Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Before we head out for a summer of whale watching and bring you our Breaching News on CHEK TV, we’re closing the season with a dive into the mysterious world of ocean legends. From krakens to mermaids to the mighty megalodon, we explore the myths, the facts, and the creatures that may have inspired them.

Topics Include:

(0:32) Kraken folklore from Scandinavia to Haida Gwaii — and real-life giant squid(4:39) Mermaids vs. sirens: global myths, mistaken identities, and ancient sea nymphs(8:33) Caddy the Cadborosaurus and BC’s own sea serpent sightings(12:04) Oarfish: the eerie “doomsday fish” linked to natural disasters(13:43) Megalodon: the prehistoric mega-shark that ruled the seas

Thanks for joining us this season! We’ll be back in the fall for Season 2. Until then, catch us Saturdays at 5 on CHEK News and follow along at @princeofwhaleswhalewatching . We’ll see you on the water!

Welcome to Episode 21 of the Prince of Whales PODcast! This week, we dive into the world of pinnipeds—our local seals and sea lions—and explore some of their remarkable cousins across the globe. From “rock sausages” to deep-diving elephant seals and tusked Arctic giants, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and unexpected behaviours!

Topics Include:

(0:26) The four species of pinnipeds found in B.C.—harbour seals, northern elephant seals, Steller sea lions, and California sea lions(1:04) How to identify each species and where to spot them(3:03) Deep-dive stats: elephant seals can dive 2,000 metres and hold their breath for two hours!(4:45) Seal vs. sea lion—ear flaps, flipper tricks, and the art of "galumphing"(8:48) Pinnipeds around the world—leopard seals in Antarctica and walruses in the Arctic

Whether you're watching sea lions haul out at Race Rocks or dreaming of leopard seals in the Antarctic, this episode is your one-stop shop for pinniped knowledge.

Questions or favourite pinniped facts? Send them to podcast@princeofwhales.com or message us on Instagram. Make sure to tune in next week for the last episode of the Prince of Whales PODcast Season 1 as we take a break during our busy whale watching summer months!

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Prince of Whales Podcast! In this continuation of last week’s deep dive into orca ecotypes, we head to the Southern Hemisphere to explore New Zealand’s stingray-hunting orcas. These clever predators use techniques like tonic immobility and tail targeting to disable their prey, and their unique behaviours are just the beginning!

Topics Include:

(1:24) Stingray Hunters of New Zealand – Discover how orcas in the Bay of Islands flip stingrays into tonic immobility and use specialized hunting techniques passed through generations.

(4:02) Pickle & Funky Monkey – Meet two standout orcas from the South Pacific, known for their unique dorsal fins and close sibling bond.

(5:03) Dog Meets Orca – Hear the heartwarming true story of a transient killer whale who formed an unlikely friendship with a golden retriever off Vancouver Island

(5:59) Remembering T-44 – Learn about the legacy of T-44, a BC orca remembered for his curiosity, and his posthumous role in education at the Whale Interpretive Centre.

(6:47) Luna vs. Sam – A powerful contrast between two human-orca interactions: the tragic tale of Luna, and the successful rescue and reintegration of Sam (T46C2).

Tune in next week for a new episode of the Prince of Whales PODcast! Have a question or your own favorite orca fact? Send it to us at ⁠podcast@princeofwhales.com⁠ or drop us a message on Instagram. 🐋