Mar 6, 2026
JUST PURE BRILLIANT - We, a team of three, had a brilliant experience with Mark onboard the Zodiac! We headed North towards Sidney island and saw two separate pods, a family of 4 just passing through and a family of three (mama and two big sons) hunting on potentially a seal! Was amazing. Mark was super knowledgeable and very respectful of the wildlife. What an asset to your team!
Thank you Mark! Would 100% recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 5, 2026
Thrilling Off Season Adventure with Whale Expert Mark.. - If you haven't been out whale watching in the off season I highly recommend it.I couldn't believe I had the good fortune of going out with Mark, who has been involved with the Centre for Whale research and a contributor to the latest release of the Biggs Killer Whales identification book, not to mention 30 years experience on the water. What amazing luck getting to go out with him. I could dream I was on a research boat!
Being a winter trip I thought it would be very unlikely to see anything, but with his extensive network of contacts, and good communication skills he still was able to find out who was seeing whales. We were going to head North and then found out we might have better luck headed west. Mark was happy to do so to give us the best chance at a sighting. He was willing to change plans to give us the best experience and involved us in the plan.Â
 He expertly identified the Biggs groups we encountered within minutes of seeing them. We had absolutely epic luck, finding the T109s. Sadly, Brave Little Hunter was not with them. We all hope she's somehow out there with another group, or finding a way to make it on her own for now. We learned T124 also joined the fray for the hunt in the kelp. It's so interesting to see how this family goes about things differently than others. We even got a spy hop, the first time in my life ever to see that! I was so shocked when it happened!
Close by we found the T60s. The brothers D and E  off doing their own thing but others were with mama Panthera? including a friend/relative T69D2. I love that random orcas  travel with certain families, and wonder how she ended up with the T60s.I need the Prince of Whales guides to ID any whale families, and especially individuals but from Mark's teaching I went home and for the first time ever, and his narrowing it down to a family- I think I may know which whale is Yelnats in my video. I believe I can pinpoint little T60G Unica too.  I may have this wrong, but it's really fun to TRY and learn from the experts. All of a sudden I had - not just a video of "an orca," but of an individual. with a family.Â
Mark is such an amazing driver, he knows how to stay a respectful distance, figure out what the whales are doing, and then move in parallel with the tide. We didn't want to come back as Mount Baker shone in the distance, and the sound of the Salish Sea and surfacing whales had us transfixed as we floated along. We carefully waited to make sure we were clear of both parties and knew their intentions before heading back into Victoria. A dream problem to have, waiting on the whales all around you. Our group would have been glad to stay out for hours on end marvelling at the glistening sun reflecting off the waves, waiting to see if the T60's and T109s met up in the end. Layer up and get out there on Salish sea to quietly experience wildlife still living in beautiful, serene settings. Everyone in our group had a great time and there were very few boats on the water.
Even if you don't have the luck we did yesterday you may just see cormorants, Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions and Harbour Seals or just  a thrilling ride on a zodiac in the grip of the Salish Sea waters with EXPERT whale guides. You're going to get a lot out of the experience, even if you're just there for the breathtaking views.
kwiisahi?is, we are still thinking about you, hoping you are out there somewhere.Â
The new Bigg's Killer Whale Identificaiton book 2025 is out
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398258949_Photo-identification_Catalogue_and_Status_of_the_Coastal_Subset_of_the_West_Coast_Transient_Population_of_Bigg's_Killer_Whale_in_British_Columbia_Canada
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 30, 2026
Must see! - Absolutely fantastic! Saw a pod of orcas hunting, which was a massive touch! Plus a glimpse of a Fin Whale. Banging! Marshal, our guide, was next level. Informative and a laugh. Recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 29, 2025
Great tour to go see the orcas and whales! - Superb experience, we were lucky to have an exceptional weather for a month of November. We didn’t see the 3 hours pass, and we met killer whales that passed right next to the boat, humpback whales, sea lions and even sea lions! Superb activity I highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Oct 27, 2025
Great Day - We had an amazing experience. Our tour guide Mark was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the whales we saw. Many orcas and a few humpbacks. Will definitely be back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 22, 2025
Just wow - The whole experience was great. We unfortunately had to switch to the catamaran tour after booking for health reasons, but that was absolutely no problem. The team, especially Rebecca, was very accommodating and understanding.
The crew on Katamarn was great, thanks to Richard, Sandy, Reid and Michael.
We could see everything there was to see that day:-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 22, 2025
Solo Whale watching - It was excellent and everyone was super helpful! Easy to navigate, useful guide to information and payment. It was a spontaneous trip which was wonderful x
Review provided by Viator
Oct 16, 2025
Amazing trip with Captain Mark! - We had an incredible experience with Prince of Whales in Victoria on October 15, 2025. Our guide Mark was outstanding and made the trip both informative and fun. We saw orcas, humpbacks, minkes, eagles, and sea lions. The highlight was at Race Rocks where we witnessed the most unforgettable orca sighting right by the lighthouse. A truly exceptional tour and a must-do experience. Thank you Mark!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 15, 2025
Thanks Mark! - Captain Mark was awesome. We saw lots of whales, and he shared interesting info without overdoing it. The weather was perfect, which made the whole trip even better. Great experience overall!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 8, 2025
Awesome adventure! - I had such a fun time with my friends here! We saw so many whales and seals and all sorts of amazing creatures! Our driver, Mark, knew so much about the whales we were seeing and it truely brought the experience to life and made it so magical! 10/10!
Review provided by Tripadvisor