Providing Trips of a Lifetime Since 2003
Bluewater Adventures’ 68-foot Motor-sailer
Originally built as a luxury yacht in 1984, Bluewater Adventures purchased Island Odyssey in 2003 and completed major renovations to make her expedition ready and Transport Canada certified. Since then, she has travelled to every part of this coast.
The sister ship of Island Roamer, Island Odyssey sets the stage for adventure with her open concept, teak-finished below deck salon and enclosed wheelhouse seating.
Island Odyssey Features
The Island Odyssey is professionally equipped and layed out to provide the perfect place to relax after a long day of coastal exploration.
Double Occupancy Cabins
There are 6 guest cabins onboard – 4 with two single bunks, 2 with double beds – all with ample storage and electrical outlets. There are 3 shared bathrooms close by with hot showers.
Stable Sea Kayaks
Island Odyssey carries 3 single and 2 double sea kayaks for exploring the quiet waters of our anchorage – a wonderful way to enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning.
Enclosed Above Deck Seating
Regardless of the weather, enjoy watching the mountains float by or the Captain navigating in our fully enclosed wheelhouse offering 360-degree views.
Cozy Below Deck Library
Put your feet up and enjoy the thoughtfully curated selection of books and resource guides that help in one’s education of the natural and cultural history of the coast.
Two Zodiacs
We tow two 18’ expedition boats for immediate access ashore or for wildlife viewing.
The Benefits of Small Size
Smaller vessels can access places larger vessels cannot, just as groups of 12 are allowed to go where larger groups cannot.
Life Onboard
To get a better sense of what day to day life will be on your adventure, as well as what is available to you onboard, read through our What to Expect page to help prepare you for nautical life.
What to ExpectTravel Onboard Island Odyssey
Browse Our Current Island Odyssey Expedition Dates
Island Odyssey pushes off for the summer in June heading to Southeast Alaska before she travels to the Central Coast for a long stretch of Great Bear Rainforest trips.
Explore Trips on Island Odyssey
Safety at Heart
Highly Trained Crew & Government Inspected 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 Odyssey is a Transport Canada certified passenger vessel and inspected annually, including a thorough check of all safety systems onboard. Captains must hold a Transport Canada license for the size of vessel and area of operation, while all crew take part in regular vessel 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 cellular 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.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainability, including our dedication to ‘slow travel.’ We see more wildlife going slowly, as the Captain maintains a speed that helps reduce our emissions, reduce our underwater noise and maximize fuel usage. Learn more about Bluewater’s sustainability efforts on our Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism Etiquette page.
Guests can expect to load into the zodiacs to take part in shore excursions or boat-based wildlife viewing expeditions at least once a day. Loading into the zodiac on Island Odyssey starts stepping down 5 stairs onto the boarding platform. Guests then step onto the front of the zodiac before stepping down to take a seat in the boat. Crew are always there to assist with loading and unloading, onboard and ashore.
Powered by twin John Deere 160 hp, low emission diesel engines, Island Odyssey travels at 7-8 knots under power – slow enough for comfort and sustainability. During the day, electricity is provided by a 16kw Onan generator. Designed to operate remotely for weeks on end, ship’s systems are designed for redundancy and continually upgraded for smooth operations.
Island Odyssey is a two-masted ketch with 1750 sq ft of working sail and a 1950 sq ft spinnaker. All sails are roller furling making it quick and easy to set sail. Guests are welcome to get involved but not expected. While our primary trip focus is wildlife, we expect sailing to be one of the trip highlights.
Bluewater puts thought into every detail of the guest experience onboard our vessels. The crew will welcome you aboard, help you get oriented to your cabin and safety systems before we push off for adventure.
Each cabin comes with an opening porthole, 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.