Many people wonder “Is it safe to Kayak with Orca?” While they are Apex Predators in the ocean, they are safe and exhilarating to paddle with, as long as we do our part to be safe for them in return.
At Wild Heart Adventures we have operated Kayaking tours in the Johnstone Strait and surrounding waters since 1990 and we have enjoyed time and time again, and been left in awe of every encounter and sighting we have had with Orca with our clients. yet over and over you cant help but ask “is it safe to kayak with Orca?”
These magnificent creatures trigger many emotions and leave you humbled and giddy. While they are apex beings of the ocean, these mighty beasts are no threat to humans in the wild, and it is a privilege to have one decide it will swim under and by your kayak at a close proximity.
That said though, we never go chasing these encounters and treat orca and other marine life with respect and loads of space.
however “we never go chasing these encounters and treat orca and other marine life with respect and loads of space.”
Book an Adventure to see Orca while Kayaking
From Canadian DFO page
Killer whales in British Columbia and the Pacific Ocean
- Keep 200 metres away from all killer whales in British Columbia (B.C.) and the Pacific Ocean
- Keep 400 metres away from all killer whales in southern B.C. coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet (June 1 to May 31)*
“Is it safe to Kayak with Orca? yes it is safe to have them close to kayaks, and we often have them swim right under us”
In fact Enviroliteracy.org states
“The question of is it safe to kayak with orca/s (also known as killer whales) is a common one, and the short answer is a resounding yes, under the right circumstances and with appropriate caution. However, the longer answer involves understanding the nuances of orca behavior, responsible wildlife interaction, and the specific risks associated with kayaking in their habitat.”
Orca are highly Intelligent and Social creatures and do not present a threat to kayakers or humans in general. Though extremely powerful, with some groups taking down other whales as prey (hence their unfortunate common name of killer whale) they are also very playful and curios and are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.
Orca will often show curiosity towards kayakers and come to investigate, this being said it is not the norm’ to be really close to orcas in a kayak, and in Canada it is illegal to intentional kayak closer to Orca than 200 – 400 meters depending on the region.
As a responsible kayak operator in British Columbia running kayak tours in Johnstone Strait, Robson Bite area (common areas of orca sighting in mid to late summer), as well as other areas of Vancouver island where Orca can be occasionally seen. Wild Heart Adventure guides are well trained in giving Orca and other marine life respectful and safe space.
Though we give orca 200mtrs or more space from our approach or passing, this however doesn’t mean that some times orca wont swim right up to and under our kayak groups.
To wrap it up: “is it safe to Kayak with Orca?’ yes it is safe to kayak with Orca!
Come on a tour this summer and experience the beauty and quickening of your pulse, if you are lucky enough to see a group of orca from a sea kayak, and maybe you will even peak their curiosity and one will come right up close to check you out!
Book an Orca Kayak Tour with us Now!
Wild Heart Adventures
We're changing the way people are connecting to nature
Years
In the Industry
We love what we do!
