For years, Prince of Whales, an eco-adventure company specializing in whale and wildlife experiences, has aspired to expand its fleet to welcome more visitors in Victoria, Vancouver, and Telegraph Cove.
Encouraged by a highly successful 2023 season that saw a record number of guests and projecting an increase in tourism in B.C. over the coming years, the company announced it will be adding another vessel to its fleet. The first catamaran, named 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 are honored to collaborate once again with our original fleet designer, Greg Marshall,” stated Alan McGillivray, the owner and founder of Prince of Whales.
“We are eager to share our region’s beauty with even more nature lovers while ensuring we do so 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 indicated that the new catamaran, designed to accommodate 95 passengers, will mirror the earlier models, with added key sustainable and ethical features. These encompass a hull designed without machinery protruding below, reducing the risk of collisions with marine mammals, the latest generation of water jets to further decrease the vessel’s noise impact on whale behaviors, and interior water propulsion jets to enhance the vessel’s efficiency.
Elspeth McGillivray, the general manager, mentioned that the catamaran is anticipated to be completed and launched in March 2026.
In addition to the record passenger numbers, the company reported that the 2024 season was their most successful ever regarding sightings of humpback whales, killer whales, and dolphins. Just this past June, they achieved a 100 percent success rate for sightings.
The fourth catamaran, currently unnamed, is set to join its three sister vessels in the water in spring 2026.