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The British Columbia Yachter's Paradise cruise aboard the 22-guest Safari Quest sails round-trip from Seattle north to British Columbia's best. George Vancouver, an English sea captain and well-known explorer, arrived in this area in the early 1790s. After weeks of sailing in the open ocean his mood needed a lift, and when he entered Puget Sound, the very waters that Safari Quest travels through, he was transformed by the striking, serene beauty of the land and seascapes that surrounded him.

Today, find the same mountains, inlets and islands that so inspired Captain Vancouver. Here, orca whales move silently through the water in search of salmon. Seals and sea lions lounge on rocky islets, and black bears and deer flourish in the deep, evergreen forests. Spectacular snow-capped mountains fall steeply to the waters of the Sound. Experience everything from sandy beaches offering silence and solitude to charming and welcoming towns and cities such as Friday Harbor in Washington's San Juan Islands and Victoria, British Columbia. Whether browsing art galleries in hideaway ports or kayaking in the wilderness fjords of the Pacific coastal mountains, you're sure to find a world rich in nature and culture waiting on this yacht cruise.

Day 1 - Embark Seattle, Washington

Upon arrival, transfer to the Safari Quest, docked at Seattle’s historic Fishermen’s Terminal. The crew will greet you with champagne and smiles as the Safari Quest sets sail. Soon after departing, transit the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, being lowered 20 feet from freshwater Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound. En route enjoy cocktail hour and dinner prior to arriving in a pristine bay for our evening anchorage.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Victoria, British Columbia & Butchart Gardens

Cruise along the “inside track” between the eastern shoreline and the mainland heading north toward Victoria, British Columbia. After clearing customs, it’s all ashore for free time in downtown Victoria. Take in a visit to the elegant Empress Hotel, Royal British Columbia Museum or browse the quaint shops nuzzled about this garden city. Later, travel by coach to Butchart Gardens for High Tea and to leisurely enjoy the garden’s 52-acres of botanical wonder. Back on board the yacht, set sail through the Gulf Islands and settle into the rhythm of the Salish Sea.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Harmony Islands

Discover nature’s wonders today off the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Kayaks and skiff rides keep you busy in sheltered Buccaneer Bay—home to visiting sea lions, tide pools, driftwood and a superb spot for birding. The word “Skookumchuch” means strong water in Chinook, and at Skookumchuck Rapids, one of the largest saltwater rapids on Canada’s west coast, trek two miles on an easygoing ramble in the forest.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Princess Louisa Inlet

After passing through the Malibu Rapids, enter the calm waters of Princess Louisa Inlet, among Conde Nast Travelers’ most beautiful places in the world and accessible only by small, private yacht. Princess Louisa Inlet is only half a mile wide and is walled in by 5,000-foot near-vertical mountains; it culminates at the tremendous Chatterbox Falls, the northernmost point of this cruise. Anchor in the inlet for exploration on foot and by kayak. Enjoy the evening solitude relaxing in the upper deck hot tub or join your yachtmates for a nightcap in the salon.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Jervis Inlet

Set the morning aside for paddling or exploring the inlet by skiff before heading out to the yachter’s paradise of Jervis Inlet. With binoculars in-hand, keep all eyes open for orca, porpoise, seals and sea lions along the rocky shoreline as you cruise through the waters of Princess Royal Reach and around Jedediah Island—the most diverse in a chain of more than thirty islands and islets in the area.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Captain's Choice - Gulf Islands

Situated in the heart of the Salish Sea, today's passage carries you south, back into the protected waters of the Gulf Islands where intricate passages are home to some of the best kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. These islands harbor artistss' hamlets, organic farms and sublime glacier-carved landscapes in a backdrop painted with harbor seals, bald eagles, pelicans, sea lions and Douglas-fir. Land and sea explorations await wherever the tides take you.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Washington's San Juan Islands & Friday Harbor

An early start has you meandering through the San Juan Islands; 172 islands and rocky islets make up this archipelago. On the largest of the islands, San Juan Island, you’ll clear customs in the tiny town of Friday Harbor before a visit to the intriguing Whale Museum. Learn about the resident pods of orca that call these island waters home before getting underway for a day of “gunkholing,” or exploring, as landlubbers would say. The scenery is stunning. Be on watch for orca and other marine wildlife. Delight in a festive Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening and enjoy a picturesque recap of the week with your expedition leader.

Accommodations: Safari Quest
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembark Seattle

After breakfast on board, the Captain and crew bid you a fond farewell.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain's discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Included: All onboard meals; premium spirits, wine, and beer; exclusive roundtrip transfers and baggage handling between airport/boat; taxes and port fees; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-boat adventure activities and equipment; hot tub.

Exclusions: Airfare, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature and insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: Any stateroom (except designated Single) may be sold as a single for 175% of double occupancy rate.

Arrival & Departure: British Columbia's Yachter's Paradise begins and ends in Seattle, Washington. If arriving on departure day, please arrive no later than 1:00pm. All outbound flights should be made after 12:00pm on the final day.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1500 per person is required to secure a 2013 reservation. For 2014 and beyond, the deposit is $750 per person. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more - 50% of initial deposit
90 to 61 days - Forfeiture of full deposit
60 to 46 days - 50% of gross fare
45 to 31 days - 75% of gross fare
30 to 0 days - 100% of gross fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: British Columbia's Yachter's Paradise is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.


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