The POD - Trips & Encounters. Close Encounters with Orca, Dolphins and Porpoises in British Columbia, Canada!

On both sides of the Island dolphins and whales are found. Whale-watching became popular on the west coast when researchers discovered that places like Tofino and Ucluelet were on the migratory route of Grey Whales as they swam between the Bering Sea and the Baja Peninsula each year. Some Greys occasionally choose the 'inside passage', along the Island's eastern coast, and there they are joined by humpback whales that feed in the area each Summer, as well as occasional pilot whales.

The local stars, however, are the magnificent Orca that make the northerly waters on the Island's eastern shores their home.

Pods of Orca, ranging from 5 or 6 individuals to 20 or more, come here for several months each summer, feeding on local salmon, and are found alongside the friendly Pacific White-sided dolphins and both the Dall's and Harbour porpoises. The Resident orca - so-called because they are reliably sighted around Vancouver Island at certain times of year - pose no threat to other marine mammals, as their diet is exclusively fish-based.

Occasionally pods of Transient orca pass through this area - as dramatic as they are mysterious. Their diet includes seals and other marine mammals, and if they swim by then the waters tend to be very quiet, as their potential prey often hear them coming and will clear out!

Seals and sea lions are reliably seen in the area, and the pups tend to be very playful.

Dates for the 2008 trip run from Monday August 25 to Friday 29. The trip begins and ends in Alert Bay, a small village on Cormorant Island, a 40-minute ferry ride from Port McNeill at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

This trip is ideal for adults and children alike, and offers a very high chance of encountering Orca, Dolphins, two species of porpoises and humpback whales - a wonderful cross-section of cetacea! Add to this the stunning natural scenery, indigenous culture, calm seas, land-based wildlife, birds of prey and generally excellent weather, and it promises to be a wonderfully refreshing and exciting trip!

Day One (Monday 25 August) - Arrive in Alert Bay by mid-afternoon for a welcome and orientation session, followed by dinner and Bedtime Orca Stories!

Day Two (Tuesday 26 August) - Morning boat trip to see the local Orca, Dolphins and Porpoises. Afternoon gentle nature trail and evening audio-visual talk about the local Orca, Dolphins and Whales.

Day Three (Wednesday 27 August) - Morning trip to the local Native Cultural centre, complete with story-telling and lots of Orca legends! Afternoon Canoe trip in a Native canoe - suitable for all ages and no experience required!

Day Four (Thursday 28 August) - Spend the morning helping to prepare a local salmon barbecue with a local native fisherman in the traditional way, and after this delicious lunch it's time to head out onto the water again for another encounter with the Orca and Dolphins and Whales! Round off the day with story-telling and star-gazing.

Day Five (Friday 29 August) - Morning exploration of the island and a final Dolphin and Whale audio-visual presentation before heading off at lunchtime.

The trip will be led by Dr Jason Cressey, founder of The POD. Jason first encountered the magic of Vancouver Island back in 1991, and first visited the Orca of Alert Bay in 1996. He has put together this unique itinerary for others to encounter a variety of the treasures of both land and sea in this wonderful part of the world. Jason will offer regular presentations about dolphins and whales throughout the trip - fun and interactive talks that appeal to children and adults alike!

As well as daily talks, there will be optional activity sessions throughout the trip including yoga, relaxing visualisations, breathing exercises and story-telling...all inspired by the dolphins and whales!

For children and adults alike, this trip is ideal for those who like to explore local indigenous culture as well as see nature at its most spectacular. You don't need to be able to swim, nor is it even important to have particularly strong sea-legs, as the sheltered waters on the east side of Vancouver Island is usually calm at this time of year,

Full details on preparing for the trip, and good ideas for things to bring, will be supplied to all participants well in advance. Whether you're travelling alone, in a couple or in a group – tours of this kind typically attract a wide variety of people of different backgrounds and ages - the only pre-requisite is a love of dolphins and whales, together with a desire to get very close and personal with the monarchs of the sea!

The group size will be small, to allow for a peaceful and individualised trip, and will not exceed 10 guests maximum. The trip is open to residents of any country. The tour officially begins and ends in Alert Bay, and full information will be given on arranging your way up there. Because you make your own way there it really doesn't matter where you begin the journey!

While the tour does not include transportation to or from Alert Bay, we shall send detailed information to everyone joining the tour (on receipt of the deposit) which outlines the travel options available to northern Vancouver Island from your part of the world. You can book your flights yourself or through a travel agent.

An appreciation of cetacean evolution, physiology and social behaviour by encountering Orca, Humpback Whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Dall's Porpoises and Harbour Porpoises in their beautiful natural environment

The chance to see Bears on land, as well as seals, sea lions, eagles and beautiful starfish

An understanding of the local First Nations people, including their beliefs and mythology surrounding the Orca and the importance of dolphins and whales to their cultural heritage

Peace and quiet in a part of the world that has few visitors and where wide open spaces dominate!

Prices for the one-week 2008 trip is CAN$795 (Click here to convert to a different currency) based on double occupancy (a single room supplement is payable if you wish to have a double room to yourself). This includes:

Four nights accommodation with breakfast each morning

All activities in Alert Bay

Two half-day boat trips out to see the local Orca and other marine life

Whale and dolphin audio-visual presentations and activities provided daily by Dr Jason Cressey

Trip in a local native canoe, and an indigenous-style traditional salmon barbecue

· Transportation to Alert Bay
· Accommodation/food before or after the tour (if you choose to stay in the region before or after the trip)
· Lunches
· Travel Insurance, local airport/entry/departure taxes or gratuities

Places are limited (the maximum size of the group is 15 guests), and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit of CAN$300 (convert currency) per person will secure your place immediately.

Upon receipt of your deposit, you will be sent an acknowledgment. A further $495 is due by June 1st, 2008 (In the case of last minute bookings made after June 1 - space permitting - the full amount is payable immediately in a single installment).

We shall also send a list of recommended personal items to pack, a detailed itinerary, a medical/release form and detailed information and suggestions about booking your flights. Please e-mail The POD to request a booking form. Please indicate if you are able to download Word Attachments, or if you prefer to receive the form by fax or mail (in which case, please include your fax number/mailing address). Payments can be made by personal cheque, money order, or bank transfer.

Please note that, in the event that you need to cancel your place(s), this must be done in writing. Refunds of any payments made after the deposit will only be given if your place(s) on the tour can be filled.

	TRIPS & ENCOUNTERS: British Columbia, Canada





	Orca, Dolphins & Porpoises of Vancouver Island