One of B.C.'s oldest whale watching companies is closing for good | Daily Hive

'With heavy heart': One of B.C.'s oldest whale watching companies is closing for good

Five Star Whale Watching

The highly anticipated whale watching season has just begun, but one of B.C.’s oldest seafaring companies has announced that it will not be taking part in it.

Victoria-based Five Star Whale Watching posted on social media that, “with heavy heart,” it would be suspending operations after four decades in business.

According to an update shared by Five Star owner Andrew Lee, the decision to close was “not one taken lightly.”

“Unfortunately, due to various unforeseen circumstances and reasons out of our control, we have had to make this difficult decision,” said Lee on the company’s website.

Five Star

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“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 the 1st company in Victoria (2nd in B.C.) to be a World Cetacean Alliance Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator.”

The company’s original owners, Eric and Kathy, began fishing charters in 1985, but pivoted to providing whale watching tours when they discovered the attraction of seeing orcas and other whales off the coast of Vancouver Island.

Five Star

The family-owned and operated business is also a founding partner of the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) and a supporter of the Centre for Whale Research.

Fans on social media thanked Five Star for all of the memories over the years.

“So very grateful to have gotten to go out with you guys once in my life,” said one supporter. “Thank you. It was an unforgettable experience, your crew was amazing.”

“A heartbreaking loss that will be felt within the community,” added another.

Five Star

Lee encouraged nature enthusiasts looking for a whale watching tour to contact Orca Spirit Adventures, also based in Victoria.

He also shared his gratitude to everyone that Five Star had served and worked with over the years.

“Thank you for supporting us through changing seasons and changing times,” said Lee. “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the 41 years and thankful to all our staff, partners and guests.”