4 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

A staple of Victoria’s tourism and marine industry is docking its boats after more than four decades on the water.

 

Five Star Whale Watching announced in a Facebook post Monday that it has suspended operations after 41 years, calling the decision “not one taken lightly” and citing “various unforeseen circumstances” beyond its control.

 

“It is with a heavy heart we share the news that after 41 wonderful years, Five Star Whale Watching has suspended operations,” wrote owner Andrew Lees. “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the 41 years and thankful to all our staff, partners and guests.”

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-years-1312069/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Star is the longest running Whale Watching company in Victoria and we thought we would be running for much longer. We have been a pioneer in developing responsible wildlife viewing and whale watching practices. We can be proud to have been 1st company in Victoria (2nd in BC) to be a World Cetacean Alliance Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator.

Thank you for supporting us through changing seasons and changing times. We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the 41 years and thankful to all our partners.

If you are looking for a whale watching tour this season then we strongly recommend contacting Orca Spirit Adventures. You can contact them at whales@orcaspirit.com

 

https://www.5starwha...bout-five-star/

 

 

 

 

Our fleet consists of two purpose-built expedition catamarans, SuperCat & Kuluta. We pride ourselves on having the best purpose-built whale watching fleet in Victoria! If you click on the name of the vessel below more information will pop up about the vessels specifications.

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 March 2026 - 06:28 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Looks like they are over $1M in debt and it's being pushed into receivershop:

 

https://www.crowe.co...4720D4043471BF5

 

 

They sold ther third ship for $200k in 2025.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 March 2026 - 06:46 AM.

[spanky123]

^ Thanks. Always more details than what appear on the surface!.

[Victoria Watcher]

The company says it helped produce many of the guidelines for whale watching. It also partnered with research groups helping to conserve whales, in particular the endangered southern resident killer whales.

Whale-watching companies are no longer allowed to view the endangered orcas and must follow strict distance guidelines for any other type of whale in the Salish Sea.

https://www.timescol...ecades-12024868

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 March 2026 - 12:36 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The company says it helped produce many of the guidelines for whale watching. It also partnered with research groups helping to conserve whales, in particular the endangered southern resident killer whales.

Whale-watching companies are no longer allowed to view the endangered orcas and must follow strict distance guidelines for any other type of whale in the Salish Sea.

https://www.timescol...ecades-12024868

 

 

Maybe they regulated themselves out of business.  I think the new (temporary) law says they have to stay 400m away from the killer whales.

 

Eagle Wing has 5 boats, I think that's up a few from a decade ago.

 

https://eaglewingtours.com/our-boats/

 

Orca Spirit says if you come from Vancouver you come by seaplane.

 

https://orcaspirit.c...watching-tours/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 March 2026 - 01:22 AM.