Top BC Cruises & Sailing Tours: A Detailed Review
British Columbia, with its seriously beautiful coastline, that almost has you thinking it stretches forever, provides what you might think are endless chances to get out on the water. Whether you’re very into the relaxation that comes with a cruise or you actually favor the freedom of a sailing tour, there is certainly something just waiting for you. I wanted to share a careful look at five options which I, for one, think could offer you very cool ways to see the amazing beauty of BC from a totally unique point of view.
1. The Coastal Explorer: A Taste of the Inside Passage
This one, very popular trip, gives you, the potential explorer, a really awesome glimpse of the Inside Passage. It is what you might call a shorter cruise, that is great for those who would rather not commit to, like, a super long adventure at sea. I mean, what they do is typically start in Vancouver, of course, and right away goes deep into the fjords and inlets that the area’s so known for. What I find pretty cool, you get to see, very up close, things like whales, eagles, and, depending on the time of year, perhaps even bears near the shore, honestly.
You might want to think of it like this: picture this rather cozy ship with just enough amenities so that you’re comfy, very yet not really overwhelmed, right? I guess they, usually, plan stops at super picturesque small towns that, actually, add to the charm; places like, say, Alert Bay, which has this really rich First Nations history that kind of comes alive when you’re there. You see the traditional art, get a bit into the local culture, and, by the way, maybe snag a really cool handcrafted souvenir that’s a bit more special.
Read our full review: Inside Passage Cruise Full Review and Details
2. Gulf Islands Getaway: A Sailing Adventure
Those who really enjoy the feeling of the wind and want some hands-on stuff, well, this, very tour might just grab your attention, basically. The Gulf Islands offer this somewhat calmer water compared to the open ocean, I’d say, so it could be, pretty perfect for, those with, I guess, slightly less sailing experience. That, in itself, could provide what some might find is the awesome bonus: you’re, rather often, encouraged to help with the sailing—raise the sails, even steer a bit—learning, actually, as you go.
There’s, just a bit, of something for nature lovers here, I find. Lots of chances to watch sea lions lounging, maybe even spot an orca or two kind of in the distance. You might even go for swims in really secluded bays that not many people ever find. You’re, in some respects, exploring, relaxing, and just very soaking up the gorgeous island scenery which you might just really enjoy. In some ways, that is pretty great.
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3. Vancouver Island Circumnavigation: A Complete Coastal Experience
Going around Vancouver Island is quite an adventure, I think. The trip can be around, say, 10 to 14 days usually and provides a full picture of the west coast lifestyle and natural beauty. I almost get the feeling it is like seeing BC’s highlight reel, the long trip taking you, I’d have thought, past tough coastlines to peaceful inlets, too it’s almost got it all.
Places like Tofino offer world-renowned surfing, I find, plus beaches which, usually, look kind of dreamy and stretch for miles. Then, when you’re there, you might want to visit Victoria, of course. Very much full of gardens and heritage buildings; it could be that you get a small taste of European flair. On your boat there is just a bit for you, whether you enjoy watching, very untouched nature or looking around historical villages which, basically, will remind you of simpler times, I mean this cruise certainly has what people say, ‘something for everyone’.
Read our full review: Vancouver Island Cruise Full Review and Details
4. Haida Gwaii Expedition: Discover Indigenous Culture
If you, for instance, are interested in going on something slightly unusual, you might choose to see Haida Gwaii. That also offers so much culturally and has some absolutely gorgeous landscape, actually. The area has been known to some, you see, as the “Galapagos of the North”, which I understand emphasizes its rare biodiversity as a highlight, actually. These cruises usually run smaller expedition ships. They usually also make the tours all about responsible interaction and making sure any effects on where they take tourists are always going to be tiny.
Getting into Haida culture is rather great and really deepens your adventure, basically. You often get guided tours from local people that make these historical villages so much better because it is, actually, like listening to stories right from the source instead of some book— hearing what their ancestors thought and sharing some myths. It provides, really, more heart than some standard tour may. So there is the trip, I find; it does not simply entertain us, but expands minds, right?
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5. Whale Watching Cruises: The Wildlife Spectacle
If marine life seems attractive, numerous cruises just dedicate time toward looking at whales up close. What some find good is because several leave from places like Victoria or Vancouver during the prime season which runs from, like, May through October, so you might see the resident orcas who go there yearly when they come into those seas hunting salmon along with so many other animals who arrive with warmer tides, I’d have thought.
Guides usually share information on what different behaviors these animals display and everything involving whale preservation that teaches guests not merely about appreciation and observation from boats safely away—they also discuss matters crucial when talking safety and animal environment standards—all within respectful limits, very for those creatures, that gives others an appreciation of their surroundings around boats or near seas frequented yearly etc..
Read our full review: Whale Watching British Columbia Full Review and Details