Sail through the inlets and islands that so inspired Captain George Vancouver. Here, orca whales move silently through the water in search of salmon. Seals and sea lions lounge on rocky islets, black bears and deer flourish in the deep evergreen forests, and snow-capped mountains fall steeply to the waters.
Experience sandy beaches and charming towns and cities such as Friday Harbor, in Washington's San Juan Islands, and Victoria, British Columbia. Whether you're browsing art galleries in hideaway ports or kayaking in the wilderness fjords of the Pacific coastal mountains, you'll find a world rich in nature and culture waiting.
Highlights:
* Experience fall colors and High Tea at Buchart Gardens
* Kayak and small-boat exploration of pristine fjords and islands
* Extended time in stunning Princess Louisa Inlet
* Visit Royal B.C. Museum
* Daily insights from your onboard Exploration Leader/Naturalist
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Safari Quest, docked at Seattle’s historic Fishermen’s Terminal. The crew will greet you with champagne and smiles as you set sail. Soon after departing, transit the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, being lowered 20 feet from freshwater Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound. En route enjoy cocktail hour and dinner prior to arriving in a pristine bay for your evening anchorage.
Day 2: Victoria, British Columbia & Buchart Gardens
Settle into the rhythm of the Salish Sea as you leave busy lives behind. Cruise along the “inside track” between the eastern shoreline and the mainland as you ship heads north towards Victoria, British Columbia. After clearing customs, travel to Butchart Gardens to view the 52-acres of botanical wonder and to enjoy a traditional British “High Tea.” After your time at Butchart Gardens, travel to downtown Victoria at leisure; visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, the historic and elegant Empress Hotel and the array of quaint shops that are nestled throughout the garden city. This afternoon transfer back to the yacht and set sail for Jervis Inlet.
Day 3: Jervis Inlet & the Harmony Islands
Known as a “yachter’s paradise,” today explore the protected waters of Jervis Inlet. Be sure to have binoculars in-hand and all eyes open for orca whales, porpoise, hundreds of seals, and sea lions out on the rocks along the shoreline. Explore the sheltered Harmony Islands as you take to the surrounding waters in your kayak or join the crew in the skiff to explore more. Those who have a zest for adventure may join the crew for a truly natural shower at Friel Lake Falls, a cascade that plummets 1,400 feet before relinquishing its water in a voluminous, sea level spray.
Day 4: Princess Louisa Inlet
Today roam on shore and along the calm waters of Princess Louisa Inlet, considered one of the ten most beautiful locations on earth. Princess Louisa Inlet, only half a mile wide and walled in by 5,000-foot, near-vertical mountains, culminates at the tremendous Chatterbox Falls. Anchor in the inlet and enjoy an exploration on foot and by kayak. Before retiring for the evening, enjoy the solitude while relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or enjoy a nightcap in the salon with your fellow yachtmates.
Day 5: Nanaimo / Gulf Islands
After crossing the Strait of Georgia visit the city of Nanaimo. Once docked, enjoy the picturesque waterfront promenade and marina. Upon returning to the yacht, set sail to cruise among the protected waters of the Gulf Islands heading south towards Washington’s San Juan Islands. The Executive Chef prepares another delectable dinner as the captain drops anchor in a specially-selected cove for the evening.
Day 6: Washingtons San Juan Islands / Friday Harbor
The day will have you meandering through the hundreds of untouched islands in the San Juan’s. Be on the watch for orca whales and other marine wildlife. Dock at Friday Harbor on the largest of the islands, San Juan Island. You’ll have time at leisure to stroll through the tiny town’s boutique shops and art galleries and visit the intriguing Whale Museum, where you will learn about the resident pods of orca that call these island waters home.
Day 7: Coastal Cruising
Cruising through open seascapes and islands of the Pacific Northwest, the scenery is stunning and the passages are just right for “gunkholing,” or exploring, as landlubbers would say. A highlight is a stop at one of the most striking places in the San Juan Islands, Stuart Island. Enjoy a hike along a bluff to the Turning Point Lighthouse. Back on board, join the Captain on the bridge to fully enjoy the abounding wilderness and calming sense of solitude or relax on deck while keeping an eye out for orcas and other sea life. Tonight, delight in a festive Captain’s Farewell dinner while nestled in a picturesque cove.
Day 8: Seattle / Disembark
After breakfast on board the Captain and crew will bid you a fond farewell. A transfer to the Seattle airport or local hotel is included. Safe travels to all!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Navigator Cabin
C1, C2, C3, C4, C6. King, queen or twin beds, elevated port holes, private bath.
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy.
- Quoted rates include all excursions, meals, educational programming, and transfers.
Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.