Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer wildlife sightseeing tours that incorporate a detailed exploration of local histories, ecology, geology, and geography. We offer three types of tours: Adventure Education & Wildlife tours (2-2.5hrs), Private Adventure & Wildlife tours (2-2.5hrs allowing you to have the guide and boat to yourself) and finally an Extended private tour (3.5-4.5hrs) that will be exploring farther afield North or South to see wildlife and very unique historical and geographical points of interest. Please see our "about tours" section to view detailed descriptions.

Our tours accommodate ages 5yrs +

Yes, all of our tours are guided by knowledgeable and experienced guides.

The duration of our tours varies depending on the tour. 

-Adventure Education & Wildlife tour: 2-2.5hrs

-Private Adventure Education & Wildlife tour: 2-2.5hrs

-Extended Wildlife & Adventure Education - Private Tour: 3.5-4.5hrs

The best time to see whales in the Salish sea is Mid-June to late October. Humpback whales - the most common species here - are travelling up our coast from their warm water breeding grounds searching for food in nutrient rich cold waters. Many stay here in BC and some travel north to Alaska. 

Commonly found in the Salish are the song birds of the ocean - the perpetually graceful Humpback Whales. They migrate from their warm water breeding grounds to this cold water coast for feeding season. Some are on their way to Alaska and some choose to remain here due to the feed rich waters. They are often found fishing in groups and display some of the most unique feeding behavior of all cetaceans. 

Northern Steller Sealions and California  splatter themselves over some very unique geology here in Georgia Straight. Their haulouts provide a perfect vantage point for us to both view and smell their courting behaviors - for better or for worse! 

Transient Killer Whales - Orca - also known as Biggs, occasionally visit Malaspina straight in their terminally effective hunting parties. These elite predators are tough to find but a sight to behold when seen. 

Additionally Pacific White Sided Dolphins, River Otters, Seals, Eagles, Vultures, Moon Jellies and more sometimes grace these waters. 

As the name implies - all life on the coast is wild and sometimes unpredictable. Although it's possible we may not see large mammals there are always interesting creatures to see in the Salish sea. That being said large mammals are seen very frequently and chances of sightings are high.

The Black Barnacle is a 6.33 meter ex-military Ridged Inflatable Zodiac - one of the safest and most capable water going vessels in the world. 

Inside coastal waters are fairly calm and sea sickness is uncommon here, however if you have a tendency towards motion sickness we recommend speaking to your pharmacist prior to the tour about brining motion sickness medication or natural remedies such as ginger related remedies. Bringing water for the tour is recommend. 

Please dress warmly with the option of removing layers. Long pants, a warm hat/toque and long sleeves are recommended - even in the summer heat. Additionally we suggest sunglasses & sunscreen. 

Please book online to ensure your spot on the tour is secure. We do not have a fixed office location and although you can book in person at the time of the tour or on the phone the process online will be much easier and faster for you.

Our office is mobile! Look for a large white GMC box van with the Rugged Coast Expeditions logo on the side. We will be parked right beside the Coast Guard Station at 4315 Marine Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 1Z4

All of our tours have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If any cancellations are received, including a reduction in the passenger numbers, within 48 hours of the tour departure then the full amount of the cancelled reservation will be charged to the credit card used to secure the booking. Any Cancellations prior to that 48hr time period will be refunded in full.

Sometimes - maybe! Occasionally the weather causes the sea or the sky to grace your skin. This moist kiss will be deflected by special zodiac suits & rain gear that we will provide you.