Sailing around the Whales of Canada

Starting from INR 331744

Overview Details

Duration9 days

Group Size5 to 10

SeasonSeptember - November

Description

Overview

Discover the incredible natural beauty of British Columbia as you cruise past mountains, bays and glacial valleys on your boutique yacht, looking out for orcas, sea lions and bald eagles soaring overhead. Board your boutique yacht, the Safari Quest, and embark on a journey to explore the remote and beautiful coastlines of British Columbia. Departing from Seattle, you will cruise through the Salish Sea witnessing some of the region’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, from the Douglas fir forests of the Gulf Islands to Princess Louisa Inlet and the spectacular Chatterbox Falls. Kayaks, paddleboards and hiking poles are on hand throughout your journey to let you venture out into the wilderness and explore at your own pace. WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY: 1) Stay aboard Safari Quest, a comfortable and stylish yacht with four decks from which to view the surrounding landscapes. 2) Observe marine wildlife including orcas, porpoises, sea lions and harbour seals from your ship. 3) Visit the Whale Museum in the quaint seaside town of Friday Harbour. 4) Hike or kayak to the Chatterbox Falls at the head of the beautiful Princess Louisa Inlet.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Touchdown in Seattle, Washington State's largest city, famous for its futuristic Space Needle and surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. Meet your driver at the airport who will transport you to your hotel. Enjoy the bustle of the city or simply rest before your voyage begins tomorrow.

Day 2: SEATTLE - EMBARK SAFARI QUEST

Your journey to the lodge is a spectacular adventure in itself, travelling past the breathtaking scenery of the central coast and over the rich waters of Queen Charlotte Strait, the home of orca, grey and humpback whales. Upon your arrival at the lodge, your hosts will be on the dock to welcome you to your wilderness retreat. In the afternoon, your grizzly bear experience begins. There are a number of different viewing areas, and your guide will choose the best one according to where the bears have been most active. Estuary sites are reached by boat, while river sites are reached by bus. In the evening you will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner. Overnight: Safari Quest (D)

Day 3: VICTORIA

Over the course of your stay you will visit a number of different areas, depending on recent bear activity. Other excursions include an interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear signs and the general ecology of the area; guided sea-kayaking tours of the estuary, or boat cruises to explore the glacier-carved inlet. You may even prefer to simply relax and enjoy the view from the lodge. The Great Bear Rainforest is also home to a wide range of animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 4: SUNSHINE COAST

Experience the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast, as you embark on small group skiff rides along rugged shorelines and sheltered bays, where you may encounter see lions and enjoy fantastic bird sightings. Journey through the Malibu Rapids to reach the calm waters of the breathtaking Princess Louisa Inlet, walled in on all sides by 7,000 foot mountains. Drop anchor in the inlet to explore the Chatterbox Falls on foot or by kayak, before returning to your yacht in the evening to relax in the hot tub. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 5: JERVIS INLET

In the morning, head out on a skiff or paddleboard for a final exploration of Princess Louisa Inlet, before sailing to Jervis Inlet, a 'yachter's paradise'. Cruising along the shorelines of Princess Royal Reach, keep your eye on the water for the chance of orca, porpoise and seal sightings. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 6: HARMONY ISLANDS

This morning you will enjoy a guided kayak or skiff tour of the remote Harmony Islands. After lunch on board, head ashore onto Jebediah Island, the most diverse of the islands, and hike through the Douglas fir forests of this provincial park. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 7: GULF ISLANDS

Sail south into the Salish Sea towards the Gulf Islands. Travel through the waterways of the islands, witnessing the picturesque towns and vineyards set against a backdrop of rugged glacial landscapes. Depending on the weather conditions, you may embark on a coastal hike or explore one of the quaint seaside towns, or continue on sailing in search of orcas. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 8: SAN JUAN ISLANDS

This morning you will awake to views of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago of 172 islands and rocky islets. Disembark at San Juan island in the small town of Friday Harbour, where you will visit the island's Whale Museum to learn more about the orca that reside in the seas of British Columbia. Afterwards, head out for a day of 'gunkholing' along the coast, enjoying the picturesque scenery and looking out for orca and other marine wildlife. This evening, you will join the Captain for your final farewell dinner on board your yacht. Overnight: Safari Quest (B, L, D)

Day 9: DEPART SEATTLE

After your final breakfast on board, bid farewell to your crew and fellow shipmates and disembark in Seattle. Head to the airport for your international flight home, or to your hotel ready for the next stage of your journey.

Cancellation Policy

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below, Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash. Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash. Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund. Cancellations will be accepted only by email. Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.