Experience the ‘Amazon of the North’
A jaw dropping display of rugged wilderness
As much of the Great Bear Rainforest is only accessible via floatplane, travelling by boat is the most in depth and extensive way to adventure this part of the coast. Wildlife and heart stopping landscapes abound, feeding bears is just the tip of the experiences iceberg.
- Marine Mammal Encounters. Though bears may be the star of the show, encounters with hunting orcas or bubble-net feeding humpbacks is not out of the ordinary.
- Unmatched Bear Viewing. With the chance to see grizzly bears, black bears, and spirit bears, this tour offers the opportunity for a bear viewing extravaganza.
- Peaks & Valleys. Cruise between glacier-cut fjords whose granite faces spout down waterfalls from their sky-scraping mountain tops to the coastal waters below.
- Call of the Wild. For some lucky guests, there is the chance to spot the elusive and rare coastal sea wolf, native to the British Columbia & Alaska coast.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Bluewater Adventures offers three different route options for this itinerary. Please check your trip’s dates to confirm your start/end location.
Prior to your trip start, fly into Terrace. Pick up on the morning of Day 1 will be at select hotels (refer to your Itinerary Package for further details). The shuttle will transfer guests from Terrace to Kitimat where you will meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel. Following boarding, we’ll depart into a land of dense forests reaching to the water’s edge, towering rocky fjords, and lush valley estuaries.
As we explore the waters of southern Douglas Channel and at various other places along our journey, we expect to encounter humpback whales. We’ll take the time to observe these 15-metre-long creatures whenever the opportunity arises and hope to witness spectacular behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, and possibly bubble-net feeding (an amazing cooperative foraging technique). We also hope to have luck in spotting other marine mammals like fin whales, orca, porpoise, and Steller sea lions. Time allowing, we may visit local whale researchers to learn about their fascinating work.
There may be an opportunity to visit Bishop Bay hot springs for a soothing soak amidst an eclectic collection of fishing floats.
As we travel along Princess Royal Island, we keep a close watch on the shoreline, since this is the best-known area for seeing the elusive, all-white Spirit bear (also known as Kermode bear). These white bears are black bears expressing a genetic variation resulting in light coloured fur. We are fortunate to spend a day with local Gitga’at First Nation guides who will take us to their favourite bear viewing areas. With a little patience, we hope to be lucky enough to see black bears and the Spirit bear fishing for salmon at quiet spawning streams hidden in the thick of the forest.
This unique coastal ecosystem supports impressive biodiversity – from salmon and marine mammals in the sea, to bears, coastal wolves, birds, and massive trees on land. We expect some good grizzly viewing at the water’s edge when visiting lush estuaries in the beautiful river valley of Khutze Inlet (K’ootz/Khutze Conservancy) and Fiordland Conservancy with its rocky cliff faces.
Our trip finishes in the small First Nations coastal town of Bella Bella – also known as Waglisla – which is the home of the Heiltsuk First Nation. We will arrive at the Bella Bella Municipal Dock just before noon in time to catch the afternoon flight back to Vancouver. Guests can also explore the area further on their own – nearby Shearwater is a short seabus ride away and offers the most amenities for visitors.
Bluewater Adventures offers three different route options for this itinerary. Please check your trip’s dates to confirm your start/end location.
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more.
Island Odyssey
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 21 metres
Passenger Capacity: 16
Built / refurbished: 1984 / 2003
Joining us in 2003, this 68' ketch, The Island Odyssey is the sister-ship to 'Island Roamer'. Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, she completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers and a comfortable salon with a natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife.
A certified Canadian Ministry of Transport passenger vessel, Island Odyssey has all of the safety equipment, electronic navigation aids, and features you would expect from a vessel of her standard. All of our cabins have adequate storage space for your bags, personal items and jackets. Coat hangers and life jackets are stowed in every cabin for your convenience. There is electricity in each room, so you can charge your camera batteries and enjoy a reading light in the evening.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Island Roamer
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 21 metres
Passenger Capacity: 16
Built: 1983
The Island Roamer is a custom 68-foot ketch, launched in 1983. The boat's design, safety and comfort make her perfect for these trips. She features 8 private cabins (double occupancy), 3 heads with hot showers, a large comfortable lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley. On deck, the large covered seating area provides protection in all types of weather. The Island Roamer is large enough for comfort, privacy and safety, and small enough to create a good rapport among passengers and crew.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Island Solitude
Vessel Type: Yacht
Length: 82 feet/24.9 meters
Passenger Capacity: 12
Built: 2017
With state-of-the-art technology, this new yacht is the most breathtaking, elegant, and efficient tour vessel on the northwest Pacific coast. She carries twelve guests in six cabins with two lower beds and ensuite bathrooms. The wheelhouse on deck accommodates the entire group for meals at two tables with incredible views.
Food on Board
Meals are served family-style, in the wheelhouse, with 360-degree ocean views.
Fusion-style cuisine drawing on global influences is freshly made to suit a variety of tastes. Food is sourced locally when possible.
Passengers will enjoy optional hot breakfast. Tea and coffee are always available, and snacks such as home-baked muffins and cookies are served during the day. Food sensitivities and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Facilities
Indoor Lounge
Outdoor Lounge
Observation Platform
Zodiac Platform
Salon
Kitchen
Includes
• All meals and accommodation while onboard
• Full crew, fuels, any applicable permit and user fees
• Full use of all facilities onboard ship
• Select itineraries include pre-night accommodation and shuttle service to and from the vessel
Excludes
• Transportation to and from the start /completion point of the trip
• Airport transfers – unless indicated otherwise
• $200 sustainability fee
• Travel or cancellation insurance and crew gratuities
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• Canadian tax (GST) of 5% must be added on to trips operating in British Columbia.