then renting a car. Sometimes it is easier to fly in 1day before the trip starts and stay in Port Hardy, Port MCneill or Telegraph cove, but I noticed the best place to stay is Port MCneill.Because sometimes they can't fly out because of fog or weather.
Written February 26, 2017
Two questions.
1. We would be traveling on motorcycle. What are the options for parking while at your camp?
2. Are your prices all-inclusive? Food, activities, etc. if not, where do we find prices?
Ok, one more,
3. Are you booked for mid Sept, next month?
Written August 8, 2016
I can only answer from the view point of a paying guest. I paid to park in a parking lot in Telegraph Cove. I think I paid $6 per day. There may be free options for parking. I don't know. All meals were included in the trip cost. Food was awesome. I live in the New Orleans area where the food is very good and the meals at the Orca Dreams camp were New Orleans good.
Written August 9, 2016
brook d
London, United Kingdom
Hi! Out of curiosity, do you guys have electricity and/or internet access?
Written February 2, 2016
Hi Brook, Thank you for your questions. Our camp is off the grid however we do have power for charging phones, computers and cameras. In the tents and around camp we use propane, candles or battery power for lighting.
We do not have internet at camp but we do have a cell signal which and we use data. How much internet will you require?
If you have any further questions, please let us know.
Kind regards, John and Kelly
Written February 4, 2016
Thanks! I look forward to booking once your 2017 trip dates and prices are out.
Written January 13, 2016
hello, how did you get to the Island? is there a best option if you do not have a car to drive from Victoria? thanks Denise
Written January 9, 2016
Hi Denise, this is John from Orca Dreams. I will answer your question. If you are in Victoria the easiest way to get to us would be to take the greyhound bus to Port Mcneil. The greyhound bus station is located right across the street from the Royal British Columbia museum. You will arrive in Port Mcneil around 4:30 pm. you can stay the night in port mcneil. Trip advisor does not allow links, but you can find accommodation info on our website under the 4 day tour section.
We are now offering a free shuttle from Port Mcneil to Telegraph Cove on the morning of the tour. This will be detailed in your pre trip information package.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Kind regards, John
Written January 11, 2016
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