Responsible Ecotourism
Committed to Sustainability
Orca Spirit has made a long term commitment to protect and preserve the spectacular natural setting we are fortunate to do business in, by actively practicing the principles of eco-tourism and sustainability.
In fact, we have been taking UNWTO and TIES definitions to heart, using them to guide decision-making across every aspect of our business for many years.
For us, that translates into taking a leadership role in our community by developing and implementing eco-tourism awareness programs, and continually monitoring of our use of natural resources for areas of improvement.
A Culture of Sustainability
Every day, our employees take thousands of small actions that contribute in a big way to the sustainability of our environment.
Responsible Whale Watching Practices
From the very beginning, we’ve understood the importance of minimizing our impact on the ocean habitat that whales call home.
Supporting Research & Conservation
It’s our duty to take a leadership role in supporting the research and conservation of transient and resident whale communities.
Leaders in Responsible Eco-Tourism
We’ve been protecting our natural surroundings and improving the social and economic well being of local communities for over 20 years.
Proudly Providing Carbon Neutral Tours
Carbon Neutral Tours
We as an organization, now have a unique opportunity to protect this valuable resource by investing in a conservation economy through the purchase of carbon offsets. We have selected to support The Great Bear Rainforest initiative, which is focusing on protecting an area that is so crucial to the purity of our inland waterways that filter into our coastal marine environment.
The Great Bear Forest Carbon Project is an Improved Forest Management initiative, which generates emission reductions by protecting forest areas that were previously designated, sanctioned or approved for commercial logging. It is a landmark project for balancing human well-being and ecological integrity through carbon finance, and is the first carbon project in North America on traditional territory with unextinguished Aboriginal Rights and Title.
We believe taking the first step towards conserving our backyard is by recognizing our carbon emissions, and finding ways to reduce our footprint. We all make an impact on our environment and we are doing whatever it takes to educate and plan for a better future for our oceans. We are so fortunate to call this piece of paradise home and would like to see it remain this way, if not better, for generations to come.
Join us on a carbon neutral trip and allow our marine naturalists to introduce you to the Salish Sea we are so fortunate to call home, and learn how you too can make a difference to protect our natural environment.
Responsible Whale Watching
Right from the beginning, we’ve followed the viewing, vessel operation and radio etiquette guidelines for responsible whale watching.
FULL GUIDELINESMore Involvement
Saving our Salmon With The Pacific Salmon Foundation
100% of each each guest’s $2 conservation fee goes to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for restoration of salmon in the Salish Sea.
Supporting Research & Conservation
It’s our duty to take a leadership role in supporting the research and conservation of transient and resident whale communities.
Green Business Certification & Accreditations
We have achieved GOLD certification with Green Tourism Canada and the highest status of GREEN with the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification.