Prince of Whales Whale Watching — Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Whale watching! Sign us up. What's this tour all about? The Prince of Whales tour is a sure-fire way to get an up-close look at some of British Columbia’s incredible marine life—orca whales, humpbacks, Pacific white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. The tours are conservation-focused, no cetacean-chasing cowboys here. Along the way, travelers also pick up fascinating facts about whale biology and behavior, marine conservation, and Vancouver’s history as a port city. Options include three- to five-hour tours from Vancouver or Victoria on a luxury catamaran, or if you’re departing from Victoria or Telegraph Cove, you can get down to water level on a Zodiac tour. Cool. Who else will be joining us on our cruise? People range in age from infants to nonagenarians, and come from all walks of life; among them, "Free Willy" fans trimming their bucket lists, marine science diehards, families enjoying a fun day on the water, and adventure seekers looking for a great story. But no matter their age, everyone turns into a kid when they get to see the whales. The vessels aren't wheelchair-friendly, but anyone who can get on the boat with assistance will do fine. People with neck or back issues, or those prone to seasickness, should choose the larger catamaran-style boats, which offer a smoother ride than the zodiacs. How are the guides? Total pros. The company refers to the boats as “floating classrooms,” and several of the guides are whale biologists and marine scientists who share their expansive knowledge of whale behavior and can answer just about any question. They also cover ocean conservation, sharing what people can do in their own lives to help protect the oceans and the whales, whose populations are under significant threat. Unlike some less ethical whale-watching companies, they stay outside the prescribed buffer zones, and cut the engines if whales are anywhere close in order to avoid disturbing their movements or hunting. They want travelers to have a great experience, but the stars of the show come first. What are some standout moments from the tour? What will you be taking with you when you leave Vancouver? If you’re really, really lucky, you might catch all three pods of the area’s orca population meeting and forming what’s known as a superpod: more than 70 whales playing, breaching, and making a big splash. Other groups have had the full-on National Geographic experience, and watched orcas on a high-speed hunt for seals and sea lions. But just getting on the water and seeing an orca up close, or watching a humpback use bubbles to corral fish, is an experience you won’t soon forget. I like it. So: Who do you think this tour is best for? These tours are good for just about anyone, but they’re especially suited to seafarers, marine biology buffs, photography aficionados with long lenses, families with kids, and anyone looking to get out on the water. Just be prepared for a little sticker shock: the tours start at $139 CAD for adults and $89 for kids 2-12. Also plan to do the tour toward the start of your Vancouver or Victoria visit, because if you don’t see whales—the success rate is 90 percent, but not perfect—you can go again for free. Pro tip: The boats typically stay about 650 feet from the whales, so don’t expect to get Instagram-ready snaps on your phone. Instead, enjoy the view while a staff member shoots proper pics that you can access after your adventure. Also it’s chilly on the water, so make sure to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring a sweater and a jacket." - Jennifer Van Evra
