Sunday, March 15, 2009

Zodiac Adventure Mar 14

Although the winter weather for the 1pm trips today wasn't exactly warm and sunny, there were plenty of international visitors, from Japan and England seeking adventure. 'Prince of Whales ' provided the warm suits, hats and gloves and the crew provided the sights, the sounds and the education. The wildlife to be found along this rocky coast and in these nutrient rich waters, is abundant. Two Prince of Whales Zodiac Skippers, Mark, 'Mallard' and James 'Radar' headed their guests out of the Victoria Harbour and turned east and then north up Haro Strait. Here we searched for those illusive Orca. None were to be found today, but glimpses of Harbour and Dall's Porpoise, Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals and many Bald Eagles in various stages of plumage on Spieden Island could be seen. Also there, Sika Deer and Mouflon Sheep were grazing. A visit to Henry Island gave us great views of a Peregrine Falcon at its Eyrie. Other bird life could be seen at the Chain Islets. Our guests were thrilled with their first west coast adventure with Prince of Whales. Photo's By Marie "Orca-Magic"

Zodiac Adventure Mar 13

Words sometimes cannot express the pure ' Magic ' of an encounter with ORCA . Today's wildlife adventure took our guests from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia on one of those memorable trips to view Transient Orca south of Sea Bird Point, Discovery Island. Our experienced and knowledgeable Skipper, Mark, 'Mallard' had spotted 10 Transient Orca earlier from shore while they attempted to take down a sea lion in Haro Strait. They had been successful. Our 1pm Zodiac trip caught up with these true 'killer whales' still foraging on their kill. Many gulls joined in the foray, cleaning up all the tit-bits. These animals were most active with displaying behaviours of spy-hops, fluke waves and slaps, porpoising, jostling together, breaching, and cartwheeling. At one point they headed toward the Zodiac and disappeared beneath, giving our guests a real thrill. These Transient Orca, the marine mammal eaters were identified as the T100's , T101's, and a male, T102 . Another lone male, who seemed to be in resting mode, called '' logging '', was off by himself, T 97. A female T 124, was also identified among this group of Orca. Our return trip took us through Chatham and Discovery Islands and the Chain Islets where we saw Harbour seals, Pelagic Cormorants, and Bald Eagles. Truly, this was one of the most 'Magical' experiences with these magnificent and mysterious creatures!
Photo's by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Friday, March 13, 2009

WHALES SPOTTED TODAY!

What a beautiful day on the water! With skill and a little luck our skipper was able to find a large group of about 10 Transient Killer Whales feeding on the remains of a Steller Sea Lion. Passengers were able to get some great photos of the top predator in the world's oceans!
Our next trip will be tomorrow at 1:00, with the possibility of a 4:00 trip as well. Give us a call now to reserve - spots are booking up fast!

Book early to avoid last minute disappointment!
Call anytime from 8:00am to 10:00pm with questions or to book your seat.
Toll Free at 1-888-383-4884 or local at 250-383-4884

Zodiac Adventure Mar 12

There is always something to see when one experiences a wild life adventure with Prince of Whales. Today was no exception for the weather was perfect. Our experienced skipper Mark, 'Mallard' headed the 1pm Zodiac out of the harbour and tuned east. Before heading out we encountered a sea duck, Long-Tailed Duck which is most unusual to find inside the harbour. A quick visit to the Chain Islets gave our visitors, from Edmonton, Winnipeg, England and Victorians, good looks at two immature Bald eagles, Harbour Seals and Harlequin Ducks. Our trip then took us into Haro Strait were at Henry Island we saw an eagle at its nest and a pair of Peregrine Falcons swoop into their Eyrie, perhaps to breed. Two or three separate groups of Dall's Porpoises were seen during our trip, along with incredible views of the spectacular scenery. A visit to Spieden Island revealed more perched Bald Eagles, Mouflon Sheep, Sika Deer and 9 lounging Steller Sea Lions. This was an amazing wild life adventure under blue skies. Our visitors were thrilled. Photo's by Marie "Orca-Magic"

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Ocean Magic Adventure Mar 8

Sunday's Ocean Magic Adventure was spectacular. Capt Tyler and Capt Gord took the Magic out of Victoria Harbor into the beautifully clear skies and calm waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Marine Biologist Mika and Naturalist Shaun gave us a in-depth commentary of the marine wildlife found around Vancouver Island. The Ocean Magic was just miles out of the harbor when we encountered the oceans top predator, the Transient Orca. These Marine Mammals feed on seals, sea lions and whales. This group of four consisted of One large male, two smaller whales and one calf. As they circled the waters, it was evident that they were feeding. There was tail and pec slapping, with this display being over shadowed with multiple breaching by the calf and the adult male. Our trip then took us to Whirl Bay, where we viewed an Eagle and eagle nest on the rugged west coast of the Island. On our trip back in we stopped off at Race Rocks Ecological reserve, with its abundant population of Steller Sea-lions. Just a postcard perfect day on Canada's rugged west coast with Prince Of Whales. Photo's by Clint "Orcawizard"
Transient Orcas sighted today, Perfect weather a bonus!
Our Winter Marine Wildlife tours are in full swing at this time of year from our Victoria base. With an exceptional spring day here, the time has changed to give another hour of afternoon daylight. We are now planning open zodiac trips for 1:00pm every day now and any overflow can now go at 2:30pm. Any group business can be planned for a special request charter time. Please call us to make reservations as seating is limited.
Toll Free 1 888 383 4884
Book now for summer and get 2008 prices!

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Good morning! The sun is shining and we are continuing our 2 for 1 Marine Wildlife Tours for Be a tourist in your own home town. Reservations are recommended. Give us a call to book your seat now! You can check out our trips from March 5 and 6 at http://princeofwhales.blogspot.com/.

Book early to avoid last minute disappointment!
Call anytime from 8:00am to 10:00pm with questions or to book your seat.
Toll Free at 1-888-383-4884 or local at 250-383-4884

Ocean Magic Adventure Mar 6

It was one of those amazing days on the west coast where the POW vessel, the Ocean Magic left the Victoria Harbour under blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Mt. Baker on the eastern horizon, looked spectacular. Our afternoon adventure, with Capt Gord and crew members Mika, Shaun and Derek on board, ensured our passengers a fun filled afternoon. Heading south and west we encountered two to three Harbour Porpoise that were feeding in the tide line. A visit to Church Rock revealed a bald eagle and another flying over an eagle's nest on the shoreline. At Race Rocks we were provided with great glimpses of two loafing Elephant Seals, many lounging Harbour Seals and a rock loaded with lazy Steller Sea Lions. Our knowledgeable crew shared their passion for all things marine with the enthusiastic passengers. It was another wonderful trip on these incredibly rich, west coast waters. Photo's by Marie "Orca-Magic"