Private Boat Charter: Southern Gulf Islands from Sidney

Four hours through five islands, two landing stops, marine wildlife along the way

A private boat charter from Sidney near Victoria takes your group through the Southern Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Galiano, Saturna, Mayne and Pender) with a captain and crew steering the route to fit your interests. The boat carries indoor and outdoor seating and stops at Salt Spring and Poets Cove on Pender Island. Bottled water is included. The guide speaks English or German. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat cruise Southern Gulf Islands

• Board private boat in Sidney
• Cruise through Southern Gulf Islands
• Stop at Salt Spring Island
• Stop at Poets Cove on Pender Island
• Enjoy sightseeing and marine wildlife
• Relax in indoor and outdoor seating
• Disembark at Sidney

The experience

The boat leaves Sidney with your group as the only passengers aboard. A captain and crew handle navigation while you decide what draws you: historic lighthouses, the coastlines between islands, or a longer look at one stop. The 4-hour window gives you time to move through five islands without rushing, and the stops at Salt Spring and Poets Cove anchor the day with places to step ashore. Marine wildlife (seals, eagles, the occasional whale) appears frequently enough that the crew watches for it, though sightings are never guaranteed.

The boat itself suits all ages and fitness levels, with both covered and open-air seating so you can shift between sun and shelter. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The indoor cabin keeps you dry if weather turns, and the outdoor deck lets you move around and photograph as the islands pass. Bottled water is provided throughout the cruise.

This is a sightseeing tour by water, not a meal service or an activity-based experience. If you want to build a picnic, a private function, or a celebration into the day, the crew can work with you on timing and logistics, but food and drinks beyond the water are yours to arrange. The route and stops stay flexible: tell the captain what interests you most, and the four hours shape around that.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• in-person guide in English or German.
• captain and crew.
• indoor and outdoor seating on the boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Birds of a Feather Marine

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or German, so book the language that fits your group's comfort. The boat carries up to four hours of cruising time, which works well for a half-day outing from Sidney. If you want a full day on the water, this charter alone may leave you wanting more.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What islands does the boat actually visit on this charter?

The charter passes through Salt Spring Island, Galiano, Saturna, Mayne and Pender Islands, with scheduled stops at Salt Spring and Poets Cove on Pender Island where you can step ashore.

Can we bring our own food and drinks for a picnic during the tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The charter includes bottled water, but meals and other beverages are not part of the tour package.