Desolation Sound | Micro Cruising | On Water Expeditions

Discover the pristine beauty of Desolation Sound

The beautiful converted tug 'Swell'

Kayaking Desolation Sound

Orca pod in Desolation Sound

Mountainous surroundings in Desolation Sound

Brown Bear in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

Spring blooms in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

Discover the rich indigenous culture of Desolation Sound

Exploring Desolation Sound

Sea lions in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

The beautiful converted tug 'Swell'

Kayaking Desolation Sound

Orca pod in Desolation Sound

Mountainous surroundings in Desolation Sound

Brown Bear in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

Spring blooms in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

Discover the rich indigenous culture of Desolation Sound

Exploring Desolation Sound

Sea lions in Desolation Sound | Tavish Campbell

NEW

5 Days$2950USD

View Inclusions

Activities

Wilderness cruising, hiking & optional kayaking

Accommodation

4 nights aboard Swell

Meals

4 Dinners
4 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Discovery and Cruising

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Thoughtful Travel
Inclusions
Accommodation
Cabins
Bike Information
Trail Surface
About your leader
Departure dates
Book now
Essential information
Trip reviews
Related articles
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Trip highlights

Wildlife, wildflowers, mountains, sailing, and island hopping
Enjoy whale sightings, seabirds, and if we are lucky, a spring-foraging bear
Expert locals to guide you as you discover hidden coves, wander beaches, and kayak among the fjords
See up close the unique colours of arbutus trees and salmonberry flowers that bloom in spring
Optional Kayaking included in the voyage cost

Desolation Sound, a breathtaking marine paradise on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is anything but desolate. A haven for kayakers, boaters, and nature lovers, this vast network of fjords and inlets boasts warm, sheltered waters teeming with marine life, from playful seals to soaring bald eagles. Towering evergreen forests cascade down to rocky shorelines, while snow-capped mountains rise dramatically in the distance. Glide across glassy waters, uncover hidden coves, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil anchorages on this intimate voyage. As you delve into the region’s rich Indigenous history and untouched wilderness, Desolation Sound reveals itself as a true escape into nature’s raw beauty. Our adventure takes place aboard Swell, a classic, wooden tugboat designed for the ultimate in guest comfort.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Join in Campbell River, embark Swell

Welcome aboard in Campbell River and cruise to Cortez Island. Here we enjoy our first rainforest walks with our naturalists. We will enjoy a village visit in a small community before settling in with a welcome dinner.

Meals: L,D

Day 2
West Redonda Island

Today we cruise to spectacular Teakerne Arm on West Redonda Island. Here waterfalls plunge down a steep cut in the island’s cliffs, where we’ll moor. We undertake a dry rainforest and rocky buff walk to a lake with a picnic lunch. This afternoon is s[ent cruising the scenic passages between West Rodonda and the mainland. We enter a small fjord at Roscoe Bay were we make anchorage and enjoy a beach walk and optional evening kayak.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Toba Inlet

Today we cruise into Toba Inlet. This spectacular fjord, 35 km long, cuts deep into the coast mountains. As you cruise the snow-capped peaks tower above. Watch for seals and sea lions, seabirds and other animals. This evening we arrive at Prideaux Haven, at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Explore Prideaux Haven

Cruise the mainland shore to the Copeland Islands. Investigate the wildlife that lives on these small islets by journeying ashore with your naturalist.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Disembark in Campbell River, where trip concludes

Cruise to Campbell River across the Strait of Georgia, watching for wildlife. Possible sightings of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and marine birds. Trip concludes on arrival at Campbell River.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of craft beer
Transfers to and from the the ship in Campbell River
Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
Specialist expedition staff
All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (for guests with a recreational fishing license)
Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
Pre-departure information

What's not included

International or domestic flights to the start and end point
Passport, visa and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and or airport departure taxes
Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
Emergency evacuation charges
Travel Insurance
Customary end of voyage tips
Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)
Fishing licenses are not included and must be acquired by guests wanting to fish prior to their trip.

Cabins

Swell

Category 3 cabins

Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.

Swell

Category 2 Cabins (Option 1)

Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.

Swell

Category 2 Cabins (Option 2)

Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.

Swell

Category 1 Cabins

Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5? x 30?). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.

Departure dates

Notes

Optional hiking and kayaking is included in the voyage cost.

Mandatory Sustainable travel fee & 5% Canadian GST is payable and is NOT included in the cabin cost

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2950USD

Options & Supplements*

Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)USD$160
5% Canadian GST on Category 1 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$145
5% Canadian GST on Category 2 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$165
5% Canadian GST on Category 3 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$195
Category 2 cabin upgradeUSD$410
Category 3 cabin upgradeUSD$1055

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Desolation Sound in Spring aboard Swell trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.