Unleash your inner explorer and settle into the rhythm of the Salish Sea—on both sides of the United States/Canadian border. There'll be plenty of time for discovering the area's wildlife and wonders.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:
- Boutique yacht adventure—only 22 guests
- Princess Louisa Inlet—A World's Most Beautiful Place (Condé Nast)
- San Juan, Harmony, and Gulf Islands
- Kayak, paddle board, and skiff in Princess Louisa Inlet, Buccaneer Bay, and Jervis Inlet
- Search for orcas, eagles, and Dall's porpoise
- Leisure time to explore Victoria, British Columbia High Tea at Victoria's Empress Hotel
- Visit the Whale Museum in quaint Friday Harbor
- Casual beachcombing and guided nature walks
- Cruise the Seattle waterfront
- Gunkholing in a yachters' paradise
Day to Day Itinerary
Roundtrip Seattle, Washington
DAY 1 Seattle, Washington – Embarkation
Transfer to the Safari Quest at Seattle’s waterfront, where the crew greets you with champagne and smiles. Set sail and enjoy cocktail hour and dinner before nestling in to a remote anchorage for the evening.
DAY 2 Victoria, British Columbia
After clearing customs, it’s all ashore in downtown Victoria. Take High Tea at the elegant Empress Hotel, then enjoy time on your own to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum or browse the quaint shops nuzzled about this garden city. Back on board the yacht, set sail through the Gulf Islands and settle into the rhythm of the Salish Sea.
DAY 3 Harmony Islands
Discover nature’s wonders today off the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Kayaks and skiff rides keep you busy in sheltered Buccaneer Bay—home to visiting sea lions, tide pools, driftwood, and a superb spot for birding. The word “Skookumchuch” means strong water in Chinook, and at Skookumchuck Rapids, one of the largest saltwater rapids on Canada’s west coast, trek two miles on an easygoing ramble in the forest.
DAY 4 Princess Louisa Inlet
After passing through the Malibu Rapids, you’ll enter the calm waters of Princess Louisa Inlet, one of the 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 for exploration on foot and by kayak. Enjoy the evening solitude relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or join your yachtmates for a nightcap in the salon.
DAY 5 Jervis Inlet
Set the morning aside for paddling or exploring the inlet by skiff before heading out to the “yachter’s paradise” of Jervis Inlet. With binoculars in-hand, keep all eyes open for orca, porpoise, seals, and sea lions along the rocky shoreline as you cruise through the waters of Princess Royal Reach and around Jedediah Island—the most diverse in a chain of more than thirty islands and islets in the area.
DAY 6 Captain's Choice - Gulf Islands
Situated in the heart of the Salish Sea, today's passage carries you south, back into the protected waters of the Gulf Islands where intricate passages are home to some of the best kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. These islands harbor artist’s hamlets, organic farms, and sublime glacier-carved landscapes in a backdrop painted with harbor seals, bald eagles, pelicans, sea lions, and Douglas-fir. Land and sea explorations await—and it’ll be a treat—wherever the tides take you.
DAY 7 Washington’s San Juan Islands / Friday Harbor
An early start has you meandering through the San Juan Islands—172 islands and rocky islets make up this archipelago. On the largest of the islands, San Juan Island, you’ll clear customs in the tiny town of Friday Harbor before a visit to the intriguing Whale Museum. Learn about the resident pods of orca that call these island waters home before getting underway for a day of “gunkholing,” or exploring, as landlubbers would say. The scenery is stunning and the passages are just right. Be on watch for orca and other marine wildlife. Delight in a festive Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening and enjoy a picturesque recap of the week with your expedition leader.
DAY 8 Seattle – Disembark
After breakfast on board, the Captain and crew bid you a fond farewell. Safe travels to all!
