Itinerary

Directions: Roundtrip Seattle, Washington
   
Day 1
Seattle, Washington – Embarkation
Transfer to Seattle’s historic Fishermen’s Terminal, where the crew greets you with champagne and smiles. Soon after departing, you’ll be lowered 20 feet from freshwater Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound as you transit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Enjoy cocktail hour and dinner before nestling in to a remote anchorage for the evening.
   
Day 2
Victoria, British Columbia & Butchart Gardens
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.
   
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.
   
Day 4
Princess Louisa Inlet
After passing through the Malibu Rapids, you’ll enter the calm waters of Princess Louisa Inlet, one of the most beautiful locations on earth. Princess Louisa Inlet, only half a mile wide and walled in by 5,000-foot, near-vertical mountains, culminates at the tremendous Chatterbox Falls. 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.
   
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.
   
Day 6
Nanaimo / Gulf Islands
After crossing the Strait of Georgia, pay a visit to the artistically laced city of Nanaimo—also dubbed, “Bathtub Racing Capital of the World.” Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade and marina of this early trading post and uncover its storied past. Returning to the yacht, your passage carries you south, back into the protected waters of the Gulf Islands and towards Washington’s San Juan Islands.
   
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 and the passages are just right. 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.
   
Day 8
Seattle – Disembark
After breakfast on board, the Captain and crew bid you a fond farewell. Safe travels to all!

More information from Inner Sea Discoveries:

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