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Springtide Victoria Whale Tours

950 Wharf St.

Victoria

250/386-6016

www.spr ingtidecharters.com

Whale-watch ing tours are big business in Victoria. It is no wonder, the ocean is all around you and if you are in the market for an adrenaline rush, seeing an orca breaching the water is sure to give you a big one.

There are several options for whale watching. You can take a Zodiac and suit up in waterproof gear. This is totally unsuitable for anyone with back or neck problems. They intentionally ride the wake and give you a ride you won't soon forget.

If you are in the market for a much more luxurious form of transportation, the 61-foot cruiser, Maurader IV. There is seating both inside and out, washroom facilities, fresh coffee and cookies, and a crew of three . There are two marine biologists on board. You board the ship and head out of Victoria for a 3-hour cruise - and you can imagine that the theme from Gilligan's Island will be repeating in your head! The marine biologists will answer questions and give a running commentary on what you will be seeing. They are very knowledgeable and added immensely to your enjoyment. There is a chance that your first sightings will be of the porpoises. They looked like miniature orcas. You then cruise out near a lighthouse where you will see hundreds of sea lions and seals. They literally cover very open space on the rocks. Have your camera ready, you will all be outside now shooting photos and climbing up onto the front of the boat.

The tension level begins to rise, and, when the first whale breaches the surface, there is a general burst of activity on the ship as everyone jockeyed for a position where they can view the whales the best. It may be the most exciting thing you have ever done, it was for me. They are so beautiful; they seemed to be dancing above the water. We watch a mother and her baby swim by. The boat sits very still and literally waits for them to come to you. While they are passing, there is a microphone in the water recording their calls. You can hear them talking back and forth. It is an unforgettable experience.

The boat will change position several times to put you in their path. They are very difficult to photograph as you don't get any warning where they are going to come up. If you are lucky however, you will get the photos of a lifetime. The boats are not allowed to move closer to them or chase after them.

The cost of all this excitement is C$95, but there is no guarantee that you will see any whales. We must have seen 30 or 40. The ones we saw were a transient pod. Every day there are lookouts watching to see where the whales are. They have a local group of whales that are usually around, so chances are pretty good you will have a siting. Where the boat travels that day is determined by where the sightings are. Whale watching tours are available April through October.

The tour is appropriate for people of all ages. Certainly children 5 and older would enjoy this immensely. A certain amount of mobility is necessary if you want to climb up to the front deck of the boat; you can, however, remain seated for the entire trip.

No one on our tour suffered from sea sickness at all. The ship was very stable, and, other than getting a little splashed with water, there were no ill effects. In fact, just about everyone took advantage of the coffee and cookies.

Learn more about this author, Belle Starr.
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