Top Vancouver Cruises: Sailing Tours & Reviews

Vancouver, a city surrounded by water and gorgeous mountains, is arguably best enjoyed from the ocean, and there are truly very many options out there for folks looking to do that, from quick harbor hops to sunset dinner sails. Figuring out where to begin isn’t always easy, is that so? To maybe get you going, here’s just a little look at what could be considered some of the supreme boat excursions this stunning city happens to offer.

1. Sunset Dinner Cruise: A Feast for the Senses

There’s a reason a sunset dinner cruise tends to be first on many folks’ lists, you see, and that’s the way you combine scrumptious dining with breathtaking scenic beauty; and actually, what’s more to like? You almost always start your evening in the late afternoon, just when Vancouver’s skyline starts to get a little painted with the golden light. Some operators use boats with both outside decks and indoor dining areas, that allows passengers some very spectacular 360-degree views while they are busy enjoying their dinner. What kinds of dinners, might you ask? It all can be, depending on the tour operator, everything from prime rib to wild local salmon.

One standout company here is probably Harbour Cruises. I’m told that they’ve got really well-regarded dinner cruises, is that right? What tends to really impress people tends to be the impeccable service plus super fresh seafood dishes, right? And while the food happens to be great, the main event actually may be the light itself. Watching how the sun goes down at sea is something special; the colours are always seemingly just more intense, you know? The way the sky meets the water really is quite romantic and almost a bit magical, actually, especially if you happen to share it all with someone you may love.

Now, this kinda tour tends to be rather popular, right? So it is probably a pretty good idea to book somewhat in advance. Thinking of bringing kids? You might want to double check what the tour provider’s age restrictions are before going further. Thinking about how you’ll get on board? Look up what transportation options and parking look like. Read our full review: Vancouver Sunset Dinner Cruise Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Vancouver Sunset Dinner Cruise)

2. Granville Island Ferry: A Quaint & Quick Experience

So, taking a bit of a different turn from full-blown cruises, taking one of the many mini ferries that go over to Granville Island has always been a must for those who want the Vancouver vibes, but at a relaxed pace and in small doses. You can think about it a bit like hopping onto one of those old cable cars in San Francisco – but, in Vancouver, it is on the water, and frankly a really common form of transportation for many, I hear. Aquabus Ferries and False Creek Ferries both offer these, what some might call iconic, mini trips, right, all throughout False Creek. It probably goes without saying, but they depart frequently throughout the day, offering an experience that you might consider a quick jaunt, if you just need to make a very fast connection, and also as a great and rather inexpensive tour route as well.

What really helps separate the island from much of the rest of the city is how vibrant it feels. With just a slightly meandering walk you will probably catch artisans showing their wares off, the smells from places that are cooking, plus the super active Public Market – and then so much more. This ferry gets you there pretty fast. Also, it is one of the best locations around for photography, yet.

Consider catching a sunset ferry trip from nearly anywhere downtown. The way the water reflects the lights of the city gives some great looks to share. If you feel like stretching your legs a little after that, then maybe grab an ice cream before you ride back? Check schedules just a little in advance, yet. And watch out for winds. Water and winds could maybe mean slight spray, too it’s almost just part of things.

Read our full review: Granville Island Ferry Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Granville Island Ferry)

3. Whale Watching Tours: Encountering Giants

Going on whale watching tours around Vancouver offers you, like your, chance to glimpse orcas, humpbacks and other sea life, does that not interest you? Such trips usually run anywhere from about three to five hours – if they don’t go on even longer – as these guides tend to take people all the way out into the Salish Sea, right where a few pods call home, very regularly. These tend to be very seasonal. But when tours are actually on, people that participate can enjoy some awesome sights plus learn stuff from the staff (usually marine biologists) on the boat, yet.

The most well-regarded outfitters for these tours seem to be Vancouver Whale Watch and Prince of Whales Whale Watching. You get, actually, like your money’s worth in comfort, in safe, high-speed boats which get people fast to the very richest spots, seemingly. Onboard, guides tend to make sure guests understand where to keep a lookout and some facts that enhance everything.

When is probably a perfect moment to hit this type of thing? Tours are there, but really get hot during summertime, yet. When heading out, remember to layer your outfits because at sea things tend to get cool quickly. And maybe get ready to keep an eye out: while seeing a whale really feels good, one might even spy other local friends like seals, eagles, and porpoises, yet.

Read our full review: Vancouver Whale Watching Tours Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Watching Tours)

4. Harbour Tours: Quick Dips into Scenic Bliss

Taking a Vancouver harbour tour means exploring Vancouver from another view for just about one or two hours. So if a whale trip maybe seems kinda big, these excursions almost offer someone all the scenery but with the convenience of just getting back fast for other commitments. It isn’t usually long on them to show the best part of this area. Those types of cruises usually navigate right along the harbor near the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, plus past parts downtown itself.

Once again, a well-known option happens to be Harbour Cruises, who you should ask? You want to know why? Because they provide an informative narration while cruising; tourists, on their ships, discover stories regarding the local history. It means travellers also see Coal Harbour or English Bay really differently afterwards.

If seeing such a tour, ensure they have places inside with big window seats available, right? That kinda setting helps, no question. Remember though when heading out that Vancouver’s coast scenery changes tons, weather and daylight dependent; morning or dusk often can give really various lighting that makes a photo shine. Read reviews prior to deciding, and watch too that boats’ open roofs maybe are only offered on days the weather happens to feel warmer.

Read our full review: Vancouver Harbour Tours Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Vancouver Harbour Tours)

5. Private Sailing Charters: Craft Your Own Adventure

For a few that wanna customize an experience almost entirely, consider looking into maybe one of Vancouver’s numerous private charters on yachts or sailboats, actually. Private charters allow someone total freedom that, honestly, you don’t always get in just those fixed group arrangements. If something to mark becomes relevant to you, perhaps that really would mean maybe setting sail for a day with people there by your choosing to wherever you fancy doing that in that bay. In comparison with other experiences, the thing that really sets this trip apart becomes just that kind of personalized feel, very definitely, yet.

Companies around the bay such as Pacific Yachting and Vancouver Yacht Charters tend to give various boat selections that span nearly different levels regarding boats or prices alike. You may like taking something out that, say, almost just has two family members inside? You might also charter for up to 12 guests. So, really just how far can this reach, is that so? They tend to set sail around local zones which can also range fairly greatly around Howe Sound itself, or across Indian Arm.

Planning properly to have really nice days turns crucial, so think it through and then plan the perfect itinerary. If maybe celebrating any type of memorable occasion with people right then; talking to the people providing will make certain it ends perfectly.

Read our full review: Vancouver Private Sailing Charters Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Vancouver Private Sailing Charters)