Travel with Dr Vergara
Learn about whales on a deeper level
Dr. Valeria Vergara co-directs Raincoast’s Cetacean Conservation Research Program. She holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Vergara did a Master’s in Behavioral Ecology and a BSc in Biology , both from Trent University in Ontario.
She is particularly interested in the communicative and perceptual capacities of marine mammals and the conservation implications of such capacities. In the last two decades, she has participated in a diverse array of cetacean field studies, including humpback whales, killer whales, Guiana dolphins, narwhals and beluga whales in various areas of Canada.
Her doctoral research was the first to document how beluga calves develop their rich repertoire of vocalizations, and to identify contact calls used to maintain group cohesion and mother-calf contact, critical in an underwater environment where animals cannot rely on vision. More recently, she paired underwater recordings with aerial drone footage to provide preliminary evidence that beluga contact calls may be individually distinctive and function as “acoustic name tags” and she is currently working in the St Lawrence Estuary to corroborate this finding. Her study on impacts of underwater noise on mother-calf acoustic communication showed that masking of the quiet, underdeveloped calls of neonates by noise can impair mother-calf contact.
Her work continues to address the challenges that sound-centered species face in their increasingly noisy environment.
Route & Notable Stops
We keep our itineraries purposefully flexible allowing our captains to cater to the needs and interests of their group as well as take into account weather, wildlife sightings, and more. Below is a sample of the route you may take on your Northern Vancouver Island eco-tour.
Setting Off Into Secluded Waters
Meet your Bluewater Adventures crew & vessel late morning in Port McNeill, and escape civilization into a maze of islands and waterways featuring old growth forests, rugged archipelagos, cozy anchorages, and amazing wildlife.
Kayaking the protected waters of our nightly anchorages, daily shore excursions, and chances to raise the sails add to the expedition as a taste of everything British Columbia has to offer.
Johnstone Strait & Alert Bay
Our focus these days will be on the waters of Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and Queen Charlotte Strait where we hope to encounter whales. Two species of Orca can be spotted in these waters: Northern Resident Orca and Bigg’s (transient) Orca. In addition, keep watch for the blows of humpback whales whose population has made a significant comeback to these waters.
We will visit the modern Kwakwaka’wakw community of Alert Bay to visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre. A highlight of their display is the impressive Potlatch Collection featuring masks and regalia which were confiscated by the Canadian government in 1921. The Kwakwaka’wakw people fought for decades for the return of these sacred items. Thanks to their efforts, these important items now help us learn about the art, culture, and history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
Heading Home
We return to Port McNeill late morning to complete our voyage. Guests can plan to catch afternoon flights from nearby Port Hardy or explore the area further on their own.
To request a full North Vancouver Island itinerary, contact us
A Whale Wonderland
Orcas, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions, sea otters and more call these rich waters home.
Harness the Wind
This itinerary is positioned well along the coast to provide our crew with the opportunity to raise the sails and give our guests a chance to participate in a sailing experience.
Cultural History
With a handful of notable traditional and current First Nations culture sites, guests will get a glimpse into the rich history of the Kwakwaka’wakw people.
Travel with Cetacean Specialist
Travel with Dr. Valeria Vergara to learn about the marine mammals we encounter on a more intimate and educational level. Learn about how whales communicate.
Land & Sea Exploration
Ample time to explore rocky outcrop islands and the towering cedar trees by morning or evening kayak trips and midday hikes.
Current Fall North Vancouver Island Offerings
Browse through our current sailings & prices for North Vancouver Island below. All prices are listed in CAD and are subject to a $200 sustainability fee and 5% GST tax.
Book Now| Date | Start / Finish Location | Days | Vessel | Price | Trip Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15 – 19, 2026 | Port McNeill | 5 | Island Solitude | $5,355 CAD | Open |
Prepare for Your Adventure
Feel ready and equipped for traveling to and living aboard our vessels. Learn more about guest expectations, amenities onboard, and what to bring along to make the most out of your once in a lifetime eco-tour.
Get ReadyYour Nautical Accommodation
An Aquatic Home Away from Home
With 6 guest cabins, each with a power outlet and porthole window; a cozy yet spacious library and dining area; and ample on deck seating options, Island Roamer is the favourite veteran of the Bluewater Adventures fleet for a reason. To learn more about this vessel, visit the Island Roamer page.
Island Roamer
North Vancouver Island FAQs
Find more in depth information specifically on our North Vancouver Island itinerary below. Should you have more questions surrounding your Bluewater Adventures experience at large, please visit our general FAQ page to learn more.
Explore ALL FAQsThe Fall version of this itinerary takes place in October which tends to be a rather mild time of year to be on the water on the south coast of British Columbia. Being Fall, we can run into very foggy mornings and the night air can start to have a bit of crispness to it – as such, we recommend bringing some warmer layers along to start and end the day with. When the sun is out, we can certainly feel its warmth through our layers.
This itinerary is focused on the marine environment and its wildlife. We do go ashore at Alert Bay, with a stop at the U’Mista Cultural Centre, but most visits ashore will involve wet landings requiring guests to get into and out of our inflatable tenders at the water’s. Everyone will have the option to kayak morning and evening. As always, our crew are there to support guests when needed, especially when getting in and out of the zodiac from the boat or shoreline. We recommend feeling comfortable going for walks around your neighbourhood and on trails in preparation for this trip.
Though offering great opportunities for sailing, rarely does the itinerary voyage too far out into open water. As always, we adapt to whatever weather is given to us, which may include wavy conditions, but we anticipate those conditions being fewer and far between.
Yes! This itinerary is well set up to give our crew a good chance of unfurling the sails. We are always at the mercy of what weather we are given, but we have a high chance of making way under sail on this tour.
We experience rocky (sometimes slippery) and sandy beaches, grassy to dirt paths, and free form forest walks on this trip. If guests feel unsteady on the rocky beaches, we recommend hiking poles, and our crew are always there to lend a hand. The paths and shore excursions we take rarely gain or lose a significant amount of elevation and crew always take into consideration the abilities of the group before determining what activities they will facilitate.
Yes! Once at anchor in the afternoon/evening and in the morning before breakfast, there will typically be an offer to go kayaking.
Start Your North Vancouver Island Education Now
Browse through our collection of blog posts reflecting information, thoughts on, and experiences in North Vancouver Island written by our seaworthy and knowledgeable staff & crew.
