Alan McGillivray started the Prince of Whales Whale Watching company in 1995. He contracted Chris and Anna Hall to run the trips from Victoria with his single Daigle EagleCraft small passenger vessel.

By 2004, the company had expanded to include a second EagleCraft, a fleet of 10 rigid-hulled inflatable vessels and employed two dozen seasonal staff.

In 2005, the two EagleCrafts were replaced with a single, larger vessel, the Ocean Magic. The Ocean Magic is a state-of-the-art vessel that was constructed in British Columbia and makes use of technology that reduces the amount of noise projected into the whales’ environment.

Princes of Whales excursions leave Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a regular schedule throughout the spring, summer and fall. Passengers embark on a wildlife cruise up to 100-kilometres in length in search of killer whales, grey whales, minke whales, or even humpback whales. A variety of smaller marine mammals and sea birds are often seen as well. The company strives to provide an exciting experience that is both safe and educational. The skippers of all vessels are all well informed and Coast Guard approved.

The Ocean Magic offers the opportunity to ride in comfort either indoors or out, and has a marine biologist aboard to provide more in-depth discussions of marine mammal biology and ecology.

In 2006, the Ocean Magic II was launched and put into service on our new Vancouver/Victoria cruises, departing daily from June 1 to Sept 16. This 4 hour one way venture can be taken either way, southbound in the morning or northbound in the afternoon. This allows a variety of packages that can mix in seaplane flights one way and also coach trips to Butchart Gardens with a return on BC Ferries.

Prince of Whales is the largest whale watching company in British Columbia. Spouses Anna and Chris Hall joined POW (as they affectionately call the company) when it began in 1995. Since then, each contributed to the firm’s success in their own unique way. In the early days, Chris and Anna conducted the whale watching trips and helped promote the company in Victoria. Chris’s responsibilities increased as the company expanded and he now is the Fleet Manager overseeing all marine operations. Though he is kept busy with technical details, he still enjoys the opportunity to do occasional trips on the Ocean Magic with his wife Anna, the company’s marine biologist, and dream maker for countless visitors.