“We really enjoyed how easy everything was during our rafting day. Food, warm drinks afterwards, and a great BBQ just ran so smoothly that it let us enjoy ourselves without worry. It was a carefree adventure in the best backyard in the world!” M. Arnesen
VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING TOURS
Watch the magnificent orca whales with Canada's best tour company!
No trip to the West Coast would be complete without experiencing a British Columbia icon, the "killer whale". Now Canadian Outback Adventures & Events provides you numerous opportunities to view these magnificent creatures, in style.
Choose from a Victoria whale watching zodiac tour departing from Victoria's incredible Inner Harbour, a favourite amongst orca enthusiasts seeking some extra adventure mixed in with the stunning scenery. Those looking to ride in more comfort will want to check out the various whalewatching options available on The Ocean Magic, a state of the art whale watching vessel complete with a marine biologist to provide more in-depth discussions of marine mammal biology and ecology.
Or, start your tour in Vancouver! Now there's no need to have to make your own way to Victoria on Vancouver Island, to enjoy the whales. Hop aboard The Ocean Magic in downtown Vancouver to combine your wish to see the whales and desire to visit Victoria as well. We can even combine all this with the world famous Butchart Gardens. This is one of the top tours available during your visit to the region. Read on for details of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ...
Be Whale Wise ... Responsible Whale & Wildlife Protocol
We want the whales and responsible whale watching to survive. That means taking care in how we work around the animals. We participate in the revision of whale watching guidelines used throughout the industry. We meet with government officials and whale scientists to discuss the social and biological impacts of eco-tourism activities. We attend scientific symposia to learn the latest biological and ecological findings, and we have offered the use of our vessels to scientists to use as “platforms of opportunity” to observe the whales in their natural habitats. We believe that it is important to reduce the environmental impacts on the whales through science, education and action.
Description of our Zodiac Whale Watching Vessel
A fantastic fun-filled fresh-air experience! Our zodiac-style whalewatching boats are designed for high speed and quick turns. Our skippers have years of experience and the most current, in-depth knowledge of what's happening on the water. Feel the power of the Pacific Ocean first hand!
Our ten zodiac-style, open whalewatching boats offer guests an exciting adventure ride complete with sea spray. Five of these boats have marine toilet facilities, and the all-weather suits we provide only add to the fun! We also have wool hats and gloves available during cold weather. Each boat is equipped with twin Mercury OptiMax outboard engines, which are the highest ranked in fuel efficiency, emission standards and noise pollution.
The small size of the Zodiac allows the passengers to get to know their captain and ask plenty of questions.
Description of our Ocean Magic Whale Watching Vessel
Based on the successful Naiad Explorer, Prince of Whales' new all-aluminum 62-foot Ocean Magic is raising the bar for big, high-performance whale watching vessels. Simon Hill, Mariner Life Magazine
Our new big boats, the OCEAN MAGIC I & II, are 62-foot aluminum express cruisers capable of cruising at 30 knots an hour and seating 74 passengers. The boat functions as a floating classroom staffed by marine biologists who provide an educational narrative about the marine mammals you'll see along the way. Keep your camera handy!
The high-speed whale watching vessel looks like a "zodiac on steroids", but it's made entirely of welded aluminum to provide extra stability.
The top deck is capable of seating 40 passengers, the aft deck is capable of seating 25. The main passenger cabin, located below the wheelhouse and top deck, features a heated passenger seating area, airline-style washrooms and a small pantry for snacks and drinks. Mid-ship seating is open to provide a generous view from inside the cabin, but can be protected with clear vinyl curtains during transit. The forward cabin is entirely enclosed behind large glass windows and serves as a warm-up area during cooler weather.
Prince of Whales is a proud member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest. You will find the operators who are members to be safe, professional, and respectful of the wildlife that calls this area home. The Whale Watch Operators Association logo is your assurance of a responsible company. LOOK Before You Book!
Whale Watching Tours Departing from Victoria - Beginner
Victoria Whale Watching Cruise by Zodiac Vessel
On a zipping Zodiac, your tour will be as exciting as seeing the whales. Each of our boats seat only 12 people and every seat gives you a great view. We guarantee you’ll be exhilarated, dressed in our trademark red floatation suit, zooming out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, past the historic Victoria coastline, to the waters of the Pacific. Keep your camera handy as there will be plenty of marine wildlife to see. All tours are guided by a certified naturalist.
This Victoria whale watching tour is available year round
Departures in the peak summer season are every 30 minutes starting at 8:30 AM
In the early spring and late fall we will try for every hour, depending on demand
This tour is not available for children under 8 years of age
Prices in Canadian funds and do not include tax
Victoria Whale Watching Cruise aboard the Ocean Magic
Hop on board our world famous fast, quiet, and whale-friendly vessel, the Ocean Magic, for an incredible west coast sightseeing experience! The Ocean Magic is as fast as a Zodiac, whisking you quickly and in style to marine sightseeing, whale watching and wildlife viewing hotspots. Its heated forward cabin, midship indoor/outdoor area, 2 outside viewing decks and two onboard washrooms will ensure whale watching in comfort. We have hydrophones on board to hear whales, and our certified naturalists will provide educational and interesting commentary on what you see.
This whalewatching tour is available year round
Departures in the peak summer season are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM and 3:30 PM
In the early spring and late fall times vary depending on demand
The Difinitive Whale Watching and Butchart Gardens Victoria Tour
Invariably, visitors state the two most amazing things they did on a trip to Victoria were whale watching and/or visiting the Butchart Gardens. Both can take up a fair portion of the day and when you’re short of time, it’s a shame to have to choose one over the other – and now you don’t have to. Prince of Whales offers the definitive Victoria tour, taking you out to the beautiful wilds of the ocean watching whales, followed by a leisurely stroll of the Gardens. The tour departs from downtown Victoria and concludes in the secluded Tod Inlet at The Butchart Gardens private dock.
This tour is available May 28th -September 6th 2010
Daily departures 1:45pm
3.5 hr Whale watching around the Gulf and San Juan Islands
5:15pm arrive at the private dock at The Butchart Gardens (admission Included)
Tour duration is 5.5 hours (depending on your visiting time at the gardens)
Return to Victoria via 35 min express shuttle (your choice of scheduled departures)
Option to add on an evening meal in the Butchart Gardens dinning room
Victoria to Vancouver Adventure Crossing & Butchart Gardens
Spend the day in Victoria, the afternoon at Butchart Gardens and return to Vancouver directly from The Garden's dock - it's really fast and efficient.
When you are finished at The Gardens, just make your way to their private dock in Tod Inlet and climb aboard the Ocean Magic. Relax and prepare to be spellbound by spectacular northern Gulf Islands scenery and the stunning view of Vancouver as you sail under the Lion’s Gate Bridge. You'll arrive in Coal Harbour just in time for dinner at one of the city’s fabulous restaurants.
This tour is available May 28th -September 6th 2010
Flexible travel from Victoria to Butchart Gardens via coach (extra charge)
Butchart Gardens (extra charge)
Ocean Magic departs Butchart Gardens at 5:30pm
Private docking at The Butchart Gardens
Scenic 2 hour transfer to Vancouver arriving at 7:30pm downtown
Tour duration is flexible (depending on your visiting time at the gardens)
