We travel in protected areas most of the time. Sometimes we cross into open water for short periods of time where we may experience greater motion.

If you are prone to motion sickness it is a good idea to bring sea sickness medication. Check with your doctor.

The amount of sailing depends on the wind, where we are headed, and the interests of the group. We try to sail when we can; however, our interest is in wildlife viewing first of all.

We expect to see a variety of wildlife on all our trips. Wildlife is wild life and has its own agenda. It is only luck that determines how close wildlife comes to us or how spectacular their behaviour. Our crew are very good at spotting animals and along with enthusiastic guests spend a great deal of time looking. Bring your binoculars. We take a cautious approach when observing wildlife. We do not want to apply any pressure to animals that could result in a change in their behaviour.

All cabins on a large yacht are irregular sizes to fit the contours of the ship. You will find that you don’t spend much time in your cabin as there is always something to do or see on deck.Every cabin has accommodation for two people. Available cabin types vary by vessel – some cabins have double bunks; most have two single bunks, either side-by-side or an upper and lower style. Vessel specific information can be found here. Guests are welcome to make special cabin requests in advance and although we cannot make guarantees, we will do our best to fulfill them. There is limited but adequate storage for the amount of gear you will need on our trips. Soft luggage, like a duffel bag, is most easily stowed as it is compressible.

Our trips focus mainly on wildlife viewing. Fishing is not typically a focus on our trips, but sometimes a small number of guests are interested in fishing with the hope of providing dinner. We have a small amount of basic fishing gear on board. If you wish to try fishing, you will need to purchase a BC Tidal Waters fishing license before you join the trip. We must respect any areas closed to fishing along the coast, and we no longer fish on our Salish Sea / Gulf Islands trips to protect depleted fish stocks in this area. Our vessels are not licensed for fishing in Alaska.

Yes! Bring rubber boots for sure. The closer they are to knee height the better and they should be comfortable. There are very few places that we travel where there are docks so you will be stepping into the water and onto the beach. Your boots will be very useful for walking in west coast rainforest as well. If you are not comfortable hiking in your rubber boots you can change into other footwear once you are on shore.

Your rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear and wind. You will need rain pants and a rain jacket (with a hood).

We cannot accommodate suitcases onboard. Soft-sided luggage, like a duffel bag, is most easily stowed. The more compressible your bag, the better for stowage.

Power is available in all cabins when the generator is on (usually in the morning and late afternoon). There are outlets in the salon which have inverter (battery) power at all times and can be used to charge your devices. It is always a good idea to bring an extra camera battery.

Please note that high draw devices such as hairdryers and electric shavers can only be used when the generator is running. Our boats have regular North American Type A/Type B outlets with standard 110/120V current. If you are travelling from outside North America, an adapter may be necessary.

Cellular coverage is poor to non-existent in the areas in which we travel and we do not have wifi onboard. Take this opportunity to enjoy the simplicity of ship-board life and a break from technological demands.

Bluewater Adventures does not permit drone use during our trips. This is due to Parks Canada policies and First Nations protocol requirements, mitigating impact on wildlife, the enjoyment of other Bluewater guests, and the potential threats involved with launching from / landing on a sailing vessel.

There is no smoking permitted onboard the vessels. E-cigarettes / vapes are included in this policy.

Although British Columbia laws permit the legal use of cannabis, Bluewater Adventures does not permit any cannabis or CBD products for personal or prescribed use. Our vessels may sail in International waters and must be prepared to adhere to International laws at all times. Guests will not be permitted to board with any cannabis / cannabis or CBD products at any time.

If you feel that the crew have made your trip special and wish to show your appreciation, a tip is very much appreciated and will be shared equally among your Crew. From CAD $50-80+ per day, per passenger is typical.

Our skippers are all Transport Canada licensed Captains, and our crew are all highly qualified with experience and training in emergency procedures, boat handling, and first aid.

Our boats are Transport Canada certified passenger vessels and undergo strict yearly inspections.

Our waiver form is the standard form for the industry in Canada and/or the United States. It is required as a condition for our insurance.

There is a new entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens are exempt.

For more information and to apply online see the Government of Canada Website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

Please be wary of imitation (scam) websites claiming to provide eTA applications at a very high rate. The eTA application provided by the Canadian Government, found on the Canadian Government’s website costs CAD $7.

Upon receipt of your deposit, Bluewater Adventures will send you a sample itinerary plus a package of general trip information. This Reservations Package contains further information on what to expect and a packing list.

At least 90 days prior to your departure you will receive a more detailed itinerary package containing specific start / finish details for your adventure. Guests are required to fill out a Traveller Information Form and Liability Release Form. These forms will be sent as PDFs and must be completed to finalize your booking.

We ask that you do not book your airfare until 90 days prior to departure or when your trip date is confirmed with your official Arrivals and Departures Itinerary Package. Trip packages may be sent out sooner than the 90 days if the trip fills up early.

If you require assistance with any logistics of getting to or from your destination, refer to your Arrivals and Departures Itinerary. It will contain all of the information that you require for travel planning.

If your preferred date is full or not yet open for booking, we are happy to add you to the waitlist. Please contact our office and we will follow up if space opens for booking.

Should you choose to book an alternative sailing and your preferred date later becomes available we are happy to transfer your deposit.