Why do so many people choose Prince of Whales over other marine adventure companies?

It’s because of our people. From the person who answers your first call to the skipper and naturalist who will guide your adventure, everyone loves what they do and they want to make sure that each and every aspect of your time with us is ultra enjoyable. In addition to knowing the waters and the wildlife incredibly well, they are just as well versed in the Victoria area and can recommend restaurants, attractions, other things to see – they can even arrange your accommodation with one of our partners.

When you’re planning your vacation, make one of your first calls to Prince of Whales – you’ll find a great eco-adventure and some helpful Victoria and Vancouver advice.

PRINCE OF WHALES
IT ALL STARTED WITH ONE DELIVERY BOAT

An innovative leader in the eco-tourism industry, Alan McGillivray, the founder of Prince of Whales, started this company just 12 years ago with one small boat that was used to deliver newspaper and mail bundles to the Gulf Islands in the morning and to take people whale watching in the afternoon. Our small company has now grown to be the first choice for whale watching in both Victoria and Vancouver.

We currently operate 10 high-speed open-air zodiac style vessels and two Ocean Magic II Class Express Cruisers. The Ocean Magic boats were purpose built in 2005 and are state-of-the-art vessels which lessen effects on the animal environment by reducing the amount of noise created and by carrying more passengers within one boat.

We host excursions which leave Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a regular schedule throughout the year and from Vancouver Harbour from May through September. We will take you on a wildlife cruise up to 100-kilometres in length in search of killer whales, grey whales, minke whales, and we sometimes even spot the elusive humpback whale.

Along the way you may also see a variety of smaller marine mammals and sea birds, adding to the excitement of the adventure.

Each or our eco-tours are hosted by naturalists and skippers who strive to provide an exhilarating experience that is both safe and educational. They are all very proud and protective of the animals and are happy to help you identify individuals within our resident killer whale pods. The skippers are always Coast Guard approved.

We also offer an alternative to tradition travel between Vancouver and Victoria so consider leaving the ferry to the ordinary folk and travel with us. We depart Vancouver early morning and take a seldom travelled route through the Gulf Islands, watch whales and wildlife and arrive in Victoria in just 4 hours. You can choose to add a stop at the Butchart Gardens and return via the normal ferry, on a floatplane or, come back with us – the return journey takes only 2 hours and arrives in Vancouver just in time for dinner. You get the bonus of seeing that city from the waterside – a view not many get to experience.

As s the largest Whale Watching and Eco-Adventure Company in BC, we are proud to be a leader in responsible whale watching and to have served as teaching platforms for whale research.