A Coastal Hidden Gem
Offering the Best of the BC Coast
The waters we travel through in Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound are home to some of the best orca viewing British Columbia has to offer. Cruising our way up into glacial fjords also gives us a good chance at spotting bears along the coastline. Combine these wildlife viewing moments with learnings about First Nations culture and massive old-growth forests, this itinerary brings in to focus all that makes British Columbia so special.
A 5-day voyage option is available. Please contact us for more information.
- A Whale Wonderland. Orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, sea otters and more call these rich waters home.
- Harness the Wind. This itinerary is positioned well along the coast to provide our crew good chance to raise the sails and give our guests the sailing experience.
- Cultural History. With a handful of notable traditional and current First Nations culture sites, guests will get a glimpse into the rich history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
- Bear Viewing. As we voyage up glacial fjords, we are given the chance to spot grizzly bears along the shoreline.
- Land & Sea Exploration. Ample time to explore rocky outcrop islands and the towering cedar trees by morning or evening kayak trips and midday hikes.
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.
Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning in Port McNeill, and escape civilization into a maze of islands and waterways featuring old growth forests, rugged archipelagos, cozy anchorages, and amazing wildlife.
Kayaking the protected waters of our nightly anchorages, daily shore excursions, and chances to raise the sails add to the expedition as a taste of everything British Columbia has to offer.
Our focus these days will be on the waters of Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and Queen Charlotte Strait where we hope to encounter whales. Two species of Orca can be spotted in these waters: Northern Resident Orca and Bigg’s (transient) Orca. In addition, keep watch for the blows of humpback whales whose population has made a significant comeback to these waters.We will visit the modern Kwakwaka’wakw community of Alert Bay to visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre. A highlight of their display is the impressive Potlatch Collection featuring masks and regalia which were confiscated by the Canadian government in 1921. The Kwakwaka’wakw people fought for decades for the return of these sacred items. Thanks to their efforts, these important items now help us learn about the art, culture, and history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
We will spend time navigating the labyrinth of undeveloped islands of Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park. Exploring within these multitude of islands, we can search for different species of marine mammals, observe a variety of sea bird species, and visit remote beaches.
As we travel deeper into the coastal fjords surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains we enter an important habitat for grizzly bears and black bears. Starting in August, salmon return to spawn and this essential source of food concentrates bears in estuaries and along the rivers in the best places to fish.
We return to Port McNeill late morning to complete our voyage. Guests can plan to catch afternoon flights from nearby Port Hardy or explore the area further on their own.
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 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.
