Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip suitable for me?
Anyone is eligible so long as you are: enthusiastic about participating; understand that weather conditions change; you are agile enough to climb in and out of our zodiac inflatable pontoon shore vessels in areas where there are no docks; step over 8” inch-high door sills and be friendly enough to get along with others in the relatively close quarters of a small ship.
We have had people on board over 80 years of age. However, our trips are not suitable for people of failing health or physical disabilities. You will enjoy your trip as long as you have an interest in participating in nature and culture and the outdoors; appreciate that you’re in a wilderness setting, with no wifi, and that we are not a luxury hotel; you understand that as we are in a remote location, going ashore in areas of wildlife, strong weather, tides and rainforest, your safety is paramount and as such we will only be serving limited alcohol only with dinner in the form of great wines and limited craft beers. This is an eco expedition cruise with talented guides to learn from.
What's included in the price?
Our price included all meals, activities, and guides throughout your voyage within the expedition route. Moreover;
→ All meals, snacks and beverages prepared from the freshest ingredients by our superb chef.
→ Fine wines featured with the evening meal, and a limited amount of beer included and available throughout the trip. (Alcohol is not a large part of our trips, so plan on light consumption).*
→ Services of our naturalist and professional crew.
→ Shore excursions.
→ Use of gear on board, including paddle boards, kayaks and fishing gear (with fishing licence).
What’s NOT included in the price:
→ Transportation to the trip’s point of origin or from the trip’s point of return
→ 5% Goods and services tax (GST), on Canadian trips.
→ Any tip you wish to leave for your crew. Tipping is entirely confidential.
→ Fishing licence.
Is it appropriate to tip the crew?
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 10% – 15% of the tour cost per passenger is typical.
Do we serve alcohol?
We serve a limited amount of alcohol on our trips — good wines and a limited supply of craft beer will be served for you to enjoy with dinner. Other than on our tasting cruises, alcohol is not a focus of our trips. Instead, we guide you to explore the nature, wildlife and culture of the rugged coast, and make the most of daylight hours to take you to wonderful places ashore in our small boats. Due to this being a wilder environment than most people are familiar with, everyone is responsible with alcohol.
Your trip takes place in a remote wilderness setting at high latitudes. Weather can change, the water is cold, currents are strong, tides are big, cities and towns and assistance are far away. Wildlife such as bears and wolves live here in relative safety.
Will I be seasick?
Sea sickness is rarely a problem – for several reasons. First, most of the areas we travel are protected waters, not exposed to open ocean swells. In that way, this spectacular coast is unlike almost every other in the world. Second, our ship is a heavy stable ship weighing almost 200 tons. We travel short distances in protected waters and go ashore often.
Do you take solo travellers?
Yes, between 1/4 and 1/3 of our guests are solo travellers. In addition to the other guests, you have four built-in travel companions who are also in effect solo travellers: your expert guides and crew. Although they are leading the trip, taking care of the work and making sure you’re well cared for, they are your companions in the adventure, too.
I've never been on a boat before, is that ok?
Yes, absolutely. You will be travelling on a 200-ton passenger vessel, run by an expert crew. You are aboard as our guest and we will look after you very well. You don’t have to do anything other than enjoy yourself!
Will there be other guests on the ship, and what will they be like?
In most cases, there will be other guests onboard– and they’ll be just like you! You will find that the other guests aboard share similar interests in travel, adventure and sustainability.
Can you describe a typical day?
You will wake up in an amazingly beautiful wilderness anchorage. Coffee and tea will be waiting for you to enjoy in the dining area or on deck where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, aquatic life and a variety of birds which happen to be moving about. You are invited to take an optional morning kayak paddle before breakfast if our schedule allows. Enjoy breakfast in our dining area, or if weather permits, on our large open deck to take In the the spectacular views all around.
After breakfast, depending on where we are, you might enjoy a short zodiac trip to shore for a variety of fun, interesting, unscripted adventures such as a walk along the beach, or hike along a trail in a beautiful rainforest or grassy meadow; or visit a town or cultural centre; or view a variety of wildlife or visit a research station; or explore a group of islets for birds, seals or intertidal life. Our morning adventure usually last between 1 and 3 hours.
Return to the ship, and prepare to enjoy a well deserved delicious lunch as we weigh anchor and get underway to our next exciting destination. You are now free to enjoy time on deck, visit the wheelhouse and chat with the Captain, talk with our naturalist, keeping your eyes peeled for whales, porpoises, seals, eagles, and sea birds. The ship will stop along the way so you can fully enjoy these sights as well as land animals such as bears and deer, or waterfalls and any other points of interest and wildlife we may see.
Once we arrive at our evening anchorage, get ready to board the zodiac again for your second shore excursion of the day, usually lasting between 1-3 hours. Return to the ship for an amazing culinary delight freshly prepared by our chef. Dinner will be served with a fine wine and limited amount of craft beer. After dinner enjoy the sunset, join our naturalist for a lecture or slideshow, or simply enjoy stargazing.
Where do the tours depart from?
Our three tours offered throughout the season depart from different locations depending on what tour you are taking. All of these locations are accessible by Car or Plane.
The Gulf Islands Tour departs from: Port Sidney Marina in Sidney BC (Fly Into Victoria)
The Desolation Sound Tour departs from: Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River BC (Fly Into Campbell River)
The Broughton Archipelago Tour departs from: Port Mcneill Harbour in Port Mcneill BC (Fly Into Port Hardy)
Is parking available at each departure zone?
Yes! Secure parking is available in Sidney, Campbell River, and Port Mcneill at each of the departure zones.
Where do we initially meet before departure on our tour?
Meeting spots for each departure zone are listed below:
The Gulf Islands: There is a round-a-bout located the Port Sidney Marina where everyone will meet before departing for the Gulf Islands.
Desolation Sound: Discovery Harbour Marina, Campbell River. Secure parking is located at the top of the dock where we depart from.
The Broughton Archipelago: Port Mcneill Visitors Centre – 1597 Beach Dr. Port McNeill BC
Is it easy for senior guests to get in and out of the Zodiac?
Absolutely. The Curve of Time is designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. We have a secure staircase that leads directly down into the Zodiac, making boarding and disembarking much easier—no climbing or jumping required.
