trip

5 Days$USD

Activities
  • Wilderness cruising, hiking & optional kayaking
Accommodation
  • 4 nights aboard Swell
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Wildlife, wildflowers, mountains, sailing, and island hopping
  • Enjoy whale sightings, seabirds, and if we are lucky, a spring-foraging bear
  • Expert locals to guide you as you discover hidden coves, wander beaches, and kayak among the fjords
  • See up close the unique colours of arbutus trees and salmonberry flowers that bloom in spring
  • Optional Kayaking included in the voyage cost

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.

Trip Code: MLF

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

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

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Cruise the mainland shore to the Copeland Islands. Investigate the wildlife that lives on these small islets by journeying ashore with your naturalist.

Meals:  B,L,D

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


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of craft beer
  • Transfers to and from the the ship in Campbell River
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of Zodiacs
  • Use of gear on board, including rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear (for guests with a recreational fishing license)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Pre-departure information

  • International or domestic flights to the start and end point
  • Passport, visa and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and or airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls.
  • Emergency evacuation charges
  • Travel Insurance
  • Customary end of voyage tips
  • Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)
  • Fishing licenses are not included and must be acquired by guests wanting to fish prior to their trip.

What to Know Before You Join Us

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.


Vessel


Cabins


Departure dates


Notes

1
Optional hiking and kayaking is included in the voyage cost.
2
Mandatory Sustainable travel fee & 5% Canadian GST is payable and is NOT included in the cabin cost

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Sustainability Fee (Mandatory)USD$150
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 1 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$145
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 2 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$165
  • 5% Canadian GST on Category 3 Cabin (Mandatory)USD$195
  • Category 2 cabin upgradeUSD$410
  • Category 3 cabin upgradeUSD$1055
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Desolation Sound in Spring aboard Swell trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Small ships, big experiences

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.

More time ashore

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.

Real exploration

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.

Handpicked, sustainable adventures

Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.

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