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WHALE WATCHING
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Why People Choose Us...
- More than 95% success rate
- Hydro phones to hear the whales
- Best Victoria Inner harbour Location
- Victoria's largest fleet
- Two OCEAN
MAGIC class vessels each with
capacity for 74 passengers
- Ten luxury ZODIAC-STYLE
boats
- Expert wildlife guides
- Spotting network
- Onboard washrooms
- Capacity for 430 people per day
- Reservations available 7am - 11pm
- British Columbia's largest fleet of whale touring
vessels
- capacity for up to 810 passengers in a day
- On-line secure reservation booking system
- World famous reputation
- GREAT PEOPLE ON STAFF!!!
1. Do you really see whales?
Yes! Prince of Whales Whale Watching is proud to announce
that we have a success rate of almost 95% for the season.
2. When is the best time of year for watching
whales?
Our success rates vary throughout the year. Southern
Resident Orcas are sighted consistently April through
November. Humpbacks have been sighted consistently for
the past five years September through January. Gray
whales are occassional visitors throughout the year
as they transit seasonally. Transient Orcas are sighted
all year but are most obvious during winter season when
there is an abundance of seals and sealions to feed
on. Most summer days we also know where to find Minke
whales.
3. How close will we get to the whales?
We turn off our engines when we're 100 yards away. However,
whales will often swim right up to the boat!
4. What else do you see on a trip?
In addition to minke, humpack and gray whales, you may
see harbour seals, elephant seals, dall's porpoise,
harbour porpoise, california sea lions, stellar sea
lions, bald eagles, common murres and cormorants.
5. What happens if we don't see a whale?
Remember, we're working with wild animals and they deserve
our utmost respect. We don't guarantee whales or wildlife;
it's part of the adventure!
During May through September, if you do not see a whale
of any type we will offer a free trip within the next
48 hours on the OCEAN
MAGIC Express Cruiser only on a standby
basis. In other words, if there are empty seats available
at departure time. You must present your receipt from
your previous trip and suitable identification.
6. What should we wear?
Please dress warmly and if you can, wear flat closed-toed
shoes. We will be traveling at more than 30 miles per
hour so a windbreaker or jacket will help you enjoy
the outdoors.
7. Can I bring my camera?
Yes, bring your camera and/or video camera. We also
recommend that you bring a plastic bag to keep your
camera safe and dry during transit. The boat will
come to a complete stop for photo opportunities.
8. How long are the trips?
Most Victoria based trips are 2.5 to 3 hours. Vancouver
to Victoria trips are 4 hours on the OCEAN
MAGIC
9. Are there bathrooms on the boats?
We have two comfortable airline style washrooms on the
OCEAN
MAGIC Express Cruiser. The open zodiac-style
boats are equiped with a chemical toilet for emergency
purposes only. We recommend that you use the public
washrooms (located next to our office) before your departure.
If anyone has a concern about washrooms then they should
choose to ride in style on the OCEAN
MAGIC and enjoy the twin airline style
washrooms.
10. Do we need a reservation?
Reservations are definitely recommended so that we can
offer you the best departure time that fits your busy
schedule. Most visitors to Victoria do not realize how
much there is to do and the whale watching is the highlight
of their trip.
11. How early should we check in?
Thirty minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
12. What is the Prince of Whales cancellation
policy?
Cancellation Policy is 24 hours before trip time unless
agreed upon in advance with the office staff.
13. Are there snacks or beverages on board?
The OCEAN
MAGIC sells packaged snacks and both
hot and cold beverages on the boat. You are welcome
to bring your own food onboard. There are no snacks
or beverages on the zodiac-style boats.
If we haven't answered your question, please contact
us.
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