Sailing Tours
You will immerse yourself in an experience like never before, calming the mind while heightening the senses, disengaging from the busy, man-made world to instead connect with the natural one. These trips will leave you with an enduring impression of awe and respect for our natural world, and a sense of gratitude for the experience.
duration &
start/end point
3-days & 2-nights. From Cortes Island, + Quadra Island* or Lund*.
includes
Sailing excursion with instruction aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 400. High-quality meals, full bedding & towels. More time to relax compared to a structured course.
3-day private trip
$4300 CAD. Up to 4 guests. Private forward-cabin with private washroom & private aft-cabin with shared washroom.
ADD A SAIL CANADA COURSE
Include the Sail Canada – Start Keelboat Sailing course for $75/person.
Available dates - 2025:
- May 19-21 (Available)
- June 9-11 (Waitlist)
- July 14-16 (Waitlist)
- August 25-27 (Available)
overview
On this private trip, you will have the sailboat entirely to yourself. You will experience the essence of sailing and what it truly means to live on the sea as we explore Desolation Sound over three days, with two overnight stops at renowned anchorages like Prideaux Haven and Cortes Island.
This skippered instructional charter is designed especially for couples and families. You will receive customized instruction on basic sailing techniques tailored to your needs, with hands-on experience participating in the handling and sailing of our 40-foot sailboat, Mariah. There will be ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean, to enjoy the unique natural surroundings, and to relax your senses with the calming movements of the boat and the sounds of the sea.
Throughout the trip, while relaxing, learning, and exploring our anchorage and shoreline by zodiac, you will be amazed by breathtaking views, where mountains appear to rise right out of the ocean and small islands delight with their unique landscape. The sight of ocean wildlife, magical phosphorescence in the water seen at night, and spectacular sunsets will create unforgettable memories and leave you with a feeling of gratitude for the experience.
Private Cabins, Meals & Amenities
Our sailboat is a comfortable, modern, 40-foot sailing vessel (Beneteau Oceanis 400), equipped with all the necessary amenities and safety equipment. You will have at your disposal a forward double-bed private cabin with a private washroom (head), and if you need room for additional guests, they will be accommodated in the double-bed private aft cabin with a shared head. The price includes all meals, which will also be a highlight of the trip. These are meticulously prepared from mostly organic and locally sourced high-quality products, focusing on vegan, vegetarian, and seafood cuisine and even include delicious desserts. See our FAQ page for a Sample Menu.
*For this private trip, we can optionally start and/or end the tour at Quadra Island or Lund for an additional fee of $600 CAD.
Sample itinerary
Our trip will begin at 10 am on the first day and conclude at 5 pm on the last day. As selected by our guests, this private trip can start and end from either Cortes Island, Quadra Island, or Lund.
day 1
On the first day, we will sail around 25 nautical miles before anchoring at our destination for the evening in the picturesque bay of Prideaux Haven in Desolation Sound marine park. Although the winds are always different, we will sail as much as possible for beauty and sustainability, with everyone having a chance at the helm and experiencing in practice the principles of sailing. At anchor, after dinner, you will be able to relax, swim or explore the pristine natural shoreline in a zodiac inflatable at your disposal. Relaxing on deck, in your private cabin, or outside in the hammock, while the boat is gently rocking is a fantastic feeling and for sleeping provides the best night’s sleep.
day 2
The next day, after breakfast and, if desired, a quick dip in the ocean, we will set sail for Cortes Island, stopping for lunch at the whimsical Refuge Cove. There, you can meet local artisans, visit an art gallery, or enjoy a pint or espresso. Afterward, we’ll venture into open waters to search for humpback whales, orcas, and Pacific white-sided dolphins, which are known to frequent these nutrient-rich waters. In the evening, we will anchor at either Mansons Bay Marine Park, known for its stunning sunsets, or charming Squirrel Cove, where we can explore its picturesque saltwater lagoon.
day 3
On the third day, we can enjoy what Cortes Island has to offer, including freshwater swimming in Hague Lake with its natural white-sand beach, or marine wildlife viewing in Mansons Lagoon, and relaxing on the white-shell beach just next to our anchored sailboat. If the winds are right, we might opt instead to do some sailing in the open waters of the Salish Sea towards Mitlenatch Island with lunch on the way. We conclude our trip at 5 pm at the destination selected by our guests.
Highlights
- Private sailing excursion just for you.
- Two overnight stops at anchor in picturesque Prideaux Haven and on Cortes Island.
- Experience the unique natural surroundings of Desolation Sound.
- Tailored introductory sailing instructions on a 40-foot sailboat.
- Includes all meals composed of organic, local, high-quality products.
- Sail on a Beneteau Oceanis 400, a comfortable, modern vessel, complete with all amenities and safety equipment.
- Relax your senses, be amazed by breathtaking views, and create unforgettable memories with sights of ocean wildlife.
Things to know
Click to read the details.
Tailored sailing instructions with plenty of hands-on experience. Three lunches, two dinners, snacks, and two breakfasts are included. We can accommodate some guest allergies. Full bedding and towels are provided. Safety equipment such as PFDs will be provided.
Guests aged 16 and up can attend, up to a maximum of 4 guests. Guests under 19 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. The activity level is light to moderate and is appropriate for beginners. Guests may experience sun, wind, spray, rain, and temperatures consistent with the season in southern, coastal British Columbia. Underway, the vessel may exhibit irregular motion due to wind and waves. We ask guests to refrain from smoking aboard the vessel.
Sporty, comfortable shoes with non-marking white/light soles. A spare warm sweater or fleece. A light rainproof or windproof jacket. Long and short pants depending on the weather. Spare clothes for 3 days. Hat or toque. Sunscreen. Toiletries and personal items. Reusable water bottle. Camera.
Fully refundable for the first 7 days after your booking so you can calmly plan your trip, if the booking is made more than 45 days before the trip departure time. Cancel more than 90 days before departure for a full refund minus a 5% booking fee. If you cancel between 90 and 30 days before departure, you will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be given if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date. A 30% deposit is required at booking. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. A 100% refund will be given if we cannot sail due to extreme weather conditions or safety issues. See our Terms of Service for details.
The price shown is for the entire trip, lasting 3 days and 2 nights. This covers accommodations for anywhere from one to a maximum of four guests. Prices are listed in Canadian dollars and are subject to a 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). All prices are subject to change without notice.
Join us and begin your sailing adventure
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We would be happy to discuss other options.
We would be happy to discuss other options.
