desolation sound yacht charters reviews

Desolation Sound Yacht Charters

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1797 Comox Avenue

Comox, BC V9M 3L9

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We chartered a trawler for a week to see some of Desolation Sound (a week is not nearly enough). The boat was in excellent shape, gave us no concerns at all (we left a small list of minor items they needed to look at), and completely suited our purposes. Very enjoyable holiday. Strongly recommend.

We recently returned from chartering a trawler from DSYC for a week of exploring Desolation Sound. Every aspect of the experience with DSYC was first rate and handled with friendliness and professionalism by everyone from the front office to the dock. We opted to have DSYC provide a skipper and we included the instruction and certification. I have been through many certification programs over the years for both profession and recreation and Rick was perhaps the best instructor that I have ever had. Of course, we were concerned about having a stranger literally living with us for a week in a somewhat confined space and we realized that if it were the wrong person, it could have been a disaster. Rick proved to be a wonderful traveling companion as well as an extremely knowledgeable skipper, who not only didn't get in the way of a good vacation, he helped make it an exceptionally great vacation. If you haven't toured Desolation Sound by charter boat - you got to do this! Truly one of the best vacations my wife and I have ever had, and we have traveled all over the world. It was so great, that my wife is now trying to talk me into buying a trawler! Now guys, that's a bonus on the deal that's worth the price of admission all by itself.

DSYC has been in business for over 20 years. Unfortunately, new owners are now operating the company this year. My experience with them has been very poor. Two weeks ago, I called them about renting a powerboat for 2 weeks to explore the Hakai area north of Port Hardy. There was time available for the boat I was interested in and I was ready to send them a deposit, but had a couple questions for which I wanted a written response. They seemed irritated that I should have questions. I sent them an email asking if charts would be provided for the trip, if the boat had an inverter, if the heads flushed with fresh or salt water, if spares and tools were onboard, and what type of heating system was on the boat. This is information that other charter companies provide on their websites and are reasonable questions, especially in consideration of the remote area in which I planned to cruise. After about a week, I received a response saying that these questions were technical in nature, and that they would have to have someone research the answers for me, and they were leaving for the weekend. Really? That's of concern. How does their fleet manager schedule preventative maintenance on the systems aboard their boats when they don't know what systems are on the boats? Lack of preventative maintenance could ruin a charter trip. The last time I called them, they just sounded irritated with me and still didn't have any answers. If this is how customers are treated when they are trying to spend $8,800 with them, just imagine how you'll be treated once they have your money. I'm going to spend my money elsewhere. If you decide to do business with these folks, I would suggest that you insist upon paying with a credit card, as other charter companies accept. It may be your only recourse for action should things go bad. Caveat emptor...

We chartered a power boat from DSYC to go around Desolation Sound. What an amazing experience! The boat was everything we hoped for: in excellent condition, easy to navigate, clean, very well appointed and roomy enough for us to never feel claustrophobic. The folks at DSYC were so easy to deal with and very helpful every step along the way. Phone calls and emails were promptly returned and all questions were answered. We felt we were in very good hands. Thanks especially to Maz and Marnie for their time and attention. We are already planning our charter for next year.

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6 Amazing Experiences While Chartering A Boat In Desolation Sound, Canada

• Activities and Interests
• British Columbia
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• Outdoor Activities
• Types of Travel

Desolation Sound is a Pacific Northwest hidden jewel for boaters. Located 95 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia — past the Sunshine Coast and at the tip of the Strait of Georgia — the area’s deepwater coves and mountainous fjords are a magical backdrop for sailors and motorboaters as well as kayakers. Minimal tidal exchange in the sound contributes to exceptionally warm ocean waters and the numerous freshwater lakes ashore, some with tropical-like white sand and aqua-blue water, simply add to the attraction.

Some people have chosen to jet off on international vacations again, but our group of seven went searching for a bucket-list trip closer to home. We found it in one magical week aboard a 45-foot Bavaria yacht cruising Desolation Sound. Calling beautiful British Columbia home and with a past history of chartering sailboats, we were able to take advantage of a last-minute cancellation, scoring the premier yacht in the charter fleet for our week in early August. 

We chartered out of Comox on Vancouver Island with Desolation Sound Yacht Charters. While boats can be rented in Nanaimo or Vancouver, Comox was the closest departure point.

Savary Island, just short of the entrance to Desolation Sound, looks to have been plucked from the tropics rather than the wilderness of Canada. It is a popular afternoon anchorage for an ocean swim or row to the sandy shore. 

Whether you want to fulfill a high-seas fantasy at the helm of a sailboat or prefer to experience the magic of being at sea with a hired skipper, there are ways to access this ultimate cruising area without owning a boat — and amazing experiences to be had while you’re in the area.

1. The Charter Experience

Will it be a bareboat charter or hired skipper? The answer depends on your experience. Charter companies will require a resume of boating and sailing experience, including coastal navigation and marine radio certification. Be prepared to document proof of competence, complete a navigation quiz, and demonstrate your abilities during an on-the-water boat check-out prior to departure. Having crew with boating experience on board is preferred for yachts greater than 40 feet. You can also hire a certified skipper for the entire charter. Additional fees will apply. Most skippers are fun-loving and amicable with holiday groups. Note that you will need to accommodate for their sleeping arrangements.

2. Places To See

There are numerous must-see destinations in Desolation Sound. This is far from an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start.

Teakerne Arm

British explorer Captain George Vancouver first visited Teakerne Arm in 1792 while mapping the area. At the time, he was less than impressed with the remoteness of the area, which now seems laughable as people savor the seclusion and soaring peaks rising from deep fjords, particularly striking within Teakerne Arm. For those who enjoy hiking and swimming, no visit is complete without trekking to and swimming in Cassel Lake above the cliff, and then frolicking in the cascading waterfall below.

Prideaux Haven

Prideaux Haven is undoubtedly one of the most scenic anchorages in Desolation Sound. This well-protected harbor has enough arms and interconnecting coves and passageways to accommodate many boats and still offer space while presenting endless corners for kayaking or exploring by dinghy or SUP.

Manson’s Landing Marine Park And Hague Lake

The 117-acre marine park was established in 1973 to protect the magnificent sand beaches, including 4,000 feet of ocean beach facing Marina Island, 3,400 feet of beach facing the Lagoon, and 1,300 feet of freshwater beach at Hague Lake. Hague Lake’s glistening white sand beach and tropical aqua blue water seem bizarrely transplanted from the tropics.

Roscoe Bay And Black Lake

Roscoe Bay is restricted by tides, but visiting by dinghy or timing it as an overnight stay will give you access to Black Lake, and a short hike to bare rocks ideal for sunbathing or diving into the warm, fresh water.

Refuge Cove

Refuge Cove on Cortes Island is the major supply center for yachts visiting Desolation Sound. Fuel, water, and provisions make it a popular stop. The General Store is also a great place to secure a copy of The Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet – the true story of a young widowed mother cruising coastal British Columbia with her five young children in a 25-foot sailboat during the summer of 1926. Reading the book as you explore the same waters is an immersive experience.

3. Other Desolation Sound Adventures

While good winds are likely to make sailing from Comox to Desolation Sound and back exciting, light winds within the Sound are likely, making fishing, prawning, kayaking, swimming, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, and oyster and mussel harvesting all viable activities. Provided you have secured a fishing license and there are no shellfish warnings, a dinner from the sea to reward your efforts is absolutely possible! So is whale watching. We spotted several orcas rounding Spitsbury Point as we approached Cortes Island.

The setting sun at anchor is a daily reward, but a full moon reflecting over the water at night is a bonus for those who plan their charter with the lunar cycle in mind.

4. Enjoy Your Crew

Half the fun of cruising is the company you share it with! Our crew was game for adventure and took theme nights seriously, allowing for Mexican, Hawaiian, Italian, Western, and Pirate Night to dictate not only food and drinks but also attire. We kicked it off with the pirate theme our first evening in Cortes Bay, complete with sabering several bottles of champagne!

5. Experiencing The Sound In Season

July and August offer the warmest, most stable weather but can be busy with summer holidays. September, a fringe alternative, offers quieter anchorages and lakes still warmed from the heat of the summer. Wildfires in British Columbia and Washington and the possibility of smoke are a consideration, particularly in August, so you’re best to check local conditions before departing. So far, summer 2023 has been nothing but beautiful blue skies in Desolation Sound!

6. Get Excited About Your Itinerary

There are many ways to enjoy Desolation Sound. This was our route:

• Day 1: Comox to Savary Island, anchor for swim and SUP, destination Cortes Bay
• Day 2: Cortes Bay, past Squirrel Cove to Teakern Arm + waterfall (Cassel Lake)
• Day 3: Teakern Arm to Squirrel Cove via Refuge Cove, destination Prideau Haven
• Day 4: Prideau Haven to Roscoe Bay (Black Lake), destination Tenedos Bay (Unwin Lake)
• Day 5: Tenedos Bay to Manson’s Landing (Hague Lake)
• Day 6: Manson’s Landing to Henry Bay (north end Denman Island), 30 miles return
• Day 7: Henry Bay and return to Comox Harbor, 1 hour in the morning

Pro Tips For Cruising Desolation Sound

Staying safe and comfortable.

All charter boats are equipped with PFDs (personal floatation devices). Being on the water, even in the hot summer, can be cool, as can mornings and evenings. It’s best to pack something warm. Bring rain gear with the hope of never needing it. Charters come with basic linens and towels, but having a few extras for fresh and saltwater swimming is nice.

Planning Guides And Charter Recommendation

The Desolation Sound cruising guide by Peter Vassilopoulos is a great resource for not only planning but also interpreting the history of the area. The Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide to Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands is another respected resource. The Boaters Blue Pages and Marine Guide by Pacific Yachting are indispensable directories of marine services.

When it comes to picking an outfitter, we highly recommend Desolation Sound Yacht Charters out of Comox. All boats come with charts on board, and most newer yachts have electronic navigation, but if you want to mark up a chart and plot courses, you’re best to bring your own.

Eating And Drinking

When sailing, non-greasy food, made easy to eat on the go, is key. But nothing beats fresh oysters shucked off the back of the boat or a fresh catch of salmon. Even if you’re not an angler, you can buy direct from fishing boats in Comox Harbor prior to departure. Boats typically have portable barbecues, cooktops with smaller ovens, and more limited refrigeration, so consider that when meal planning.

Other Cruising Considerations

Bringing charging blocks for cell phones is a good back-up to the yachts charging system, especially since you will be on anchor without shore power most nights. A fishing license is a must if you plan to harvest from the sea. Learn more on this Fisheries and Oceans of Canada page .

Ginger tea or sea sickness bands are good things to have on hand for crew, and sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen are a must for the intense reflection off the water. Non-marking white-sole deck shoes will ensure you leave no trace, and frozen water in jugs to keep food cold turns into extra drinking water after it thaws rather than a sloppy mess from an ice block. Canned drinks are always better than bottles to avoid breakage.

For additional area inspiration, consider:

• 9 Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia
• The 9 Charming Towns In British Columbia I’ve Missed Visiting The Most
• My 7 Favorite Restaurants In Vancouver, British Columbia

Mary, of CarryOnQueen , is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in North Vancouver, Canada. A marketing speaker, author, and consultant by trade, but an adventure traveler and writer by passion, she pursues her love of story and travel tips in publications such as the Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, the Vancouver Sun, and The Province.

She has published numerous lifestyle pieces in national publications including Zoomer Magazine, Cottage Life, Outside Magazine, and Pacific Yachting .

Cruising Desolation Sound

Located at the north end of the Sunshine Coast, about 90 miles from Vancouver or 24 miles from Comox on Vancouver Island, Desolation Sound is one of the largest and most famous marine parks in BC. Warm summer temperatures and the meeting of the tides jointly cause the Desolation Sound region to enjoy the mildest climate, richest sea life and warmest water on the BC coast.

You will cross beautiful Georgia Strait, round Mystery Reef and Savary Island, past the seaside town of Lund  (9), through Thulin Passage and up into  Squirrel Cove (1)  on Cortes Island for your first overnight anchorage.

Explore Squirrel Cove, a very protected anchorage, and check out the “reversing creek” into a beautiful back water lagoon. Then head up to  Teakerne Arm (2)  to anchor next to the magnificent 90′  Cassel Lake falls  for lunch. Explore the falls and swim the warm waters of the lake. For a good overnight anchorage, head back down Lewis Channel, stopping at  Refuge Cove (3)  for water, fuel, souvenirs or a great cappuccino and cinnamon bun, then on to  Tenedos Bay (4)  for the night

Hike up to Unwin Lake and explore the many trails that lead back into the great Canadian wilderness. For your next overnight, head up around the corner to the fabulous  Prideaux Haven (5) . Anchor in either Melanie Cove or  Laura Cove  and enjoy the splendor of giant mountain peaks towering all around you.

Heading up Waddington Channel offers three options for your fourth day and night.

• Roscoe Bay (6)  is extremely well protected and has a beautiful, warm, fresh water lake just a short walk from the anchorage.
• Pendrell Sound (7)  boasts the the warmest water north of the tropics, often reaching over 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24C) in the summer months.
• Native pictographs adorn the cliffs of the anchorage in  Walsh Cove (8)  at the north end of Waddington Channel.

Cruise around the  Redonda Islands  via  Homfray Channel  which boasts the deepest soundings in coastal North American waters, 2400 feet! Heading back down through Thulin Passage brings you back to the quaint seaside town of  Lund (9) , an excellent spot for your next overnight stop.

Cruise back across  Georgia Strait  to  Henry Bay (10)  on Denman Island for a relaxing last night’s anchorage. This is a quiet bay with deserted sandy beaches just 5 miles from our Base. If you prefer, or the weather is not cooperating, plan to return to the Base that evening, fuel up, tie up, perhaps unload some of your gear, have a shower, maybe dinner out and a good night’s sleep. Next morning you’ll be ready for check out at 9:00 am.

If you stayed at Henry Bay, plan to get up very early to fuel up and return the boat to the Base by 9:00 am. On the way to Comox Marina, take the time to check that all personal gear is packed and the boat is clean and ready for unloading so you can be clear for check-in at 9:00 am. If you came in the night before you’ll get a bit of extra sleep before you check the boat out at 9:00 am.

Have a safe trip home and we hope to see you next year.

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Attraction, Landmark & Activity - northwest-america

One of America's finest cruising grounds

Intense serene tranquility awaits you at the beautiful marine park located north of the Sunshine Coast in the province of British Columbia.

With over 6,350 acres of shoreline and water, it is the largest Marine Park in B.C. in addition to being the only major park of any kind on the Pacific mainland coast of Canada. The Park can be split up into three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedos Bay, and Grace Harbour. Each boasts its own unique vistas and incredibly calm waters that teem with fish; oyster, clams, prawns, salmon and cod. 

Words can't do this place justice....the beauty that surrounds you is breathtaking and awe-inspiring!

With many safe anchorage locations for your luxury superyacht charter to explore, enjoy the panoramic views on board as you sail through waters most of which are either totally or partly enclosed by the low shorelines or high cliffs, islands, or mountainsides. 

For those who enjoy an adventure, the warm waters make Desolation Sound Marine Park an ideal place for swimming and scuba diving, saltwater and freshwater fishing, and walk-in wilderness camping.

Abound with excellent cruising grounds for yachts, it comes as no surprise to know that the area has become one of the most popular in the world.

If you are interested in a private crewed yachting vacation in the waters around British Columbia, view all superyachts available for Northwest American yacht charters today and start planning your next vacation with a recommended yacht charter broker .

Desolation Sound, Discovery Islands, British Columbia

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Desolation Sound Yacht Charter

A yacht charter through Desolation Sound is amazing. The scenery and solitude of the Desolation Sound is breathtaking. Considered by some to be America's top cruising grounds, Desolation Sounds has plenty to offer yacht charter guests. The waters are calm and sheltered and brimming with good fish. From oysters, clams, prawns, salmon and cod, you're bound to have some fantastic seafood on your plate by the end of the day. Get your chef to prepare you a delicious meal and enjoy it on the deck of your charter boat.

With more Marine Parks than anywhere else on the coast, you'll never be short of a gorgeous anchorage. Desolation Sound offers some lovely walks, all within easy access from the anchorages. Take a hike to one of the four freshwater lakes or waterfall for a dip. If you'd prefer to cool off closer to your charter yacht, dive overboard into the warmest salt water north of Mexico! The Desolation Sound is a stunning yacht charter location. Nature lovers will simply adore it. Although the Desolation Sound yacht charter area is stunning, don’t be too quick to sail there. Often overlooked in the haste, is the tranquil protected bays or the Sunshine Coast and Jervis Inlet.

The types of yacht charter available in and around Desolation Sound include motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, and even the occasional luxury yacht charter. 

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Desolation Sound Yacht Charter Enquiry

Hi Amanda, Our time on Isabella really could not have been better. Vince, Nick and Patty were very professional, every one of them so great at what they do. (Cathy was also on board but was mostly in the kitchen and we didn't see much of her. I believe she was in training. She was super nice too). Really appreciated their focus on safety with the kids on board. They all had a great sense of when to disappear and when to hang out and chat with us, or when to start making cocktails! The food was always great. The yacht is very comfortable and would certainly be comfortable with several more on board. There are definitely several spots to go for privacy for everyone - especially in good weather. Everything was clean, new, well-maintained. Our rooms were miraculously cleaned and put back together everyday sometime between breakfast and lunch! Desolation sound is just a gem. Especially being from the Northwest, it's just amazing to be so far north and have such warm water! In spots it was 77 degrees. in Seattle, Puget Sound is around 58 degrees! So almost everyday was about getting the toys ready for water play. My cousins boat was always nearby, so that made it even more fun being able to paddle board or tender back and forth, and getting multiple kids on the towing toy. Loved Pendrell Sound, warmest water of all. Also Prideaux Haven, just an surreally beautiful cove and we did a hike up to a warm lake there. Actually, we never made it to the Lake cause the kids were getting eaten by mosquitos. But next time I'm bringing bug spray and going all the way. There are actually many places in Desolation to hike to warm lakes. So many beautiful spots. Dent Island was also a great destination - cold water, but great fishing and also an exciting tour to take on a jet boat through the rapids. More eagles in one place than I'm sure I'll ever see again. They just perch in the trees and dive down at their leisure for a fish. There you can have a nice dinner at the restaurant - it's sort of a luxe/rustic little resort. Chartered ISABELLA in the Pacific North West, July

Yachting Destinations In and Around Desolation Sound

In close proximity to Desolation Sound are a number of exciting sailing destination.

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Yachts for charter in desolation sound, charter yacht disclaimer.

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.