As we approach the season`s final stretch, I’ve been out on the water since May and will keep going until October. It’s been a marathon of excitement and a bit of weariness, but each outing still fills me with anticipation.
I often get asked about the highlight or best picture of the season, but it`s tough to pinpoint just one. With so many incredible moments and sightings daily, it’s more 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.
Each day brings something special, whether it`s to me or to the wonderful guests I have the pleasure of hosting.
Being a guide for private, small-group tours (with a max of 4 guests) is both mentally and physically demanding, especially when conducting tours in three languages: German, English, and Bavarian😄.
Despite the challenges, the true highlight of this season has become clear:
It’s the people I meet and work with—my 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 I connect with daily in Knight Inlet and the Broughton Archipelago.
We’ve just wrapped up a long stretch of tours, and while every guest is unique and very much appreciated, some are especially memorable.
Some of you have returned for your second, third, or even fourth visit, showing your love and support for the area, the wildlife, us and our sustainability ideas. 🙏🤗
Your support means the world to us, as does the support of my beautiful partner, Sarah, who has been my rock through it all (thank you, my love ❤️😘).
𝐒𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭-𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭.
A special thank you to Nancy and Martin, Madelaine and Russ, Regula and Heinz, and Ian.
Your appreciation and companionship have made our days truly special, and your bookings have helped us a lot to survive and succeed.🥰
Looking forward to the next few weeks and more incredible experiences on the water! 🌊✨
I didn’t tag anyone for privacy reasons, but dear guests and guides, please feel free to tag yourself!
A unique encounter 🪶 On our way into Knight Inlet, we came across a rare sight—a bald eagle struggling to swim in the water. We paused, debating whether to intervene and help the exhausted bird to safety. Deciding to wait, we watched with bated breath as the eagle finally found a log and lifted itself out of the water. Feeling relieved, we observed the eagle shake off the water, take a well deserved rest, and eventually fly off!
This encounter highlighted the importance of not interfering and letting nature take its course. It also served as a powerful reminder of the challenges these magnificent birds face daily in their quest for survival.
🗺️ Off Northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Leaping into the weekend like this grizzly! 🐻✨
🌲Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Another gorgeous morning setting out early on an unforgettable adventure aboard the "Ambient Light", in the beautiful calm waters of Knight Inlet 🐻🛥️
Come join us and discover the beauty of Knight Inlet, the wildlife that calls it home, and the serene magic of the great outdoors in the traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
There`s nothing cuter than watching sea otters play together, and we`re lucky to observe these fascinating creatures on many of our tours. However, viewing them comes with great responsibility, as they are sensitive to disturbance.
Over the years as a photographer and wildlife guide, I`ve learned the importance of patience and care in observing wildlife without interfering. I love bringing guests to experience the incredible wildlife off Vancouver Island, always mindful of our duty to protect and respect their natural behaviour.
🦦Sea otters playing in the fog off northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Knight Inlet Grizzly Bears have a diet as rich and diverse as the ecosystem they inhabit 🌊🐻
Almost every day, we observe these incredible coastal bears adapting their activity based on the available food. From nutrient-rich grasses to crustaceans and mussels along the shoreline at low tide, and even occasionally finding a free carcass. Later in the summer, they transition to berries, and when the salmon start spawning, they enjoy a feast of protein-rich fish. Witnessing these natural cycles is a powerful reminder of the intricate balance in nature.
🗺️Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Caught in the act of spy hopping🕵️
This fascinating behaviour is similar to how humans might lift their heads to take a look around. By rising vertically with their head above the water, cetaceans like this orca are essentially treading water to observe the surrounding activity on the surface, from boats to potential prey. This orca added a playful twist by including some seaweed in its spy hopping routine🌿 This behaviour is a true testament to the orca’s intelligence and curiosity, making it a true delight to witness and photograph.
🌊Northern Resident Orca Whale off Northern Vancouver Island, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
To all the passionate bird watchers out there, we see you! 🦅🔭
Our wildlife tours aren`t just about the big mammals; we also have some incredible bird sightings. From majestic soaring eagles to diving shorebirds, there`s always something to catch your eye. Join us for an adventure where every feathered friend is a highlight!
Photographed are Rhinoceros Auklet, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and Common Murre. Taken around Queen Charlotte Sound and Knight Inlet, Territory of the Kwakwaka`wakw and Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nations, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Join Rolf’s family-friendly small group adventure tours with maximum 4 guests / 5 for families with children.
He specializes in photo and wildlife experiences on board his safe, covered and certified boat.
With Rolf’s extensive expertise, you’ll gain invaluable insights, tips, and captivating stories to enrich your journey.
