For years, Prince of Whales, a whale and wildlife eco-adventure company, has envisioned expanding its fleet to accommodate more passengers in Victoria, Vancouver, and Telegraph Cove.
Inspired by a highly successful 2023 season that saw record passenger numbers and anticipating a rise in tourism in B.C. over the coming years, the company has announced the addition of another boat to its current fleet. Their first catamaran, Salish Sea Dream, was launched in 2017, followed by Eclipse in 2019 and Freedom in 2021.
“I am excited to announce the construction of our fourth catamaran. We’re delighted to collaborate with our original fleet designer Greg Marshall once more,” stated Alan McGillivray, owner and founder of Prince of Whales.
“We look forward to sharing the beauty of our region with even more enthusiasts while ensuring we do this in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
The new catamaran is being constructed at Bracewell Marine in Richmond, utilizing their advanced facilities and expertise.
Management at Prince of Whales mentioned that the new catamaran, capable of seating 95 people, will be nearly identical to the previous models but with additional key sustainable and ethical features. These enhancements include a hull without machinery protruding below, minimizing the risk of a marine mammal strike, the latest generation of water jets to further reduce the vessel’s noise profile to avoid disturbing whale activity, and interior water propulsion jets to increase the vessel’s efficiency.
Elspeth McGillivray, general manager, stated that the catamaran is expected to be completed and launched by March 2026.
In addition to the record passenger numbers, the company noted that the 2024 season was their best ever regarding sightings of humpback whales, killer whales, and dolphins. Just this June, they achieved a 100 percent success rate for sightings.
The fourth catamaran, which has yet to be named as of this writing, will join its three sister vessels in the water in spring 2026.