The Gulf Islands are considered by many sailors to have some of the best cruising on the west coast of North America. Late spring and fall are the ideal time of year to visit; summer crowds are absent and the weather is generally mild and gentle. Our voyages focus on the new Gulf Islands National Park and several marine parks among the islands. We sail the many scenic channels among the islands of the archipelago. We go ashore frequently, walking with our naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna. Each night is spent at anchor. There are lovely quiet anchorages; often with trails for an evening or early morning walk ashore.
We expect encounters with Dall's porpoise, harbor seals, two species of sea lion, and perhaps orcas or Minke whales. Porpoise are great fun as they often rush over to the boat and ride on the wave under the bow. The annual bird migration will be underway and we expect to see many species of birds - bald eagles, auklets, murrelets, cormorants, phalaropes, various species of gulls. Along the shore we will explore the inter tidal zone for fascinating invertebrates - starfish, sea anemones, clams, crabs and perhaps nudibranchs. The sheltered waters made these islands a favorite wintering site for Coast Salish native people. Throughout the islands there are native rock carvings (petroglyphs).
We have a wonderful variety of parks and protected areas in the Gulf Islands to choose from. Mandarte Island has various species of birds to observe. Sidney Spit is named after the long and prominent sand spit and is great for walks or exploring in the lagoon. Portland Island has wonderful trails, tide pools and middens – piles of shell refuse left from old native villages. Tumbo and Cabbage Islands face the Strait of Georgia and are some of the more remote islands in the Gulf Islands. Montague Harbour is the original marine park in British Columbia.
We do not produce a detailed day by day itinerary in advance of the trip. Our daily plans are flexible to accommodate the surprises that we encounter each trip, the requirements of tide and weather, and the interests of the group. Wildlife is wild life and have their own agenda.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: The trip starts and finishes in Sidney, BC. Close to Victoria, our start point is minutes away from the Victoria International Airport, the BC Ferry Swartz Bay terminal and Washington State Ferry. Participants will meet at 10:00 am at the entrance to the Port Sidney Marina, on the Sidney waterfront. Upon boarding the ship, cabins will be assigned, an introductory safety briefing completed and then we set sail for the islands nearby. Our first stop is often to explore the long beaches and lagoon of Sidney Spit.
Dall’s porpoise are one of the most exciting marine mammals. With speeds of almost 70 km, they burst through the waves and often come over to ride the bow wave of our ship. It is amazing to watch them in the clear waters. On some of our trips we may see orcas cruising by with their tall dorsal fins. Participants will learn about the local marine mammals, birds, and plant life as we explore by boat and on land. Each night we anchor in a different, beautiful anchorage.
Days 2-4: Our focus these days will be on the southern Gulf Islands – South Pender, Cabbage or Tumbo Island, the Belle Chain Islets and Galiano. We like to focus on the most remote and seldom visited areas. If we have a good wind, we expect to raise the sails and enjoy the silence and beauty of sailing. There will be time to explore the protected waters using the stable, sea kayaks that we carry on board. With a good low tide, we will explore the shore for different species of colorful sea stars, anemone, and algae. Each day, we will hike into the coastal forest to see interesting trees, such as the arbutus or madronne, and learn about the forest plants.
Day 5: Mid-afternoon we return to Sidney and the completion of our voyage. Participants can easily make connections to travel to the mainland or continue exploring Vancouver Island.
Notes:
- Passengers will require a valid passport when crossing the US/CDN border for all trips.
- There is no smoking allowed on board the boats.
- We ask you to bring a sleeping bag, as there are no facilities for laundry on board. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
- Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean's edge and walking in west coast rain forest.
- We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
- Be prepared to dress in layers to accommodate changes in weather. Good warm outer clothing (including warm hat and gloves or mittens) and good rain clothing allows you to remain comfortable in windy or wet conditions. A good, light thermal layer can go along way to providing comfort. (Remember the whales don't stop just because it's raining).
- Please be aware that there may be weight restrictions for float planes, if your trip includes this option. If you are concerned about seasickness your doctor can recommend medications designed to prevent motion sickness.
- Meals: A professional cook is in charge of all the cooking during the trip. We carry ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, grains and dairy products for the duration of the voyage. Meals are served buffet style. We are confident that you will be very impressed with the variety and excellence of the meals that are prepared for you. Complimentary wines are served with dinner. There is no bar on board to purchase additional drinks. Guests are responsible and welcome to bring their own cocktail, beer and soft drinks.
- Weather: While guests should come prepared for some gusty winds and the possibility of rain, we usually experience clear skies and a good amount of sunshine. It always feels cooler on the water than the actual temperature.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
- All accommodation on board ship: skipper, cook, naturalist
- Full use of all on board facilities.
Price Excludes:
- Transportation to the start point and from the finish point of the trip
- Any accommodation or meals prior to the start of the trip or after the completion
- Travel or cancellation insurance
- Airport transfers
- Optional purchases and gratuities for the crew.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Marine Biology
|
