Our 8- day Fiordland Yacht Cruise in British Columbia will take us into some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Great Bear Rainforest. Backdrops of mountain peaks still blanketed in snow provide a dramatic contrast to the azure blue skies of spring. Towering granite walls rise thousands of feet out of the inky sea and at this time of year, are laced with waterfalls being fed by spring’s melt. The lush green river estuaries are carpeted in the protein rich sedge grasses and budding wildflowers and are teeming with life.

The focus of this Fiordland Yacht Cruise in British Columbia

Bears just out of hibernation come to these estuaries to feast on the protein rich sedge grasses, wolves may be seen as they come in search of a meal for their pups, and birds -- some seen here only in spring -- have come to nest and raise their young.

These ancient lands carved out by receding glaciers are also the traditional lands of the Kitasoo / Xaixais First Nations people who now reside in the village of Klemtu. Cultural interpreter and lead bear guide Doug Neasloss of Klemtu will join us for three days.

As you travel into the heart of the estuaries with Doug and Eric you will not only be enjoying amazing bear viewing, but also learning about the history and culture of Doug’s people. Taught to him by the Elders of his village, Doug can show you plants that were used for medicine and food.

Near the end of our trip we will visit the village of Klemtu and visit the cultural focal point of the village, their Big House. The carved and hand painted poles and cross beams in the Big House represent the clans of the village… eagles, ravens, bears, frogs, and whales. Standing beneath these awe- inspiring poles you can feel the strength they bring to their people.

As you travel these immeasurable lands with your guides you will get to the very heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. As you enter the tidal channels beneath the towering granite walls you will hear the sound of water rushing over thousands of feet of granite.

As you walk beneath canopies of cedar, spruce and hemlock and along the velvety green estuaries, you may hear the melodies of songbirds, the distant howl of a wolf, or the call of an eagle as they return to their nest to feed their mate.

At the end of the day, as you sit on the forward deck of the ship enjoying the pink of the alpenglow on the snowy peaks of the coastal range… you will know what keeps our guests coming back.

As we travel from Bella Bella where you will board the ship, to Fiordland -- and as we return there at the end of this trip -- we will travel along waterways that are rich in marine life. It is not unusual to see whales, have dolphins or porpoise ride on the ship’s wake and perhaps even spot a sea otter.

About our vessel

Our 54-foot motor yacht will be your home base for these 8 days. The vessel is a Hatteras long range cruiser, designed and built to cross any ocean. It is Transport Canada certified as a passenger vessel, carrying all the latest navigation and safety equipment. Her Captain and owner, Eric Boyum, (a professional firefighter when not chartering), is a Transport Canada certified Captain, also certified in wilderness first aide as well as all the certifications of a firefighter. Trish Boyum, your chef, also has her Marine Emergency Duties Certification and Food Safety Certificate. Our crew person Nikki who has worked with us for years, will complete our crew.

Guests will enjoy private accommodation (based on double occupancy). There are two full bathrooms on board, each with electric flush toilets, (no hand pumps on board this ship!). Bath towels and face cloths are provided for guests, as is all bedding and linens, including pillows with cases, bottom sheet, and duvet (non down filled), with cover. Hand towels are changed daily, in each of the bathrooms.

On board, guests can lounge in the spacious comfort of our salon/galley area and enjoy the endless waterfalls as they pass by outside. A large, cozy couch for sitting and reading, for visiting with other guests, or for an afternoon siesta, is a much sought after spot. Across from the couch, there is an L-shaped settee with a table, perfect for setting up your laptop to look at photos, play cards, or have a cup of tea and a cookie, and visit with the chef as she creates your next meal.

Across from the galley is a ‘coffee bar’ with an assortment of teas, coffee, hot chocolate, a bowl of fruit and granola bars, as well as homemade cookies or other treats—all available for you to help yourself. Guests love dining in our “revolving restaurant”— sitting at the dining table in our pilothouse with virtually a 360degree view, as the boat turns in the tide at anchor, or as we travel to our next location.

As we travel, guests are welcome to join the Captain in the pilothouse for briefings on points of interest, wildlife sightings, navigation instruction or to take a take a turn at the wheel of the ship. Whether it’s getting involved in the navigation and steering of the ship or just relaxing in the pilothouse with a cup of coffee, a baked treat and a good book, guests always enjoy this area of the ship.

Outside on the foredeck there is plenty of room for photographers or for guests to relax on the long settee. The aft deck, the entrance to the ship, is covered, providing ample room for stowing outdoor gear, to take photographs from in rainy weather, and for the chef’s herb garden. All in all, there is plenty of room on board for guests to visit with one another or find a quiet spot for some solitude.

Our trips offer the highest crew - guest ratio with a maximum of 4-5 guests per trip. We feel that this enables us to provide better safety and a more intimate trip as well as less impact on the wilderness and the animals we visit.

Activities

After time ashore, sit on deck and enjoy the magnificent ocean vistas, the towering granite cliffs that protect our anchorage, or take a kayak and explore the shoreline—all this while the next meal is being prepared for you.

Fishing rods and lures are available to help bring in the "catch of the day" or provide bait for the crab and prawn traps.

West Coast cuisine

Your chef will create fresh and delicious dishes using the finest ingredients available. Breakfasts could include such delicacies as smoked salmon frittatas with fresh fruit and home baked bread. At lunch, on most days, a buffet will be laid out for you, including a freshly made soup or salad. Seafood dinners such as wild salmon with a miso glaze or crab with drawn butter or enjoy pork tenderloin with a cranberry/balsamic/rosemary sauce and seasonal vegetables.

White chocolate/macadamia nut cookies, freshly baked cheesecake with berries, chocolate mousse, crème brule, apple crunch pie with whipped cream, cheese and fruit platters with port……….deserts to tempt you abound.

All snacks, appetizers, meals and beverages -- including a selection of wines or beer with dinner are included in the price of your trip. Those wishing a drink before dinner are welcome to bring their own with them -- to enjoy only when we are at anchor.

Most special diets can be accommodated, but must be discussed with the chef at the time of booking. Depending on the extent of the special diet, a surcharge may be applied.

Meals included in the trip are lunch on Day 1 to early brunch on Day 7.

What is included:

• Private accommodation (based on double occupancy) aboard our 54-foot motor yacht.
• All snacks, meals, and beverages (including wine/beer with dinner) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
• B.C. V.Q.A. wines served with dinners.
• All bedding, including duvet with cover, sheets, and pillows with cases make up your very comfortable bed on board. 
• A selection of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes are on board as well as bath towels and facecloths. 
• Three days with Doug Neasloss, lead bear guide and cultural interpreter for the Kitasoo / Xaixais First Nations people. (Doug will be living on board the ship with us.)
• The services of our professional crew, guide(s), and chef.
• Use of kayaks and other equipment on board.
• Use of fishing tackle on board if you wish to fish
• Permit fees to limited access areas
• First Nations development fees
• B.C Park permits fees

 What’s Not Included:

• Applicable taxes
• Airplane or other transportation to and from Bella Bella
• Extra insurance for medical evacuation, travel interruption/cancellation etc.
• Surcharge for special diets may apply. Please enquire as soon as possible.
• Fishing license if you wish to fish
• Gratuities, customary in this business,(maybe discussed with your Captain).