Sunday, May 31, 2009

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 3:30 May 30

The 3.30pm, 'Ocean Magic' with Capt. Shaun in the wheel-house took us out of the Victoria Harbour and headed east toward Hein Bank. It was picture perfect weather with calm seas and gorgeous scenery either side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Mt Baker could be seen in all its magnificence. Even Mt Rainier was observed on the horizon. Our destination was to locate two or more Minke Whales that had been reported earlier. Along the way we had glimpses of Harbour Seals, Gulls, and Seabirds, including Rhinoceros Auklets, and Common Murres. Our knowledgeable staff, Mika and Rhonda shared their passion for all marine life found in these waters. Sightings of two Minke Whales foraging off Hein Bank made this wildlife adventure all the more 'Magical' .Our international guests had a great time.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure 12:15 May 30

Capt. Shaun "Saltchuck" our skipper took the Ocean Magic out of Victoria's inner harbor and out into clear skies and calm waters. We headed west and soon we slowed and stopped to view a rather large Bald Eagle nest along the rugged shoreline. We watched a Bald Eagle feed its young high atop an old tree. We then headed further west to Race Rocks and took in the sights of Northern Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, and a variety of birds. Then on out into the Strait Of Juan De Fuca to view Harbor Porpoise. These small and shy porpoise gave us a great viewing as they swam past in a large group. We then toured around Discovery and Chatham Islands, a very scenic coastline. Just another great Wildlife Adventure with Prince of Whales.
Clint "Orcawizard"

Zodiac Adventure Noon May 29


Our Intrepid Skipper James "Radar" took the 12 noon Zodiac into sunny skies and choppy seas. We spotted two Eagles feeding on the rocks as we left the harbor. These large birds of prey were enjoying a snack of fish as we past by. We then got up to speed and soon we caught up with a Transient Orca. T40 "Captain Hook" a mature male Killer Whale, He was working his way east off William Head. As we followed along we watched as he made a kill. A sudden lunge across the surface and then some milling around as he enjoyed his lunch. Favorite foods of the Transient Killer Whale are Harbor Seals and Sea Lions. We then carried on our way to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve where we took in the sights of Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Eagles, and a variety of Gulls. A spectacular afternoon on the water with Prince of Whales!
Clint "Orcawizard"

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure May 24 12:15

The Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure on Sunday at 12:15 was set against sunny sky's and calm seas. We were in search of marine wildlife, and Capt Tyler took us across Haro Strait looking for Orca. We caught of with the Killer Whales as they reached San Juan Island. Here we followed them along the picturesque shoreline. We got great views of Ruffles J1 as we was working out further from the shoreline. His huge dorsal fin towering above the water. Our on board naturalists shared their in depth knowledge on the Orca, their eating habits, socialization, and the efforts to help protect them. Our passengers were all smiles as they stepped off the boat back in Victoria's inner harbor, yet another great wildlife adventure with Prince of Whales!
Clint "Orcawizard"

Monday, May 25, 2009

Swiftsure Yacht Race May 23

Our Skipper 'Rush' on the 9.15am 'Prince of Whales' Zodiac took us out east toward Clover Point where the many sail boats that were participating in the annual Swiftsure Race were milling around before the Navy Cannon fired the start of the Race at 10. 05 am. It was an extraordinary sight with so many beautiful boats partially under sail. The conditions on the water were excellent, with light winds to fill those sails. All our guests on board were delighted with our skipper's skill at navigating the Zodiac so we could take in the best views.Two of our guests had husbands participating in the race. We also had special guests, parents of one of our own, Prince of Whale's Naturalist, 'Liz '. A beautiful morning for the start of the race, just outside of Victoria harbour.
Marie "Orca-Magic"

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure May 23 12:15

Saturday's Ocean Magic Wildlife Adventure was set to perfect weather, flast calm seas, sunny clear skies. Capt Tyler took us east to San Juan Island where we caught up with our Resident Orca J Pod. We watched these mighty whales as they worked the waters for their staple diet of chinook salmon. J16 and J42 were identified by Marie "Orca-Magic". Our passenegers were all smiles after viewing these magnifiecnt animals. What a great day on the water with Prince of Whales.
Clint "Orcawizard", Marie "Orca-Magic"