For years Prince of Whales, whale and wildlife eco-adventure company, has dreamt of increasing its fleet to accommodate more passengers in Victoria, Vancouver and Telegraph Cove.
Boosted by a very successful 2023 season with a record number of passengers and anticipating a growth in tourism in B.C. in the next few years, the company announced it's adding another boat to its existing fleet. Their first catamaran, Salish Sea Dream, was launched in 2017, followed by Eclipse in 2019 and Freedom in 2021.
"I am thrilled to announce the construction of our fourth catamaran. We’re proud to be working with our original fleet designer Greg Marshall again," said Alan McGillivray, Prince of Whales’ owner and founder.
"We look forward to sharing the beauty of our region with even more enthusiasts while ensuring we do so responsibly and sustainably."
The new catamaran is being built at Bracewell Marine in Richmond, using their state-of-the-art facilities and expertise.
Prince of Whales management said the new catamaran, which can accommodate 95 people, will be exactly like the previous ones with additional key sustainable and ethical features. These include a hull without machinery hanging below, eliminating the risk of a marine mammal strike, the latest generation of water jets which will help further reduce the ship’s noise profile to avoid disturbing whale activity, as well as interior water propulsion jets making the vessel more efficient.
Elspeth McGillivray, general manager, says the catamaran is scheduled to be completed and launched in March 2026.
Aside from the record number of passengers, the company said the 2024 season was their best ever in terms of sightings of humpback whales, killer whales and dolphins. Just in June this year, it recorded a 100 per cent success rate for sightings.
The fourth catamaran, which is unnamed as of this writing, will join its three sisters on the water in spring 2026.
