Thursday, August 12, 2010

Whale Watching in Victoria


Victoria BC whale watching is a unique opportunity not to be missed! It is quite popular amongst tourists as it is not very often that people get the chance to immerse themselves in nature in such an intimate way. Seeing the beautiful marine creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience for many travellers.

Orca Spirit offers 3-hour Victoria whale watching tours, with the prime months for sightings being April to October. The spring/fall tours leave at 9am and 1pm, and the summer tours depart at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. For those who book in advance, additional tour times may be accommodated, and large bookings can arrange for flexible departure times. There are three pods of resident orcas in the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits, which equates to frequent sightings. The whale watching tours have a high success rate of 95%.

Harbour porpoise, Dalls porpoise, Harbour and Elephant seals, otters, and marine birds are also often spotted on tours. There is a chance of seeing Humpback, Gray, and Minke whales as well. All in all, there are many great sights to take in–from the oceanic wildlife to the gorgeous seascape.

Orca Spirit presents you with two choices of vessels: a zodiac or a larger covered boat (both have onboard washrooms). The open zodiac offers adventure and thrills as the wind whips through your hair, and the covered boat has luxurious indoor seating, comfort, and a liquor license! The covered boat is recommended for those who have bad necks or backs, pregnant women, and anyone whose health is generally frail. Kids under the age of six are only allowed on the covered boat.

In addition, custom charters can be booked for larger groups in the following vessels: the zodiacs, which hold up to 12 people, are zippy little boats that manoeuvre easily and offer an exhilarating ride; the Pacific Explorer holds 70 passengers and has all of the amenities; the Orca Spirit, the company’s signature vessel, was designed specifically for whale watching, maximizing comfort and safety (holds 45 passengers).

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