Stubbs Island Whale Watching – The Vessels
The Lukwa (luke•wa)
The name Lukwa comes from the Kwakwala language and means 'a place in the forest.' The Lukwa (pictured above) was built from aluminum in 1989. This spacious vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 49 passengers. The Luwka is 18 metres (60 feet) long and has a heated cabin and on-board lavatories. Another special feature is an on-board hydrophone that enables passengers to eavesdrop on the different calls and navigational sounds generated by the killer whales you encounter.
The Gikumi (gee•koo•mee)
The name Gikumi also comes from the Kwakwala language and means 'The Chief.' The Gikumi was built in 1954 in Vancouver for Mr. Fred Wastell, the owner of the sawmill and the whole town of Telegraph Cove until his retirement in 1980. Telegraph Cove has been the boat’s home since 1954. It was originally built to tow logs to the sawmill in Telegraph Cove. It also carried lumber and dry goods all over the British Columbia coast. Stubbs Island Whale Watching took over the boat in 1980 and then started offering whale watching trips. It’s a comfortable wooden vessel that’s got a warm feeling and provides a great platform for whale watching. The Gikumi is 17 metres (just under 60 feet long) and is about 5 metres wide. There is an on-board lavatory and heated, wood paneled area inside. In addition, there is also a hydrophone (underwater microphone) to listen to the whales’ vocalizations during the cruise. Most of the seating is out on deck, and we recommend that people bring rain gear and dress in layers.
Coast Guard Certified
All Stubbs Island Whale Watching vessels and captains are Coast Guard certified.