Explore the Northern Great Bear Rainforest
New Custom Exploration
Join marine mammal expert, Dr. John Ford, on an epic adventure taking a deeper dive on whales of the BC coast. Dr. Ford shares his knowledge from decades of research that has focused on the life history, ecology, behaviour, and acoustic communication of cetaceans. This is a rare opportunity for our guests and crew!
Route and 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 this custom Southeast Alaska Explorer expedition.
Board in Prince Rupert
Meet the Bluewater Adventures crew at the top of the dock at the Cow Bay Marina in the late morning. Upon boarding the vessel, cabins will be assigned and following introductions and safety orientation we will depart Prince Rupert.
Sailing, and the Pursuit of Whales
We return to the outer islands and lower topography of Chatham Sound; Porcher, Stephens and Dundas Islands are the largest in the area with remote beaches for us to explore. As the waters surrounding these outer islands are more exposed, we also hope for a good wind to allow for the opportunity to set the sails and enjoy the silence and serenity of nature.
Humpback whales congregate along the mainland coast and we expect to find them feeding here. We also keep watch for other marine mammals like orca, porpoise, and Steller sea lions – an inquisitive species that are expert, deep-water predators.
Heading out from Chatham Sound, weather and tides dictate our course as we chart the course in search of cetaceans.
Inside Passage with Whales, Whales, Whales
Heading south from Chatham Sound we will enter Grenville Channel, part of the famous “Inside Passage” route to Alaska towards southern Douglas Channel. Exploring these waters – and at various other places along our journey – we expect to see humpback whales. We keep an eye out for large spouts and hope to witness very interesting behaviours like breaches, pectoral slaps, spy-hopping and possibly bubble-net feeding.
Fin whales have also been spotted in Caamano Sound and we hope to have luck spotting these massive and speedy cetaceans. If time permits, we will make a stop to visit local whale researchers to learn about their fascinating work.
As we travel along Princess Royal Island, we keep our eyes on the shoreline just in case of a chance sighting of the creamy-coated Spirit Bear.
Weather-Permitting Day
If weather permits, we will follow the Chinook salmon to the outside of Aristazabal Island in search of Resident (fish-eating) orca.
Alternately we will remain in more protected waters keeping our eyes at the water’s edge for bears feeding on protein-rich sedge grasses in intertidal areas.
Trip Finish – Bella Bella, BC
As we approach the waters of Milbanke Sound keep watch for sea otters. You might spot them in the kelp beds wrapped in the leaves of kelp to anchor themselves against the currents. Although sightings of these growing colonies have become more frequent, their population here is still considered vulnerable and of special concern.
Our tour finishes in the small indigenous community of Bella Bella. Located on remote Campbell Island, Bella Bella – also known as Waglisla – is a town of about 1450 residents and is the home of the Heiltsuk First Nation. It is accessible only by plane or ferry/boat.
To request a full Great Bear Sea itinerary, contact us
Whales & Sails
Navigate prime foraging areas for whales and other marine mammals. We will raise the sails with a good breeze and silently glide to our next adventure.
Bears Foraging Along the Shoreline
Keep your binoculars handy as we travel along well-known bear foraging areas.
Travel with Esteemed Marine Mammal Scientist
Join us on this rare opportunity to travel with Dr John Ford. We take a deeper dive on the life history, ecology, behaviour and communication of these formidable creatures.
One Off Itinerary
This itinerary has a keen focus on the marine mammals of the British Columbia coast. We anticipate incredible viewing opportunities from our small ship.
Limited Availability
New itinerary this year! Contact us today to secure your spot on this rare travel experience. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18 – 26, 2026 | Prince Rupert / Bella Bella | 9 | Island Roamer | $8,625 CAD | Open |
Prepare for Your Adventure
Feel prepared 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.
Learn MoreYour Nautical Accommodation
An aquatic home away from home
Island Odyssey is a 68-foot ketch motor-sailer. There are 6 double occupancy guest cabins and 3 shared bathrooms with hot showers. In addition to a comfortable salon with an excellent natural history library, the large wheelhouse above deck provides comfortable seating in all types of weather.
Island Odyssey
Your Nautical Accommodation
An aquatic home away from home
Island Roamer is a 68-foot ketch motor-sailer. There are 6 double occupancy guest cabins and 3 shared bathrooms with hot showers. In addition to a comfortable salon with an excellent natural history library, the large wheelhouse above deck provides comfortable seating in all types of weather.
Island Roamer
Frequently Asked Questions
Being a new itinerary, guests have questions about why the Great Bear Sea is so great!
Explore ALL FAQsAnne has been leading trips for Bluewater Adventures for almost 10 years. She is very familiar with the BC coast with expertise in marine ecology (B.Sc.) and environmental education (M.A.) backed by extensive fieldwork. Initially, she thrived as a scientific diver, exploring the BC Coast and eastern Arctic while contributing to marine biology research at institutions like the Royal BC Museum. Her publications span topics from sea otter ecology to ocean literacy.
Transitioning to a people-focused role, Anne interpreted marine and coastal ecology, while still contributing to scientific publications. Her dedication to science education shone through her work with the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society, where her program earned the Michael Smith Award and NSERC PromoScience Awards.
Often referred to as “a font of information’ or the “encyclopedia of Anne”, her knowledge of the marine environment is rivalled only by her wit and wonder.
This itinerary, new to the collection of Bluewater Adventures, borrows experiences from 2 different itineraries and combines them into one amazing voyage. The group size is limited to 10 guests and on this expedition guests will enjoy 3 more days of adventure.
Combining a visit to the Khutzeymateen during “salmon season” with exploration south towards the Great Bear Rainforest in search of whales and other marine mammals makes for the perfect compliment.
We expect to see grizzlies fishing for salmon along the Khutzeymateen Inlet as well as other species drawn in by the presence of salmon – like otters, eagles, harbour seals and orca. We expect to see humpback whales, and while navigating prime foraging areas, we keep an eye out for Dall’s porpoise, harbour porpoise, Steller sea lions and quite possibly, fin whales if luck is on our side. Expect to spend more time with marine mammals of the Great Bear Sea.
You can expect to see just about everything at this time of year. It is drier than the fall months, but you should always prepare for rain on the BC coast. Temperatures will be mild, from 10 – 17 degrees C / 50 – 65 degrees F, and days are longer too.
This itinerary offers a lot of opportunities for shore excursions, whether it be to a bear viewing area, a rainforest walk, or even some paddling the shoreline. For any shore excursion we take, guests will need to be able to get in and out of the zodiac – both into/out of the zodiac from the boat as well as in/out of the zodiac onshore, which is usually from a pebbly or rocky shoreline. The walks we take onshore will vary both in length and terrain, though will usually be minimal in elevation gain or loss.
Continue Your Coastal Education
Browse through our collection of stories reflecting information, thoughts on, and experiences relating to the Great Bear Sea adventure – written by our seaworthy and knowledgeable staff & crew.
