2010 Adventure Cruises

Princess Louisa Inlet                              (Cruise 2: Broughton Archipelago)This spectacular cruising destination is legendary amongst boaters.  It’s 46 miles inland from the Strait of Georgia – 46 miles of spectacular scenery through the rugged Coastal Mountains.  At the final Reach, Malibu Rapids lead to this beautiful Inlet.  Just a half-mile wide, and 5 miles long, Princess Louisa Inlet is surrounded by towering, black cliffs scoured clean by winter snows.  Myriads of waterfalls tumble to the sea.  The waters are deep and calm and the whole inlet has a magical mood.  At the head of the inlet, Chatterbox Falls is the crowning jewel.  This is Beautiful BC at its best!

Our cruise leaves Maple Bay on Day 1, travelling through the protected waters of the Gulf Islands and across the “Salish Sea” (formerly the Strait of Georgia) to anchor this night in Boho Bay, near Jedediah Island.  A shore excursion to visit this lovely marine park is planned.  There is an easy trail across the island for a gentle hike.

Day 2, We travel to Malaspina Strait, up Agamemnon Channel into the sheltered waters of Jervis Inlet. Overnight at the Harmony Islands.  Oysters anyone?

Day 3:  We cruise the royal fiord beginning with Prince of Wales Reach, Princess Royal Reach, Queen’s Reach and finally Princess Louisa Inlet.  Arrival time is dependent upon the tidal flows at Malibu Rapids.  The Songhee will only traverse the rapids safely at slack tide. 

Arrive at Princess Louisa Inlet. Shore excursion to the Interpretive Centre and the short hike to Chatterbox Falls. Overnight anchorage is in front of Chatterbox Falls.

Day 4:  Goodbye to Princess Louisa and our return trip down the Royal Reaches.  Tonight’s destination is Pender Harbour.

Day 5:  There will be an early start and the cruise across the Salish Sea to the Gulf Islands and our home port of Maple Bay.

Price is $1,275 plus GST. Price is per person, double occupancy. We supply everything -- you just bring your personal items. Some wine is served with dinner -- you are welcome to bring your own wine or liquor for happy hour.  We supply soft drinks and mixers.

                                               What to Bring

The Songhee is a very casual ship so dress comfortably.  Weather can be quite changeable -- a light jacket, preferably rain resistant, is a must.  Be sure to bring one outfit to wear if the weather is really hot.  Layering always works best.

There is a washer and dryer aboard, which can be used by guests at times.

All bedding, towels, etc are supplied. 

If you plan to collect oysters or swim from beaches, a pair of water-walker shoes provide good, safe footing.

Binoculars are always handy.  You never know when a bear will amble along the beach!

Any questions? Please call me at 250-746-6645. We are headquartered in Duncan, BC.

MV Songhee Cruise to the Broughton Archipelago 

Day 1:             Depart Maple Bay at 10:00 am, through the Gulf Islands to cruise the “Salish Sea” (formerly Strait of Georgia) to Boho Bay on Lasqueti Island.  Go by shore boat to Deep Bay on Jedediah Island.  Easy hike across the island to Home Bay.  Tour abandoned Palmer homestead, see Dan Culver monument.                       

Day 2:             Depart Boho Bay to Desolation Sound via  Sabine Channel, Thulin Passage.  It’s always exciting to round Sarah Pointand see the majestic, snow-capped mountains that surround Desolation Sound.  Anchor in Eveleigh Anchorage and enjoy the wonderful warm waters of the sound.                     

Day 3:             Dinghy ride through Prideaux Haven, Melanie Cove, Laura Cove one of the most beautiful anchorages on the coast.  In the summertime, it is a very interesting boat show!  Perhaps a vist to Refuge Cove.?     

Day 4:             Early start to catch the tide through passages East of Johnstone Strait.   Up Johnstone Strait to Havannah Channel, Chatham Channel (using range markers through the narrow channel), up Tribune Channel to Echo Bay and overnight in Shoal Harbour

Day 5:             Visit Mamalilacula, a deserted village on Village Island.  Walkabout.  Perhaps dinghy ride to Karlakwees, another deserted Village. Look for Pictographs in this area. Cross Knight Inlet to Farewell Anchorage for the night.

Day 6:             Through Blackney Pass, and a short visit to AlertBay on Cormorant Island. There's a wonderful museum to see here. Arrive in Port McNeill in afternoon. 

                        This cruise is still in the planning stages and the above outline is still subject to change.  The actual departure date for this cruise has not yet been set – it will be the second or third week of August/2010.  There will only be 12 passengers enjoying the views from the comfort of the Songhee.  Price:  $1,475 plus GST per person, double occupancy.