Travel to Remote Coastal Landscapes
Bluewater Adventures’ Newest Vessel
Custom designed and locally built in Richmond, BC, Island Solitude was launched in December, 2017. Constructed by the same builder as our other vessels, she first welcomed guests onboard for our 2018 season.
The dream was to build a larger, more eco-efficient version of Island Roamer. Island Solitude is the ideal platform for coastal expeditions carrying 12 guests in comfort, with a low carbon footprint.
Island Solitude Features
Discover what’s waiting for you onboard Island Solitude.
Double Occupancy Ensuite Cabins
Each room has two side by side single beds – suitable for couples and friends alike. Ensuite bathrooms have a hot water shower, sink, toilet.
Enclosed & Spacious Wheelhouse
Enjoy the scenery and wildlife viewing, regardless of weather, in the spacious wheelhouse with 360-degree views. Each evening it transforms into our comfortable dining area.
Ample On Deck Seating
Feel the salty air and hear the whale blows from a front row seat on the foredeck or choose to eat dinner outside in the aft cockpit as the sun sets.
Stable Sea Kayaks
Choose from 2 double or 4 single sea kayaks all offering a stable platform to explore the shoreline & view intertidal creatures just inches below the surface.
Extensive Onboard Library
We carefully select our onboard resource library to ensure there is a wide range of books and field guides to help your learning journey.
Go Where Larger Vessels Cannot
Designed specifically for this wild coast, smaller vessels and smaller groups can access places and experiences others cannot.
Life Onboard
Days spent onboard one of our vessels, engaged in memorable moments, is a once in a lifetime experience. Learn what to expect in your day to day as a Bluewater guest.
Travel Onboard the Island Solitude
Browse Our Current Island Solitude Expedition Dates
Operating trips from mid-May to mid-October, Island Solitude spends her spring and summer months exploring the southern reaches of Haida Gwaii before spending late summer to early fall surrounded by the whales and bears of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Explore Trips on Island Solitude
Safety at Heart
Highly Trained Crew & Government Approved Vessels
The areas we explore are remote and rugged and thus, our crew and vessels are equipped & prepared for the unexpected – whether it be weather, wildlife, or responding to an emergency.
Island Solitude is a Transport Canada certified passenger vessel, inspected annually, including a thorough check of all safety systems onboard. Captains hold a Transport Canada license for the size of vessel and area of operation, while all crew take part in regular safety training, and hold current role specific certifications.
Upon arrival to the boat, crew will conduct a thorough safety briefing including muster points and steps to follow in the event of an emergency. Though we typically travel out of cell phone range, our vessels are equipped with marine radio to contact Coast Guard (and other vessels), and a satellite system to connect with the Bluewater office or emergency support.
Environmentally, Island Solitude’s engines exceed EPA emission standards, and the modern hull design was created for improved sailing performance making it more efficient, whether motoring or under sail.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainable practices which includes our dedication to ‘slow travel.’ While motoring, Captains do not exceed a certain speed to help reduce our emissions, reduce our underwater noise, and maximize fuel usage. Learn more about Bluewater’s sustainability efforts on our Sustainable Travel page.
Guests can expect to load into the two zodiacs to take part in shore excursions or boat-based wildlife viewing expeditions at least once a day. Loading into a zodiac is safe and simple; walk down five stairs to the loading platform. From this deck, guests can hold on to two railings to step onto the front of the zodiac before stepping down to take a seat. Crew are always there to assist with loading and unloading, onboard and ashore.
There are two 265 hp John Deere main engines powering twin propellers. For electricity during the day there are two Onan generators (22kw or 9kw). Overnight an electrical inverter allows charging of small appliances.The broad stern and hard chine in the hull provide stability and nothing is better than raising sail to smooth out any motion.
Island Solitude is a single-masted sloop with 2800 sq ft of sail area. Her design allows us to easily sail with a small crew, so guests are welcome to get involved but not expected. Two roller furling headsails are controlled from the stern electric winches. The enormous mainsail is raised on the foredeck by electric winch. We need wind to sail this beautiful yacht so the Captain continually balances our wildlife focus with the weather.
Bluewater puts thought into every detail of the guest experience onboard our vessels. We want guests to feel as though they can step onboard with their belongings and immediately feel at home.
Each cabin comes with two opening portholes, pillows, bed sheets, and a cozy duvet. Washrooms carry organic shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Marine binoculars are available in the wheelhouse, and ponchos are handed out on extra rainy excursion days. To learn more about what’s onboard, explore our What to Bring page.