My Time With The Prince Of Whales
No, that was not a typo. I really did spend time with whales, but that’s not how this story begins.
You see, one of the things about travel is the unpredictability of a lot of factors. You cannot always expect to be able to follow the itinerary. Prince of Whales is a tour that allows you to go whale-watching off the coast of Victoria City. They offer trips allowing you to stay for a few days in Victoria before flying you back to Vancouver. We checked in at around 8 in the morning and were scheduled to take the big boat.
The entire check-in process was quick and easy. Simply register and gather round for the important reminders. However, we had bad luck that day. The staff said it was very rare, but the waves were so bad that day. It would have been dangerous to go on the tour. I heard that even the ferries around our area canceled their trips.
Of course, that was a big bummer. But I was really impressed with what I saw next. See, Prince of Whales is one of the best in the whale-watching business. They started in the early 90s. During peak season, they have about 100 staff. Today, I saw just how efficient this staff can be. Those among us who demanded refunds were given one — no questions asked. Those who wanted to rebook were granted the next best slots. And those — like me — who had to fly out were also taken care of.
Being a veteran of the business, the Prince of Whales had partners like Sea Air and Helijet. They contacted these two companies in order to accommodate those who needed transportation. Despite the pressure of the sudden cancellation, the staff worked well. They efficiently provided for each tourist’s needs. Even the boat staff were approaching us to see how they can help. If that isn’t top-notch customer service, I don’t know what is.
We flew out via Harbour Air on the next available flight. The walk towards the flight was surprisingly a good way to enjoy the scenery. In less than 10 minutes, we were boarded on the plane. I would have slept on the flight, but the views were magnificent! I had the front-row window seat. It was perfect for enjoying the view from Vancouver to Victoria.
Being the good company they are, Prince of Whales moved our whale-watching tour off to Victoria. This site offered the “Zodiac” option for the boat. The Zodiacs were an original creation of the company and known as a standard for maneuverability and seaworthiness. The bottom is made of aluminum, and they are also very well-cushioned. This allows for max buoyancy, meaning the boats can take even rough waters. They are also able to drive out very fast, so you can spend less time going from point to point. The time you save can actually be used to take in the sights that await.
The Zodiacs were open-top boats — perfect for thrill-seekers like me! It’s very bouncy, close to the water, and you’d probably get all wet. I sure did, whilst getting sprayed on by splashing waters. There was 12 passengers maximum for the ride. For those who don’t like the sea salt and the sun, there’s always another (more laid-back) option. The Ocean Magic one is closer to the regular ferry-type boat. If you want the Zodiac but do not want all the bounce, seat yourself at the back where it’s more relaxed.
Book your whale watching adventure at this link.
One remarkable thing about the tour is that the different whale watching companies cooperate. They help each other look for the perfect spots. We drove far out into the ocean on that day, and we did see a lot of whales! I cannot contain my excitement as I finally got up close and personal. Mark, our tour guide has been studying whales for some time, and he told us all about them. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat was priceless. The boat was cruising along parallel to the whales, so those who wish to take photos have a good opportunity.
It was easy to see how the people around here placed value on the welfare of these whales. Mark spoke of each as if he had a personal relationship with them. He knew how they acted, and can even point out the oldest whale in the pack. Looking back, it was well worth every hassle we took just to see this sight!
The Zodiac tour lasted for 3 hours, well worth the $120 price.
The Zodiac tour sounds like a great time. I would love to do this if I am ever in the area.
I have always wanted to go whale watching. Love the open air boats! Those would be so cool.
It’s been so long since I’ve been to Victoria. This looks so heavenly, I might need to go come summer!
I’ve been whale watching in Boston and it was quite the experience! Looks like Victoria, BC has quite the adventure to offer.
That sounds like so much fun! My kids would love to go do something like this.
This sounded like such a cool experience. I’d love to do this! It’s cool that these companies work together for the benefit of their customers.
I would love to go on a whale watching tour! $120 for 3 hours sounds like a bargain to see them in their natural habitat!
Now this looks like a TON of fun! I definitely would love to go whale watching. And I know my kids would enjoy it too
That was a great experience! My husband would love this too! This should be on our bucket list! 😀
I never would have imagined that a company would handle an issue that well especially with so many people expecting from them. I think it’s awesome that you were treated that way. I’ve never heard of customer service that good before.
What an awesome experience. I would love to do some whale watching too. I read that there are places where you can also swim with the whales, is that right? It is just amazing to see these beautiful creatures up close!
What fun! Its on my bucket list to go Whale Watching. I can’t wait to do it, and this looks like such a fun way to get it done!
This looks like so much fun! Whale watching is definitely on my bucket list.
I like this, wow what a great adventure. I’ve seen some close encounters online with whales coming out of the water so I’d probably be a bit nervous too.
Awwww, how sad you didn’t get to do the tour. That’s happened to us before when dealing with the water.
You are so adventurous! How I wish I can see whales too, such a wonderful journey!
Wow what a lovely trip! Sounds like a trip of a lifetime!
I would LOVE LOVE to do this! This looks amazing!
This sounds like a fantastic trip. I love whale watching!
I went whale watching many years ago. It was so cool to see the whales up close, but I did get seasick. I would try it again, though.
Great post, Karla. I love BC and the various ways you can get from Vancouver to Victoria. I love the Helijet! Going on a zodiac is a terrific way to get close to the small whales like the Orca you have in your video. I wouldn’t want to see humpback whales from a zodiac incase they had the urge to go under and possibly overturn it! Glad you had fun on your visit to Canada.
It´s an awesome experience! Thanks for share this 😀
This trip is like a dream. I wish I could go there. Looks amazing!
Oh to see a whale would be awesome. I would love to go whale watching
Whale watching is a magical experience, but I’ve never done it from the air! Did you get any pictures of the whales?
One of the places I want to go to! 🙂
Such stylish attire you have on there! But who cares about what you were wearing! You got to see whales!
What a fun day you had. Not often one gets to fly over the water and power over it too. Photos are great and thanks for including the price.
Wow. I want to watch them, You are so adventurous, Karla!
I have always wanted to go Whale watching like this!!! This sounds like an amazing way to go whale watching.
I think all the bouncing and water spray makes it adventurous. I’d love this whale watching trip.
Sounds like quite the adventure! I want to try it now!
How exciting it is to see whales – something I have never done. Will keep these tours in mind next time I visit Victoria 😉
Alessandra
I went whale watching in California, but didn’t see anything. I would love to try it again!
What an exciting trip this was! It looks like you had a blast 🙂
What a wonderful company to take such good care of you when mother nature didn’t cooperate with your plans. Sounds to me like it worked in your favor, and you ended up with more than you bargained for. I couldn’t help but wonder…how in the world were people carrying their cameras to take photos if everyone and everything was wet? I know all things are possible, but I want to know how to keep my precious camera safe on excursions like this!
I left my camera but brought my phone and kept it inside the wet suit. Like under layers. I also put it inside a ziplock, tadaaaa 🙂
Ah I see…so the camera phone is the solution!! And a ziploc bag!
That looks like a lot of fun. That would be so exciting too! I would love to do something like this sometime.
Would love to go through this experience as well. Wow the suits they give you seems very very thick there!
I love that they work together. I don’t know if I’d watch the whales, lol. I would on video or tv, but I’m a big chicken in person. Still… I might!
Great to know tat the companies cooperate with eacg other. It’s good tat the people totally have an idea about this creatures before bringing out tourists. Im sure you totally had a great time watching the whales out. 🙂
Whale watching!! What an amazing experience! I think my son would freak out with joy if he got to see whales!
Whales are awesome! This tour sounds great. We will check it out on our next visit.
So envious of you to be able to see them so up close! This definitely beats seeing them in aquariums!
It sounds like this is really a top notch organization. It’s fantastic how accommodating they were given the weather issues. Many companies wouldn’t offer refunds for issues of nature!
Prince of Whales is really good in handling challenges and things like this. They have excellent customer support. I witnessed it for myself.
This sounds like an absolute BLAST and definitely a once in a lifetime experience that needs to happen. Thanks for sharing!!
Whale watching is a fun day out! It is great that the companies work together to go to the good spots to see the whales! I haven’t been out to BC in awhile (from Toronto) but I will surely look into this as a fun activity when there.
The Prince of Whales really sounds like a professional company that really cares about its customers and goes the extra mile to help them. In activities like these, the weather does play spoilsport many times, but it is heartening to note that the company rose to the occasion and handled the situation well,
Prince of Whales is such a catchy name. I love it! Whale watching in BC is a fabulous experience. Last time I went I saw a pod of orcas chase a seal right up onto the beach.
I would opt for the boat as against the sea plane. I know that the latter would be fun but Orca watching would be my priority. 🙂
I have been whale watching off the coast of Cape Cod and it was amazing. What a fun trip and to have the option of sea plane or boat is awesome