Islands and Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest: A Kayaking Adventure

Kayakers – from beginners to experienced – can enjoy this expedition. Our sea kayaks are extremely stable, and with the assistance of our guides anyone can learn in a matter of minutes. For the experienced kayaker there will be daily opportunities for long, vigorous paddles (up to 4 hours), but it will also be possible to do leisurely explorations if you prefer. There will always be a Zodiac trailing behind, for safety as well as for picking up anyone who decides that they’ve had enough for the day. And each day, in addition to the kayaking, there will be other activities, such as hiking, Zodiac cruises, or just relaxing on deck. During the night our “floating lodge” will be under way and the next morning you will awake in another unique and beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 — Vancouver/Embark
Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the major port for all of western Canada. It lies in a stunning setting, surrounded almost completely by water, with snowcapped mountains rising vertically from its very backyard. We embark in the heart of this thriving city after breakfast. (B,L,D)

DAY 2 — Princess Louisa Inlet
One of the most beautiful fjords along the entire coast of Alaska and British Columbia is Princess Louisa Inlet. With our nimble vessel we are able to navigate through the narrowest parts of the fjord to reach Chatterbox Falls at the very head of the inlet. From there, with kayaks or Zodiacs we can drift along beneath the spectacular sheer granite face of the fjord, and along shorelines of big-leaf maple and western red cedar. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 — Desolation Sound, British Columbia
Desolation Sound, on the north end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is a mecca for kayakers and small yachts. It’s easy to understand why, with its calm, sheltered waters and outstanding natural beauty. By kayak there are many isolated bays to poke into and islets that beckon for exploration. On land there are meadows and forest trails for hiking. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — The Discovery Islands of British Columbia
Today we explore the almost endless possibilities that exist among these beautiful protected waterways. In the strait between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland is an archipelago of more than 250 islands, and they provide the perfect setting for kayaking. The rain shadow created by the Olympic Mountains to the southwest means significantly less rainfall for this particular area, and subsequently a more diverse plant community. Kayaking close along the shoreline of one of the many islands one might spot nesting cormorants on the cliffs above, harbor seals hauled out on a gravelly beach and, just inches below, bright purple sea stars and red urchins.(B,L,D)

DAY 5-6 — San Juan Islands
Tucked away in the northwest corner of the United States is a cluster of idyllic, forested islands known for their tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. More than 80 of the 172 islands of the San Juans have been set aside as part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, for the protection of seals, sea lions, river otters and many species of pelagic birds. More bald eagles nest here than anywhere else in the continental United States, and the waters are home to three separate pods of orcas. There are countless places to choose from for our “elbow height” explorations of the islands. The Sea Bird gives us easy access to the more remote and seldom visited islands, where intriguing shorelines beckon. We’ll also visit the charming little town of Friday Harbor, with its galleries featuring the work of local artists, and its renowned whale museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Seattle, Washington/Disembark
Sail into Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains to the west, majestic Mount Rainier to the south, and the skyline of Seattle and the Cascade Mountains to the east. This afternoon disembark the Sea Bird in the heart of Seattle’s bustling waterfront. (D)

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