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Ocean Explorations
Categories: Hotels & Travel Tours Active Life Boating Tours, Boating [Edit]
602 Broughton StVictoria, BC V8W 1C7
(250) 383-6722
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
2 reviews for Ocean Explorations
2 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca O.
7/23/2009 1 photo
Whale watching is absolutely not to be missed in Victoria. As I learned on our excursion, there are 3 pods comprised of about 150 resident orcas that live in the region year round. All of these whales have been identified and named. On our trip we saw the oldest known living male orca in the world, Ruffles, who belongs to J pod. He's 57 - go Ruffles!
While most of the tour operators offer the same type of package, the bf and I opted for Ocean Explorations and we were not disappointed. Our captain/guide was very knowledgeable about both the whales and the area. The staff were all very helpful and friendly - and we even got a nice discount by purchasing our tickets through the Victoria visitor's center.
If you opt for the Zodiac boat option, like we did, it can get quite cold and windy on the water. I recommend bringing a warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses. They will store your valuables for you, but it's easier to just leave them at home or your hotel.
All and all, this is a very special and memorable experience. A definite must-do attraction in Victoria!Listed in: Victoria, BC Enjoyment
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Review from i. o.
7/21/2009 1 photo
Ocean Explorations is one of several companies offering Killer Whale (Orca) watching from Victoria, BC. The tours are about 3 hours in length and happen on large, open but very sturdy Zodiac boats (see my picture). The tours are professionally run by guides who will tell you all about the ecology/biology/zoology/etc of the area.
Our tour, led by the intrepid Geoff, started off with safety tips, suiting up in big yellow life-jacket-suits. Once out on the open water, it was very impressive to see the snow capped Olympic Mountains of Washington, State and just marvel at all the beauty the pristine surroundings.
Geoff (who was in constant radio contact w/ other boats) led us to a pod of Orcas about an hour north in the Straits of Georgia. Unfortunately, there was a luxury yacht (complete with bros, hos & misc. clueless douchebaggery sunning themselves on the deck). The yacht was following & literally riding on top of pod of whales! Aside from being very dangerous for this endangered species & their sonar/communication, Geoff informed us this was VERY ILLEGAL (i.e. fines & jailtime).
Since there wasn't any Coast Guard around and these fools were disrupting the whale watching for everyone (all motors were turned off except for this yacht), Geoff steered us to right into their path and yelled at them about disturbing the whales & keeping a legal distance. I think they were simply clueless, and afterward turned around sailed away. I was very proud of Geoff and happy to witness conservation in action!
5 Stars!Listed in: Best of Victoria, BC
