Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 July 7

Even when it rains on the west coast there is always great wildlife to be observe. The Southern Resident Orca had been seen on the earlier trip Tuesday, July 7th at noon, so our intrepid Capt. Tyler took the 3. 30pm 'Ocean Magic' out of the harbour and headed east and then north up Haro Strait. The Orca were moving fast out of range but we caught up with them crossing Boundary Pass. Many Orca were seen spy-hopping, breaching and tail lobbing off in the distance.They were very active and we were able to watch many members of J pod heading into Swanson Pass. Our expert crew shared their knowledge of marine wildlife with our guests . Although the sun remained hidden and a few rain drops fell, those on board enjoyed the awesome scenery and their first encounter with the 'Magical Orca'.
Marie, Orca-Magic

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure July 7 12pm

'The whales are out there in good numbers despite the rain. Although there has been a bit of a change in the weather this week, the wildlife adventures continue no matter what! It is still a great way to experience the fabulous marine mammals seen in these waters, rain or shine. Our 12 noon Zodiac with Skipper James ' Radar ' at the controls, took us east to San Juan Island where we found members of the Southern Resident Orca, the salmon eaters, foraging off Eagle Point and Lime Kiln State Park. We had some of J, K and L pod males near by. K 21, 'Cappuccino' and his sister K 40, 'Raggedy ', were easily identified. They soon headed further out into Haro Strait to move north with other Orca and big freighters. It was a great time on the water despite a few rain drops. Our guests were all smiles on our return.
Marie, Orca-Magic

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 4 3pm

Summer has arrived and with those long hours of daylight, one can really appreciate the diversity of marine wildlife found on the west coast. Taking a trip with 'Prince of Whales' either on the Ocean Magic vessels, or in a bright yellow zodiac gives our guests the best possible opportunity to see the spectacular scenery that surrounds the Victoria area and the fascinating animal life in these waters. Our 3.30pm Ocean Magic trip caught up with the Southern Resident Orca, K and J Pods at the Bluffs of South Pender Island. The afternoon lighting and the picturesque rocky shore made for some exciting views of these magical creatures while they travelled in their family groups. Capt. 'Shaun' and crew, Casey, Rhonda and Arlie gave an in-depth account of the history and biology of the Orca. Glimpses of Harbour Porpoise, seal and bird life added to the interest of yet another fascinating trip.'
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 4 12:15

The 12:15 Prince of Whales Ocean Magic wildlife adventure was set against sunny skies and the spectacular scenery of southern Vancouver Island. Our intrepid Captain Shaun "Saltchuck" took us east to San Juan Island. Here we caught up with K and J pod as they worked the waters in search of their staple diet of Salmon. With the motors shut down we observed these mighty animals rising up for air as they gently swam past. We also took in the sights of Harbor Porpoise, Eagles and Rhinos Aucklets. Our passengers had a great trip and they left filled with great memories of our west coast wildlife.
Clint "Orcawizard" & Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 4 9am

The Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure on July the fourth at 9am was simply spectacular. Our veteran Captain Shaun "Saltchuck" slipped the Ocean Magic out of the harbor and headed east on flat calm water into the rising sun. Our search was for Orca that had been seen the day before off San Juan island. Shaun's keen eyes worked the water and soon Orca could be seen. The Resident "Fish Eaters" were working the water, all spread out milling around. We had everything, Breaching, Tail Lobs, Spy Hops, Peck Slaps, and some whales swimming upside down. It was a perfect morning on the water, sunshine, flat calm seas, and Orca! Once again our passengers were all smiles after a terrific adventure with Prince Of Whales.
Clint "Orcawizard"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 3 3:30pm

'Who would have known how exciting the 3.30pm, Friday afternoon, Ocean Magic trip would be as Capt. Shaun headed the vessel, crew and guests on board out of the harbour toward east and the San Juan Islands. L Pod had been sighted earlier at Salmon Bank and were still milling around off San Juan island. Several groups were south and heading west when we caught up with them and they seemed to be in a playful mood with breach and tail- lob behaviours. The Orca, members of L Pod, seemed to be in a happy mood, perhaps tummies full of Salmon. They gave our guests a big thrill as we watched their 'show' for us. Our expert crew shared their knowledge with those on board. Once again, it was a most exhilarating experience spent with these magnificent Orca, the Southern Residents.
Marie, Orca-Magic.

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 1 12:15

Ít was shaping up to be an incredible July 1st , for Canada Day. We had whales on our first trip out and now the 12.15pm Ocean Magic with the all girl crew, was about to head east and north to catch up with the fast moving whales. Into the sunshine we sailed once again and headed up Haro Strait where we encountered Dall's and Harbour Porpoise that were feeding. J Pod with some of K pod Orca were heading toward Turn Point, Stewart Island and Boundary Pass. It was here that we saw the whales traveling in family groups, racing through the choppy waves. With Mt.Baker in the distance as a back drop for the whales and the gorgeous Island scenery all around, it was truly a memorable trip once again. Our experienced crew shared their knowledge with our happy and excited guests. A few Harbour Seals were also seen on the way back to the harbour.
Marie, Orca-Magic

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure July 1 9am

A bright and early start for the guests and crew of the Ocean Magic, this Wednesday morning, was going to ensure a most memorable trip. With Capt. Anna in the wheelhouse and an all girl crew on board the 9 am Ocean Magic, we were sure to find those magical ORCA out there. It wasn't long before we heard that J Pod Orca, the fish eaters, were seen foraging along the west side of San Juan Island. Hugging the shoreline of San Juan Island, at Lime Kiln Marine Park, the 26 killer whales that make up J Pod, were bunched up together. Their misty 'blows', exhalations, hung in the brilliant morning light. They seemed to be traveling as one big group for a while, then suddenly they separated, and started to breach. Three Orca were seen in the air at the same time. J 1 'Ruffles', the oldest male in J Pod, breached and Spyhopped on several occasions. The brilliant sunshine created a magical scene. Harbour Porpoise, Harbour seals and many Rhinoceros Auklets, sea birds, were seen on this exciting wildlife adventure.
Marie, Orca-Magic

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure June 30 3:30

The 3.30pm 'Ocean Magic', Tuesday afternoon departed the dock with many international visitors on board. We headed out of the harbour and turned east past Trail Island Lighthouse. On our way over to San Juan Island we found two Bald Eagles sitting on a channel marker off Oak Bay Flats. Our wildlife adventure, with Capt Tyler in the wheelhouse, had only just begun. Mt. Baker stood majestically on the horizon. With the calm water all around it was easy to see the wildlife. Harbour and Dall's porpoise were foraging and so were J Pod when we caught up with them off San Juan Island. It was a magical encounter with these beautiful fish-eating mammals. We saw several family groups together. Our experienced crew shared their knowledge with our guests of all things marine. Another GREAT trip by 'Prince of Whales'.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 June 28

The Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure Tour took us East to San Juan Island. Here our Skipper Shaun "Saltchuck" kept the Ocean Magic in perfect position to view these majestic animals. The seas were flat and the sun was shinning as the Orca made their way south along the shoreline. We shut our engines off and listened and watched as the whales made their way past. Such a beautiful and peaceful sight. One our way back we viewed harbor seals, Oyster Catchers and Bald Eagles. A special day on the water was had by all our passengers !!
Clint "Orcawizard"

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure June 28

The Noon Zodiac Adventure headed out of Victoria's inner harbour into sunny skies and calm seas. Our Skipper Miles "Mountain Man" took us east along the rugged shore line of Vancouver Island and past many small islands in search of Orca. It was not to long before his keen eyes spotted the whales, right tight to the shore line along Pender Island. We watched these magnificent whales work the shoreline as they were headed north. There was Tail Lobbing, Spy Hops and Breaching. Just a spectacular afternoon on the water with Prince Of Whales. Clint "Orcawizard"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 June 27

The late afternoon trip on the 'Ocean Magic' at 3.30pm Saturday, brought spectacular views of one of our Resident Orca pods, J Pod. They were seen grouping up and heading off shore, San Juan Island. The wind had increased as had the waves. Although the sun was out everything was in motion. That didn't deter our guests or the whales. Our experienced crew shared their passion for Orca with those on board. The Orca were bucking a strong flood tide and appeared to enjoy cresting the waves as they headed west, past the Ocean Magic. The two little calves, J 44 and J 45 were seen close to their mothers. Breaching and spyhops behaviours were seen off in the distance. It was a thrilling ride back to the harbour as our Capt. Shaun and crew, were able to rescue two 'downed' Kite-surfers' from the very cold water of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It was an exciting three hour Wildlife Adventure.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 12:15 June 27

With Capt. Shaun in the wheel house of the 12.15pm Ocean Magic Saturday afternoon, we headed east and crossed the smooth waters of Haro Strait till we met up with the Southern Resident Orca, J pod, in US waters. They were seen rounding the south east point of Lopez Island. It was sunshine all the way. The whales were travelling in small family groups close to shore. We observed several active behaviours that included spyhops, breaches, and tail slaps. Our three experienced crew members shared a wealth of knowledge with our enthusiastic guests from all parts of the globe including London England. A Minke whale had been sighted by earlier boats in the area, however it never surfaced during our trip. The Ocean Magic returned to the harbour with very happy and satisfied guests. It was another great trip watching the Magical Orca as they headed north.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure 10am June 26

Skipper Mark 'Mallard' took the 10 am Zodiac our past the breakwater and headed east past Trail Island, Discovery Island and then up Haro Strait in calm water. We had heard that some of the Southern resident Orca were travelling southward and fast, along the west side of San Juan Island. We encountered them at Andrew's Bay. Several members of K pod were soon identified, K 21, K 40, K 11. They were really moving and Cappuccino, K 21, a large male Orca, surprised us with a huge breach. These whales were actively foraging for salmon. A few whales of L Pod, L 78, a large male swam past giving us good looks at Orca behaviour. Other wildlife seen on this trip included Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals and rafts of sea birds. With bright sunny days here on the west coast, and plenty of whale sightings, our wildlife adventures can only get better.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 June 23

The west coast Wild Life Adventures are full of marine life these days. Whales show up almost every day somewhere within range. The Orca, the Southern Residents J , K and L pods have arrived for their summer visit. Sometimes, it is also Transient Orca are out there waiting to be found by the first boat out. Other times, it is an occasional migrating Gray, Humpback, or Minke Whale or even Porpoises plying the productive waters of this area. Our many international guests were treated to a fantastic trip on the 3.30pm 'Ocean Magic' where we encountered members of J pod Orca at Turn Point. There was much excitement on board as we watched Orca 'tail slap', 'breaching' and 'porpoising' behaviours during foraging. The knowledgeable crew shared their passion for the whales with our many guests as we watched them head north. The entire trip was experienced under calm conditions and as we headed back we saw Rhinoceros Auklets flying with bills full of little, silver fish. Another great trip by 'Prince of Whales'
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 June 22

There is always something special to see on a Wildlife Adventure with 'Prince of Whales'.
This area of the west coast has much to offer, from sea bird life, marine mammals, and marine vessel traffic. When there are Orca around it is even more exciting. The 3.30pm Ocean Magic, with Capt Tyler in the wheelhouse, headed toward Haro Strait in order to find Orca that had been reported. Sure enough we found them speeding along the west side of San Juan Island chasing Salmon and heading south. They were very active with some spyhops, breaches and porpoising behaviours. We even saw a salmon fly through the air to escape the sharp teeth of the Southern Resident Orca. We saw several members of J Pod, including J 1 'Ruffles 'and J 2 'Granny '. We also saw two Bald Eagles on a rock , a Caspian Tern at the Harbour entrance along with a few shy Harbour Porpoise in Haro Strait. Our experienced crew shared their love of marine mammals with the guests on board. Another fantastic trip!
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 June 21

Sundays 3.30pm Ocean Magic trip was pure MAGIC. Our Capt. Shaun, followed the path of the moving Orca in perfect conditions. Heading north up Haro Strait the many international guests on board were looking for excitement and whales. We had no idea how special this encounter with these mysterious mammals would be. The whales were moving through Boundary Pass toward East Point, when we arrived. We watched as many whale fins and 'blows' were seen. Large groups, all three pods, J, K and L filed past. This was called a SUPERPOD day and the research vessel was out there among the whales. These fish eating Orca were in a resting formation and moving slowly through flat calm water. This was a magical experience. We saw them all disappear off into the 'Strait of Georgia.' Returning to Victoria our guests were all smiles. What a trip!
Marie "Orca- Magic"