Delve Into an Odyssey Through Geologic and Human Timescales
Walk through wildflower meadows, historic homesteads, and beautiful beaches this spring in the Gulf Islands, BC. Home to southern resident killer whales and many marine birds, seals, and sea lions- enjoy ample wildlife viewing and possible whale watching. Sail among eclectic island communities, under spring skies, and over sparkling waters.
Some people think they’ve “done” the Salish Sea or Gulf Islands if they’ve visited Victoria and Salt Spring Island. They’ve seen only the tiniest, most human-impacted snippet. Our trips leave off where the road ends, alongside sculpted sandstone shorelines, moist rainforests and eagles soaring along rocky bluffs. You’ll learn of Canada’s history in the region, and a history that’s existed far longer, the Coast Salish, as well as the diverse natural history.
- Deep Salish Sea immersion: sail beyond the road-accessible islands into remote sandstone shorelines, rainforests, and wild coastlines rarely seen by visitors to Victoria or Salt Spring Island.
- Wildlife-rich spring cruising: strong chances to see southern resident killer whales, seals, sea lions, marine birds, and eagles amid peak spring activity.
- Human and natural history focus: guided exploration of Coast Salish heritage, early homesteads, and geologic landscapes, with a Canadian Geographic–designed expedition itinerary aboard Maple Leaf or Swell.
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.
Day 1: Meet in Victoria and board your ship. Welcome reception, cruising to seabird island for viewing and historic discussion, Russell Island and shore walk with Salish and Kanaka history, and natural history. First night dinner and short lecture.
Day 2: Cruising spectacular Samsun Narrows, with history of European/Canadian exploration, and coastal First Nations history. Shore trips at Penelakut Island, Valdez Islands, historic sites. Cruising Polier Pass, shore trip Galiano Island, historic site. Short evening presentation.
Day 3: Exploring the outer islands on the edge of the ‘big sea’, Georgia Strait. Marine mammal view- ing. Exploring ashore on Cabbage and Tumbo Islands, settelr history, historic farmstead, beautiful beach. Optional kayaking.
Day 4: Exploring Gulf Islands National Park Reserve on the remote south end of Saturna Island. Shore trip includes old farmstead, spectacular vistas, forest ecology, and view of important Boundary Pass and the site of a dispute over the siting of the Canadian border. Cruising to further remote sites in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Evening presentation.
Day 5: Morning shore walk, optional kayaking, wrap-up and cruising to Sidney, watching for wildlife.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Swell
Vessel Type: Converted Tug
Passenger Capacity: 12
Length: 88 feet / 26.8 meters
Swell is an 88-foot converted coastal tug refitted to deliver a warm, character-rich expedition experience. Her solid timber construction, classic lines and thoughtful interior upgrades create an atmosphere of authenticity paired with comfort. With just 12 guests across six private cabins, the ship offers an intimate environment supported by a small, expert crew. Spaces such as the wood-panelled salon, panoramic wheelhouse, covered aft deck lounges, and upper-deck viewing areas provide calm, inviting places to relax between shore excursions. Daily life revolves around well-crafted meals from the galley, quiet moments in the hot tub, wildlife watching from the bow and easy access to the coastline via Zodiacs and kayaks.
Her compact size and rugged build allow her to reach locations inaccessible to larger vessels, giving guests close contact with coastal ecosystems, remote anchorages and wildlife-rich shorelines. Purpose-designed expedition tools—including two rigid-hull inflatables, four clear-bottom kayaks, fishing gear and a hydrophone—support a wide range of activities. Cabins vary from generous suites to efficient, well-designed smaller rooms, all with private ensuites and exterior doors for direct connection to the outdoors. The result is a boutique expedition platform that blends maritime heritage with practical comfort, delivering a human-scale, highly immersive coastal cruising experience.
