Small Boat Or Large Boat For Whale Watching
June 18th, 2010 by William Carli, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
There are many different ways to see Orca whales in the wild. From large boat excursions to small boat tours and even by kayak, viewing Killer whales can be done in a variety of ways. However, the most touted and effective and therefore enjoyable way to see these fabulous creatures is by whale watching from a small boat.
All boats that carry passengers for whale watching have a maximum allowed number of paying guests that they can legally carry at one time. Some large boats can carry upwards of 100 passengers on each trip they take. Smaller, more personable boats usually have a capacity of 10 to 15 and some even limit themselves to 6. The more intimate number allows each passenger the same opportunity to see the whales, take pictures, and just enjoy the entire event. There is no arm twisting or jostling to get to the rail on a small boat as there often is on a larger boat when everybody wants to the same view at the same time.
Interacting on a small boat with the captain is much easier than on a larger boat. This is partially because the captain of a small boat is much more accessible to his guests then his counter-part on a large boat. Most small boat captains really enjoy getting to share their knowledge of the areas wildlife, whales, flora and fauna. The environment and the experience of seeing it is what draws people Whale Watching in the first place. Seeing the Orcas in the wild is simply a spectacular event.
Located in the northwest corner of the United States, is found the San Juan Island archipelago. This pristine area consisting of over 170 islands is home to a large group of Orca(killer) whales, and also whale watching companies. There are many eco-friendly, whale watching tours to chose from, and all have a strong interest in keeping the pristine beauty of this area intact. In the San Juan archipelago it is easy to see the interconnectedness of life and also to witness the fragile environment that supports it. Witnessing the Orcas in the wild, free from human influence is to see nature at its finest.
When you are researching which Whale Watching company to choose make sure you understand the differences between the many companies. Many larger boats can offer discounted rates for their trips because they more then make up their profit by carrying more guests.Smaller Whale Watching companies simply do not have the same luxury. If cost is your main concern a larger boat probably is the best way to go. Often larger boat companies have multiple boats operated by employees. Usually the small boat Whale Watching tours are operated by the business owner and often the owner is the captain as well. If the overall experience of the entire trip is what matters to you most, look into going Whale Watching on a smaller boat.
Captain Carli has lived in the San Juan Islands archipelago for over 25 years and started driving Whale Watching boats in 1995
To learn more about Whale watching Tours in the San Juan Islands please visit our site at Captain Carli Whale Watching
