Hello to all,
In 2001, I worked as a volunteer in Quebec (Canada) on the cetaceans of the St. Lawrence River (see my website and the articles : "Whale feeding in the St. Lawrence Estuary (SOS Grand Bleu 2001) and "Swiss Cetacean Society (2000-2001).
During the weekends, I had the opportunity with some of the team members to go north of Tadoussac to observe the blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus) in Portneuf-sur-Mer with the CROISIÈRES DU GRAND HERON !
It is a unique place where you can see this enormous whale (the largest animal that the earth has ever carried, its size can reach 33 meters) and 12 other species of marine mammals in freedom:
- minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata )
- fin whale ( Balaenoptera physalus )
- Atlantic white sided dolphin ( Lagenorhynchus acutu )
- beluga / white whale ( delphinapterus leucas )
- sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalu )
- humpback whale ( Megaptera novaengliae )
- harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena )
- long-finned pilot whale ( Globicephala melas )
- killer whale ( Orcinus orca )
- hyperoodon boreal / northern bottlenose whale ( Hyperoodon ampullatus )
- northern right whale ( Eubalaena glacialis glacialis )
Our approach is adventure ecotourism and we guarantee to respect the rules of conduct at sea for whale watching. We are the only ones to observe them without being disturbed by other whale-watching companies.
Each cruise is a unique experience. We have experienced interpretive guides and work with researchers who are fully dedicated to research.
The observation of the marine environment must be done with the least possible disturbance. It is therefore necessary to respect a very rigorous code of ethics. All natural phenomena are worthy of being observed. The passengers entrust us with their safety. They must keep a positive memory of their outing, regardless of the state of the sea.
For that, I propose you to come with me on our "zodiacs" whose maximum capacity is 12 people, for excursions varying between 2h30 and 5 hours!
The hours are between 7am and 7pm depending on the weather conditions between June 1st and October 15th 2006.
We have several different packages:
Rates with an interpreter guide
| Rates 2 h 30 | Rates 5 h |
Adult | 50.00$ | 80.00$ |
Student | 40.00$ | 65.00$ |
Child | 25.00$ | 40.00$ |
Rates including taxes for a 5-hour outing with a biologist and an interpreter guide
Adult | 100.00$ |
Student | 85.00$ |
Children (12 years and under) | 60.00$ |
With lunch | 12.00$ |
Scientific package
The scientific package is a program developed for clients who wish to improve their knowledge of marine mammals by living an observation and interpretation experience of the marine environment accompanied by marine biology researchers and experienced guides. This is a flexible program that is mainly oriented towards activities at sea and also includes theoretical presentations. All components can be broken down: marine component, meal component, accommodation component.
The package is composed of sea outings with a biologist, conferences, welcome dinner, food on the boat, alternative activities if the weather is not favorable and access to a bank of complementary documents on whales and birds. This package can be from 3 to 6 days, either in a hotel, a B&B or a campground, according to your choice.
Reservation
Reservations are required for all scientific packages. The sooner the better, as everything must be coordinated. Our company gives priority to this type of scientific ecotourism.
Package duration | Days/Nights | 6/5 | 5/4 | 4/3 | 3/2 |
Marine shutter only | 650 $ | 540 $ | 420 $ | 260 $ ** | |
Three in one | |||||
Auberge de la Voûte
| single occupancy/pers | 1 311 $ | 1 069 $ | 817 $ | 524 $ |
double occupancy/pers | 1 110 $ | 908 $ | 696 $ | 444 $ | |
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Two in one | |||||
Guest area | single occupancy/pers | 925 $ | 760 $ | 585 $ | 370 $ |
double occupancy/pers | 838 $ | 690 $ | 533 $ | 325 $ | |
*These prices must be confirmed at the time of booking
**Promotion for the 10th anniversary of the company
A person can join an already formed group for a fee of $150 per day. Included: 5-hour trip to the sea with a biologist, snack, lecture and documentation.
Customized package :
Description
This package is mainly intended for groups, travel agencies, wholesalers and receptives. We allow you to organize whale watching and marine activities according to your needs. We can take up to 24 people at a time on our boats. You will always be accompanied by an interpreter guide and the outings will last from 2 to 5 hours. Upon request, a biologist can accompany your group to answer your questions and allow you to see him in action on the sea. Conferences on whale research are available upon request. We can provide you with a snack at sea or on site at the Marina. These packages can also include lodging and meals with the collaboration of our partners.
Reservation
Reservations are required for all custom packages. The more complex the package, the further in advance it is necessary to book. Some agencies book their dates a year in advance, but there is much more choice in low season.
Calendar
Between June 1 and October 15, 2006
We cannot give a table of rates since requests can vary infinitely, but as it concerns organized groups, they are most of the time lower than those of individual scientific packages. For wholesalers and travel agencies, there are specific rates on request.
Bioluminescence package
This phenomenon can only be observed when it is dark. This is why departures are made at the end of the evening. Moreover, it is necessary to have good wind conditions, otherwise, in addition to being uncomfortable, the sea in strong winds does not allow to control the phenomenon. It is therefore necessary to wait until the sun is down. In the beginning of the summer, it is difficult to have a real night. The real night, according to astronomers, begins only around July 20.
You should not think that only bioluminescence is interesting to admire at night. The moonlight on the water is a spectacle that leaves no one indifferent.
Many people are afraid of the prospect of going out at night on the sea. After several years of experience, we can affirm that all those who have dared, have returned enchanted with stars in their eyes.
The trip lasts about two hours, including the exit and the entrance to the river. As the phenomenon is present everywhere, it is not necessary to go out to sea but there is no question of speeding in the middle of the night. And who would want to hurry when the sky and the sea are shining brightly?
The explanation
At the base of life in the sea, there are microscopic algae called phytoplankton. It is this algae that gives our water its green tint. It is so abundant that the backs of blue whales appear green when seen underwater. It is the equivalent of grass on land. This plant plankton is grazed by a multitude of microscopic or visible animals called zooplankton. The animal plankton comes up from the depths to feed on the phytoplankton produced with the help of light, as soon as the light decreases. With it, come to the surface, krill, small fish, larvae of all kinds, in a word all the predators of the food chain. This plankton has the particularity to emit light as soon as it is disturbed. The phenomenon is well known when it is produced by fireflies and glow worms. This is what we will observe at night: a ball of fireflies, millions of fireflies flashing at the slightest request. Schools of fish can often be distinguished by the luminous traces they leave in their wake. Each outing is different, the microorganisms seem to vary infinitely.
Now you have all the information you need to come and join me!
For more than 15 years, I have been traveling, photographing (some photos taken during these cruises are in the "Photo Gallery" section), meeting companies that observe cetaceans, but if I chose this one, it is because it is in a unique ethic and essential to the survival of marine mammals.
And we all know, that observing animals in the wild is an alternative to hunting and captivity.
Trust me. So let's keep going....
Sincerely.
Montreal - Quebec /Canada, April 2006.
Julien Marchal
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