Whale watching in Victoria!
The charming "Garden City" of Victoria is a world-class destination for viewing marine life. And with its location on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the ocean waters around Victoria have much to offer, as I soon discovered!

To guide my marine tour, I chose Springtide Charters for its convenient location (on the Inner Harbour near the Empress Hotel), and for its solid reputation in safety and ethics. I arrived at their office on Wharf Street right beside beautiful Bastion Square to looking forward to a few sunny hours on the ocean. Inside, I was warmly greeted by a Springtide staff member, who guided me through a waiver and fitted me into a flotation suit. I was told that this suit is designed designed to keep passengers warm and comfortable, and it also performs as a Personal Flotation Device that conforms to Federal safety standards.

Once I had slipped on my suit, I was introduced to the Skipper of my boat and the other passengers on the tour. Immediately, I felt comfortable with Darren, who assisted all of the passengers onto the boat. He gave us safety information about the boat, and explained our route. He was excited to tell us that Killer Whales had been sighted off the nearby San Juan Islands, so it was possible that we would see them!

We cruised out of the harbour, and Darren told us about the sites we were passing. He also made sure that we knew how to signal him while we were underway. At the edge of the harbour, Darren put some power into the throttle and we took off! With the sunshine bounding off of the water and the fresh sea air whipping my face, the thrill was certainly more exhilarating than any carnival ride. On the open water, Darren slowed the engine. Why? A Grey Whale! We saw the tell tale "blow" and its arching knobby back breaking the surface of the water. Having never seen a Grey Whale before, I was already delighted with my experience that day. Little did I know what other treats were in store!

Off the shore of San Juan Island, Darren maneuvered the boat in order to see what turned out to be a whole pod of Killer Whales! They ranged in size from a (relatively!) tiny calf to a giant patriarch. The most amazing sensation was the sound of a whale's dorsal fin as it emerged (Whoosh!), the mighty fin cutting like a blade through the surface. The group watched the whale pod intently, while Darren answered our many questions.

It was time to leave, but the marine experience was not yet over. On the return trip, we spotted California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and various marine birds. Then, as if from out of nowhere, a group of Dall's Porpoise appeared, and decided to "ride the bow" of our boat, swimming directly alongside of us. And as suddenly as they appeared, these playful creatures were gone. I felt fortunate to have been graced with their brief visit. In fact, my experience with the whales and other marine animals this day left me with feelings of wonder, surprise, curiosity and enchantment. Springtide Charters provided an unforgettable opportunity to come close to the creatures of the ocean. I hope that you, too, will take the opportunity to experience the diversity of life off of Victoria's shore.

G. Cheeta