NPR Reviews Provided by
Orca Island Cabins
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 213 reviews
Stone Hearts in the Smokey Mountains.
User: Robert S from:
Published Date: Apr, 16, 2024
Travel Date: Apr, 1, 2024
Rating: 1
In maybe the saddest time of our lives we've had to cancel a reservation with this company due to an extreme family illness. We unfortunately we were taken by surprise by the illness and were only able to attempt the cancellation a mere 58 days in advance of our arrival. The no cancellation policy was upheld by the General Manager in spite of the available documentation showing the severity of the illness and the terminal prognosis. The affected party would have been vacationing with their children, grandparents and siblings/nieces/nephews (14 guest in total). Our family discussion and decision was to be together through this journey regardless of the hardship. My initial response was to ask them to change the name of the company to Stone Hearted Mountain Retreats. It fell on deaf ears which was not wholly unexpected.
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The best place to relax and unplug!
User: Jennifer W from:
Published Date: Sep, 11, 2023
Travel Date: Sep, 1, 2023
Rating: 5
This place was amazing! The staff were so kind and accommodating! The yurts were so cozy and comfortable. There were so many activities you could do or just relax. I love that there was no wifi or internet so we could unplug and really be present. The views were amazing and the wildlife was abundant. It was worth every penny! I will definitely be going back!
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Eagles and Bear and Salmon- oh my!
User: lindasZ2574FY from: Chicago, Illinois
Published Date: Aug, 22, 2023
Travel Date: Aug, 1, 2023
Rating: 5
The whole experience was wonderful. Picked up by owner in boat to bring us to Orca Island. Saw eagle and otters on ride over. A bit to cloudy to see the Glaciers. Upon arrival we were shown places to kayak and then docked boat and our personal items were brought to our yurts. Traveled with total of 6 people so we rented 2 yurts. Each yurt had everything we needed. We got right to a hike that lasted about 3 hours(i'd say easy/intermediate but with some challenges). A great start to our 2 night visit. We used the grills to make our dinner and then used the firepit to make some smores. Nothing like sunlight until midnight to get the most out of our visit. Next day we took our kayaks over to the waterfall. On the route we had a family of otters follow us. We saw an Eagle and fledgling overhead and settle into a tree nearby. So when we saw the bear of course we were happy but also happy to be in the kayak as he was in the woods. traveled a little further to see the salmon heading upstream right near the waterfall. what an adventure for us city people! tied our kayaks up and walked over to see the falls. Be careful about the tide and which side to leave the kayaks. (stay right). We had to cross the stream which added to our challenge. Cold water and lots of salmon to circumvent because of rookie move to go left of stream. Took a leisurely paddle back to the island. Settled back on the island and decided to take a walk around the property and pick berries. Turned them into a jam that we spread on bread for a snack. Went well with our charcuterie board and happy hour drinks. We took up to the social area and spent some time relaxing and watching out over the water to see what other wildlife we may see. The tides really effect Orca Island and allow you to wander and see sealife you might not normally notice. Just beautiful. While at the social area we ran into the father of current owners who had actually created the space with his wife, We got to learn how Orca came about and what the island is like in different months. A special treat indeed. Because there was much sunlight left a few of our group went out on a small row boat to try their hand at fishing. We all checked out the art gallery where they have with their mom's work and some other products that you can purchase. We really took advantage of most of what the place offers for use. It was just a wonderful experience and highly recommend giving this place a visit.
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Perfect Piece of Paradise
User: Tara B from: Sayville, New York
Trip Type: Family
Published Date: Aug, 3, 2023
Travel Date: Aug, 1, 2023
Rating: 5
Our stay at Orca Island Cabins exceeded all expectations. It was one of the destinations on our trip that our children looked the most forward to. Taylor and Simon escorted us to and from the island, showing us otters, puffins and eagles along the way. Our family kayaked to the waterfall, hiked, fished, went rowing and paddle boarding. The starfish and sea urchins in the tide pools are beautiful. We saw a seal, otters and porpoises in the cove. The yurts are clean, comfortable and spacious. The entire property is a beautiful oasis. Our only regretting is not being able to stay for a second night. We ❤️ Orca Island!

Spectacular, unique place surrounded by such natural beauty.
User: Susanne W from:
Published Date: Jul, 28, 2023
Travel Date: Jul, 1, 2023
Rating: 5
Beautiful place to truly appreciate nature, unplugged. Very clean and comfy cabin (yurt). Well supplied glamping kitchen. The compost toilet was clean, with no smell at all. We had a problem with the water heater (little or no hot water). The staff were very responsive right away and figured out the issue and fixed it. Know that kayaking is the best way to see and experience all that Humpy Cove has to offer. However, we did not kayak and simply enjoyed our deck over the gorgeous water - wonderful! We watched a humpback whale feeding on our boatride out to the cove.
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