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Desolation Sound, a breathtaking marine paradise on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is anything but desolate. A haven for kayakers, boaters, and nature lovers, this vast network of fjords and inlets boasts warm, sheltered waters teeming with marine life, from playful seals to soaring bald eagles. Towering evergreen forests cascade down to rocky shorelines, while snow-capped mountains rise dramatically in the distance. Glide across glassy waters, uncover hidden coves, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil anchorages on this intimate voyage. As you delve into the region’s rich Indigenous history and untouched wilderness, Desolation Sound reveals itself as a true escape into nature’s raw beauty. Our adventure takes place aboard Swell, a classic, wooden tugboat designed for the ultimate in guest comfort.
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Day 1
Join in Campbell River, embark Swell
Welcome aboard in Campbell River and cruise to Cortez Island. Here we enjoy our first rainforest walks with our naturalists. We will enjoy a village visit in a small community before settling in with a welcome dinner.
Meals: L,D
Day 2
West Redonda Island
Today we cruise to spectacular Teakerne Arm on West Redonda Island. Here waterfalls plunge down a steep cut in the island’s cliffs, where we’ll moor. We undertake a dry rainforest and rocky buff walk to a lake with a picnic lunch. This afternoon is s[ent cruising the scenic passages between West Rodonda and the mainland. We enter a small fjord at Roscoe Bay were we make anchorage and enjoy a beach walk and optional evening kayak.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Toba Inlet
Today we cruise into Toba Inlet. This spectacular fjord, 35 km long, cuts deep into the coast mountains. As you cruise the snow-capped peaks tower above. Watch for seals and sea lions, seabirds and other animals. This evening we arrive at Prideaux Haven, at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel.
Day 4
Explore Prideaux Haven
Cruise the mainland shore to the Copeland Islands. Investigate the wildlife that lives on these small islets by journeying ashore with your naturalist.
Day 5
Disembark in Campbell River, where trip concludes
Cruise to Campbell River across the Strait of Georgia, watching for wildlife. Possible sightings of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and marine birds. Trip concludes on arrival at Campbell River.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
The gorgeous Swell is spacious with amenities offered by no other ship on the coast in her class. Her $4 million refit transformed her from a powerhouse working tugboat to a comfortable passenger vessel. The renovations kept the warm character of her classic wooden construction, and each cabin is panelled with natural wood. The Swell is an authentic, coastal tugboat. She’s the real deal. Her small size and ruggedness, combined with our special access permits and incredibly knowledgeable and well-connected crew, give you an unparalleled experience.
Category 3 cabins
Cedar and Douglas Fir, feature outside doors with opening portholes, large private 3-piece ensuite heads, natural light, and small boat queen-sized beds. Cedar has walls on three sides of the bed, while Douglas Fir has walls on two sides. Both cabins offer storage options and occupy 120 sq. ft.
Category 2 Cabins (Option 1)
Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock are located on the top deck. These cabins offer 80 square feet of space and feature a double bed with an angled foot. Cabins feature an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite. Cabins provide under bed storage designed to maximize comfort and convenience.
Category 2 Cabins (Option 2)
Arbutus is located on the main deck. This cabin offers 80 square feet of space and features two large up and down bunks. It includes a small desk and an en-suite bathroom. Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed, a practical and comfortable option for guests.
Category 1 Cabins
Red Alder features an outside door with opening portholes and a private ensuite head with a separate washbasin area. The cabin also receives natural light through a skylight and sleeps two on up and down small, extra-long single beds (79.5? x 30?). Storage options include a tall cupboard with shelves, a small under-sink cupboard, and storage space under the bed. Red Alder occupies 57 sq. ft.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
8 Days
6 Days