Zodiac Adventure 10am April 10

Seeing is believing when it comes to viewing the wildlife that frequents the nutrient rich waters of Vancouver Island. Today our guests from Germany, Mexico, Winnipeg, Ontario and Victoria headed out on the 10am Zodiac to get a glimpse of that wildlife. Our skipper Mark, took us east and then north up Haro Strait to find those illusive ' ORCA '. The sharp eyes of our experienced skipper caught sight of them close to Piers Island. We watched these incredible mammals moving slowly through the water. Three large male Transient Orca were identified as T14, T 30A and T11A. It was interesting to see some of the family groups together. Harbour Seals, Harbour Porpoise and Bald Eagles were also seen on our return. The incredible scenery along the way made this trip very special.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventure 2pm April 7

Today our Wildlife adventure took us south east of Race Rocks to find the Transient Orca, T30's. These toothed whales, largest member of the Dolphin family, are the top predator of the seas. Under clear skies the 2pm zodiac set out with Skipper James, 'Radar' at the controls. We had visitors from France, the USA and Canada and England. We caught up with this family of four whales who were heading slowly out west. James shared his knowledge of the marine mammals with our guests .We ended our trip with a visit to Race Rocks, a protected Marine Reserve where we saw an immature eagle, four Elephant seals and Steller Sea Lions posturing on the rocks. It was another exciting west coast adventure, especially seeing the Orca in our coastal waters.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventure 3pm April 6

The sun keeps shining and the Wildlife Adventures out on the west coast are heating up. Today was no exception with a picture perfect afternoon. Our skipper Shaun, ' Saltchuck' headed the 3pm Zodiac toward the east and then north up Haro Strait to find the 8 Transient Orca that had been seen earlier. Along the way our many international guests were able to take in the incredible views of the Olympic Mountains of Washington Sate, Mt Baker and the picturesque coast line of Vancouver Island. We soon encountered three of the Orca, two females and a very young calf. They were showing 'logging ' behaviour, where they appeared to be resting and moving through the water slowly. Our skipper shared his knowledge of marine mammals and of the 'Orcas' incredible hunting skills. Our return trip took us through the Chain Islands to see Harbour Seals and a Bald Eagle on the rocks.A trip in one of Victoria's 'Prince of Whales' yellow Zodiacs, is a ' BLAST '.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventure 11am April 6

With the incredible Spring weather arriving on the West coast the past two days, it has provided the best possible conditions to take a wild life adventure with Prince of Whales.With blue skies and plenty of sunshine for the 11am Zodiac trip, our experienced Skipper Mark, 'Mallard' headed us out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca in a south west direction. The seas were flat calm and visibility was exceptional. We had a report of 'ORCA' having been seen earlier. A trip to Race Rocks gave our guests views of the sleepy Steller Sea lions hauled out on a rock. Later we caught site of the Transient Killer whales milling around along the water front. They were heading east toward Trail Island. This was a nice big group of 'killer whales' with one big male easily recognised as T14, affectionately known as 'Pender' The T49As were with him as were others. We could see off in the distance a tiny calf who was enjoying its time with its family. An absolutely incredible experience for all our international and Canadian guests.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Ocean Magic Adventure April 5

Sundays Ocean Magic took us East in search of marine wildlife. With Capt Gord at the helm we made our way across Haro Strait to Whale Rock, here we took in the sights of Stellar Sea lions and Harbor Seals. Bald Eagles were also spotted along with abundant Cormorants and Brant's Geese. The weather was wonderful and the scenery was terific.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic" and Clint "Orcawizard"

Ocean Magic Adventure 12:15 April 3

The 12.15pm Ocean Magic left the harbour and headed south into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There were many international guests on board so many eyes were searching for the illusive ORCA. Our expert and knowledgeable crew, Anna, Shaun, and Derek shared their passion for marine mammals with the passengers. Unfortunately no whales were seen on this trip but there was plenty of other wildlife to be viewed along the rugged Vancouver Island coast. Bald Eagles at their nests, Harbour Seals lounging on rocks, Harbour Porpoises that were very shy, Steller Sea Lions and Cormorants at Race Rocks Lighthouse, Ecological Reserve. We saw several gulls hovering over ' bait-balls ', fish balls. The sun came out and brightened the impressive scenery to be found along the west coast. Another great trip with Prince of Whales.
Photos by Marie "Orca-Magic"