Sea of Whales is proudly family owned and operated by Kris and Shawna Prince, whose lives and livelihoods have long been shaped by the waters of the Bonavista and Trinity Bay region.

Kris Prince grew up on the Bonavista Peninsula in Princeton, spending his childhood fishing alongside his uncles and developing a deep respect for the ocean and the life it supports. Wanting a career that kept him on the water, Kris completed a certificate in Adventure Tourism in 1995 and later trained in eco-tourism at the College of the North Atlantic. With more than 25 years in the whale watching industry, Kris is a Transport Canada–certified captain and an experienced naturalist with an exceptional knowledge of local waters and wildlife. His passion for the sea is at the heart of every tour. In the winter months, Kris stays connected to the land and water through hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and skidooing

Shawna Prince grew up in Nictaux, Nova Scotia, and first encountered whales during a summer job in Newfoundland in 1999; an experience that would shape her career. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, followed by a Master of Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. Shawna is a Transport Canada–certified crew member and brings a strong scientific lens to Sea of Whales’ operations. Her research interests focus on photo-identification of multiple whale species in Bonavista and Trinity Bays, with data shared through collaborations that contribute to international whale research and conservation efforts. In the winter, Shawna teaches, sharing her passion for learning with the next generation.

Together, Kris and Shawna combine generations of local knowledge with scientific research and education. They live year-round in Trinity with their two children and their pets, so the waters, the coastline, and the whales are an authentic part of daily life.