Western Prince Whale Watching

Written by Ivan
on Mar 14, 2020

San Juan Island Whale Watching in the time of COVID-19

San Juan Island Whale Watching in the time of COVID-19

UPDATE 3/17/20:

Well ….. As we said, the situation is evolving rapidly.

We have reassessed, after Governor Inslee’s message yesterday, and have decided that it is in everyone’s best interest to postpone operations until April 1st.

At this time, tours later this spring, summer, and fall will remain as scheduled unless further action is warranted. We hope that by taking decisive action now it will help our society beat this virus sooner.

We are very disappointed to have to make this decision, but ultimately, the safety of our guests, crew, and general public remains our top priority. Further, we feel a responsibility to do what is necessary to help slow the spread of the virus. We hope this helps flatten the curve, supports our hard working doctors and nurses and relaxes the demand on our healthcare resources.

Stay safe friends, take care of each other, wash your hands and use caution in these challenging times. We hope to reconnect with you this summer for a much needed dose of nature and togetherness.

If you are thinking about joining us at some point this season, please consider booking your tour ahead of time, or purchasing a gift certificate for later use. We appreciate your business and support.

If your reservation is one of those affected, we will be contacting you today to reschedule later in the season or cancel.

Thank you,

Captain Ivan and Crew
Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours

 

 

Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours is open and is offering reduced capacity (15 guests or less to assist social distancing) tours on a daily basis. We are also offering deeply discounted private charters (single group) starting at $600. If you are looking for a way to have a wonderful nature experience in a small group or private setting, a tour through the San Juan Islands with us is a great option. You’ll also be supporting a small family owned business at the same time.

We want all of our passengers to know we are committed to your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of our crew. Please rest assured that Western Prince takes the COVID-19 virus very seriously and is taking every precaution possible to ensure safe and healthy Whale & Wildlife Tours for our guests.

We are keeping up with developing recommendations from the World Health Organization as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and making changes to our policy as needed.

Here is how we are currently responding to the virus while operating:

  • Voluntarily limiting our boat’s capacity to no more than 15 guests to provide social distancing.
  • Ensuring that crew who are ill, or displaying signs of illness (fever/cough), do not come to work.
  • Regularly sanitizing surfaces in our office/gift shop and on the boat.
  • Requiring crew to frequently wash their hands.
  • Allowing passengers who have booked in advance to postpone their trip at any time due to illness or concerns over the virus.

Please know this situation is evolving and we are doing our best to keep up and maintain a healthy environment for our crew and passengers. Should there be any changes we will post updates.

Additionally, please consider the questions below. If you can answer yes to any of them please refrain from booking a tour for now. If you are already booked and can answer yes within 14 days of a tour, please contact us for a full refund and cancellation of your reservation.

Within the past 14 days, have you, or any person in your booking party:

  • Had close contact with anyone diagnosed as having Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
  • Provided direct care for COVID-19 patients, working with healthcare workers infected with novel coronavirus?
  • Visited or stayed in a closed environment with any patient having Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
  • Worked together in close proximity, or shared the same classroom environment, with a COVID-19 patient?
  • Traveled together with a COVID-19 patient in any kind of conveyance?
  • Lived in the same household as a COVID-19 patient?
  • Exhibited any symptoms of COVID-19.

Your health and well-being are our highest priority and we appreciate the trust you have in our company!

If you have any questions please contact us at contact@orcawhalewatch.com or call us at 360-378-5315.

 

Thank you,

Captain Ivan and Crew
Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours

Written by Ivan
on Mar 14, 2020

San Juan Island Whale Watching in the time of COVID-19

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