Guided Tours
The Blowhole with Johnston Strait in DistanceYou didn't buy a boat to stay in the harbour. Virtually everyone who buys a small boat intends to use it to explore the quiet backwaters of the coast, and experience, first hand, the incredible natural beauty just a short way across the water. Unfortunately many people soon find that they don't have the experience or expertise to venture very far from home with safety and comfort. Your boat is probably very able, it is probably well-equipped, the only thing lacking to make coastal explorations a reality, is a little upgrading to your skills, and a way to jump start your confidence. We can do that for you.
How it works
Our tours are designed to teach you and your first mate all the skills you will need to enjoy years of cruising on your own, at the same time providing a setting where you can practice and hone your skills under the watchful eye of a capable teacher and companion. Best of all you will be learning and honing your skills on the grounds while travelling through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
The tidal range is big. The currents are fast. The weather can change in minutes. The islands and channels are like a jigsaw puzzle. But you will learn to deal with all of it and enjoy yourself along the way.
You go in your boat, I go in mine
Exploring in your own boat means that all your experience applies to your personal situation. You make all the decisions. I advise - you decide. You get to practice everything you learn and get the bragging rights for having been there and done that.
Beginning the trip
Rough Bay, SointulaWe form up the fleet in Sointula or Port McNeill. We check over your boat to be sure you have all the necessary equipment on board (a list will be provided ahead of time). We discuss the first day's route, paying careful attention to the tides and weather. We go over basic radio usage (we are in contact at all times) and talk about what we can expect to see along the way.
During the day we don't have to stick together. We all have the same destination. We will all know where everyone is at all times, but if some small bay or secondary channel looks inviting to you - go for it. I can advise you on local dangers and talk with you on the radio as you find your way around them.
In the evening we will anchor up in a protected bay. We will get together and talk over the day and plan the next one. You will learn by doing, and in doing you will gain experience and confidence.
Your boat
If your boat has a sheltered place to sleep and cook it's big enough for the trip. Speed is not important. My boat travels at about 6 knots, that's a mile every ten minutes. All our explorations are intended for a leisurely rate of travel. Lots of time for photography or sketching. Time to jig a cod or troll up a salmon. Drift around with the whales for an hour, there's time. Equipment is important. Chart, compass, anchor, radio, sounder (radar and GPS plotter optional) all of these keep you safe and keep you in control of the situation. If you're not completely sure on the use of any of these tools I will teach you both theory and practice.
As part of our packages we offer:
- Pre-arranged visits with private homes and public marinas for supplies like ice and showers.
- Tours of various points of local interest.
- Help on radio procedure, anchoring, boat docking, commercial traffic and how to treat it, customs in remote places, tides and currents, and weather.
Humpback Whales Hunting Herring
Wildlife in tour area include:
- Dall's Porpoises
- Pacific White-sided Dolphins
- Steller Sea Lions
- Humpback Whales
- Cougars
- Grizzly Bears
- Wolves
- Herons
- Eagles
- Orcas
- Large number of sea birds from both inside and outside waters
Fees
The price is $200 per day per boat. The optimum fleet is 5 boats, but larger or smaller groups can be accommodated. Trips are planned for 5 days (4 nights) but flexibility is possible for early bookings. Any time from the middle of May into October and beyond can be wonderful. The long days and short nights of June and July are a favourite. "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it" that's an old joke and not quite true. If the weather is bad, we wait. We will not run in a gale or any other unsafe condition. Sometimes we just have to wait for the weather to change. Be sure to leave extra time in your schedule to allow for changes. Coast guard statistics show that many serious accidents occur when people are pushing hard to get home. My philosophy is that it's better to get there late.
When you book your trip I will send you a list of the basic equipment you will need and what charts to have on board