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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 .

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Desolation sound yacht charters, services & marine supply.

Our fleet of sail and power yachts is located only a 23 miles from magnificent Desolation Sound. We offer Bareboat Charters, Sail and Power Yacht Training Courses and Skippered Charters plus a fully stocked marine store. 

The Marine Store is located steps from Comox Marina, Desolation Sound Yacht & Marine Supply Store proudly offer mariners parts, supplies, leisure goods, fishing equipment, safety gear and apparel. Come and talk to our knowledgeable team about your boat maintenance.

Our charter fleet consists of Sail and Power yachts ranging from 31′ – 54′. We require experience on a comparable size and type of boat to bareboat charter. We also offer yacht training courses.

We are located in Comox, on Vancouver Island, only 24 miles to Desolation Sound. Their is nothing more enjoyable and exhilarating than bareboating on a charter yacht. You decide when you wish to sail, swim  or just relax. A yacht charter vacation combines the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, stimulation and relaxation. When you charter a yacht from us you enjoy the benfits of our ideal location, low prices, large discounts, excellent selection of yachts, great facilities and personal service.  Many experienced yachtsmen consider Desolation Sound as not only the most beautiful and varied cruising area in British Columbia, but equal to if not better than any other area in the world. This coastal haven of majestic fjords, towering 7000′ peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes provides countless well protected anchorages scattered throughout its spectacular cruising grounds.

Experience other businesses in the Marine category:

250 650 0684

[email protected], comox municipal marina.

Marine Outdoor Adventure Professional Outdoor Recreation & Parks

Pacific pro dive & marine adventures, 1.250.338.6829 // tf 1.877.800.3483, comox marina, comox, bc, transportation marine outdoor adventure recreation, 1.250.339.3141, [email protected], marina park, comox, bc, comox valley harbour authority, 1.250.339.6041, [email protected], 121 port augusta street, comox, british columbia, v9m 3n8, transportation marine, gas 'n' go marine ltd., 1.250.339.4664, [email protected], 11 port augusta street, comox, bc v9m 7z8.

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Comox valley marina, 1.250.339.2930, [email protected], 1805 beaufort avenue, comox.

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Locations - sunshine coast.

Desolation Marina's   |  Gulf Islands |  Gulf Islands |  San Juan Islands  |   Sunshine Coast   |    Reservations   |  NEW!   Racing

  Escape to a world of ocean, lakes, mountains, waterfalls, fjords, pristine anchorages, sea life and adventure, in British Columbia's largest marine park. Once you enter the warm swimming waters of Desolation Sound, be sure to explore the natural delights to be found at Tenedos Bay, Prideaux Haven and Melanie and Laura Coves.

If total solitude is your heart's desire, there are more than 30 other coves to explore! Before heading back across the Strait, spend some time hiking trails, biking, eating fresh baked goods and exploring the white sandy beaches of Savory Island.  

Depart from Deep Cove Marina for a beautiful 32 nautical mile sail to Silva Bay   on Gabriola Island. You may also chose to do a long day and sail to Lasqueti Island into False Bay.  

Silva Bay to Granville Island Head across the Georgia Strait to  Granville Island.  Thought of as Vancouver's "Town Square, you will be inspired and enjoy this unique atmosphere in an exciting cultural experience of fine restaurants, festivals, galleries and unique shops.

Granville Island to Secret Cove  A tiny entrance to the area disguises a series of small bays and coves offering perfectly protected anchorage in a number of inlets; however, most boaters prefer the inside of Turnagain Island.  Secret Cove  is a popular summer resort retreat, with the remote feeling of an island and all the convenience of a mainland coastal community.

Leaving Secret Cove sailing up the Malaspina Strait  for about 7 nm into the Agamemnon channel to the Jervis Inlet for 10nm . Study the shallow along this route carefully.  24 nm to Deserted Bay for anchor and plan into Malibu Rapids .

Study the slack tidal currents   and the channel carefully and radio as you enter to ensure no other vessel is in transit.

Arrive at the public docks at Chatter Box falls only if the currents allow. 

Plan departure currents 

Enjoy a leisurely view of the falls and plan your exit. Download the currents as WiFi is poor but you can chat to other cruisers and be sure of the slack tidal current.

Be sure to arrive at your next anchor or dock during daylight.

Pender Habour is a good option 

Sailing back down the Princess Royal , Moorsam and Prince of Wales reaches  ​into the Jervis inlet. Down the Agamemnon chanel to Pender Harbour before the sunset, check your speeds and distance carefully  

Pender Habour to Deep or Long bay on Lasqueti are good anchorages and good hiking . Protected from prevailing south easter winds 

Lasqueti Island to Poets Cove Easing back into civilization to  Poets Cove  in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island where you will enjoy unparalleled peace, tranquillity and elegance in the midst of incredible natural beauty.

Day 10 Poets Cove to Deep Cove Marina Early rise and sail by 10AM  through Satellite Channel past some of the most beautiful homes on the West Coast. Skirt around Coals Island and back into our base, review tides for 2M enery or onto our mooring balls. Call in - in preparation for departure that morning.

Many yachtsmen regard the Desolation Sound area as not only the most beautiful and varied cruising area in BC, but equal to, if not better than any other area in the world. In the variety of spectacular scenery, warm summer climate, abundance of shelter and anchorages, Desolation Sound is a microcosm of all that is best about salt water cruising in British Columbia.

Click  Here  for an example of a one week cruising itinerary through Desolation Sound and imagine yourself relaxing here!

POWELL RIVER

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Beach Gardens Marina  

Accommodates transient and permanent moorage.  fuel is available in season (gas, diesel, oil).  there is a liquor store (cold beer available), directly at the marina.  fresh water, ice, coin laundry, showers, washrooms, and telephone are available.  the marina also offers a shuttle service to the town centre mall during july and august., lund     lund harbour authority wharf : (604) 483-4711 vhf channel 66a.

Lund is home to many shops and services including a general store, a restaurant overlooking the water, kayak and adventure tourism stores, and Nancy's Bakery, a favourite of locals as well as tourists.

SAVARY ISLAND

Dazzling sunlight, glorious sunsets, and moonlit nights on sandy beaches all combine to bring the glamour of the tropics to Savary Island, a paradise island in British Columbia's Strait of Georgia. A public wharf and moorage floats are located in Keefer Bay. There is a water taxi to and from Lund (604) 483-9749

CORTES ISLAND

Nestled at the entrance to enchanting Desolation Sound, tranquil and friendly Cortes Island is one of the most impressive of the Discovery Islands, with its placid lakes, beaches, and rugged gorges. There are three settlements on Cortes Island: 

has a small public float alongside the ferry dock. There is also Gorge Harbour Marina which has all amenities for charter yachts including 15 and 30 amp power connections, water, newly renovated bathrooms with coin-operated showers and laundry facilities. In addition, four guest rooms are available for those with crew changes or needing additional sleeping space. The well-stocked General Store provides ample extras for those sailing trips to Desolation Sound and beyond. Look at the cliffside to port for the petroglyphs as you enter the narrow channel into this extremely protected harbour. Call VHF 66A for slip assignment.

Manson's Landing  

has a good sailboat anchorage to the north of the 177’ long public dock however the entire area is exposed to the south. From here you can access Mansons Landing Marine Park and Hague Lake which is a wonderfully warm lake with great swimming.

Squirrel Cove :

The Government dock is 200’ long with 15 amp power and can be used by charter yachts. There is access to telephone and garbage disposal. (250)935-0180 You can purchase supplies at the Squirrel Cove General Store.

QUADRA ISLAND

Heriot Bay  has a Government Dock which will accommodate charter yachts. Sailors can monitor VHF Channel 66A for docking information.  Heriot Bay Inn & Marina is situated in sheltered Heriot Bay, the sailboat and powerboat marina offers: diesel, marine fuel & propane sales, ice, showers and laundry facilities, wireless high speed internet, charts, maps & fishing charters. 

Taku Resort  (250) 285-3031

South of Heriot Bay in Drew Harbour - When using sailboat moorage facilities, guests can also access all the resort’s fantastic amenities including Internet access, tennis court, showers and laundry facilities. They can even restock provisions at the market, only a five-minute stroll away. VHF Channel 66A for slip assignment

MALASPINA INLET

Okeover Inlet, south of Penrose Bay, has a public float. The day use area is situated on a traditional Sliammon First Nations archaeological site. There are interpretive signs explaining the significant aspects of the site.

The peaceful and undeveloped Toba Inlet provides almost total isolation for sailboat charters who want to enjoy a cruising experience that ranks among the best in the world.  Sailors seeking the tranquility and scenic wonders of Toba Inlet may have difficulty anchoring in the deep waters of the fjord. Protected anchorages are difficult to find, with the west side of Brem Bay considered to be the best anchorage in Toba Inlet. Charter boats generally anchor in deep water and run one or two stern lines ashore. Sailboats tucked into small coves can attach lines to objects on both sides of the shore to secure their vessel for overnight stays. Sailors can sometimes secure permission to tie up to a logging barge near the Tahumming River.

Toba Wildernest Marina  (250) 202-0478 (leave message) Channel 66a

has a quiet, friendly dock in a well protected, picturesque bay with 350 feet of moorage. The size of the marina ensures that even when full it has an intimate feel.  There is access to fresh water, a small store that carries ice, ice cream,fishing tackle and a few convenience items and shower facilities that have been called "The best shower in the world" by some boating guests.

LEWIS CHANNEL

Refuge Cove  is a unique coastal co-op with a small store, liquor outlet and some mouth-watering homemade cinnamon buns.

Grace Harbour 

is a long and narrow sheltered bay located on Gifford Peninsula in Malaspina Inlet. The inner part of Grace Harbour is completely protected from all winds and seas whish is perfect for anchoring your charter boat. There are a series of hiking trails at the end of the bay. Follow the trail at the northern end of the harbour to a small, peaceful, freshwater lake created by beavers. Galley Bay and Isabel Bay provide anchorage for cruising boats. Isabel Bay 

is situated in Lancelot Inlet and only limited anchorage for a few charter boats can be found here. A small cove at the lower end of the bay, along with two tiny nooks for one or two boats can be found behind Madge Island at its northern end. Clams and oysters abound. It may be necessary to tie a stern line to shore.

Wootton Bay has several temporary anchorages with most of them being near the head of the bay.  These spots provide good protection from the night time westerly winds but are somewhat exposed to any wind from the south or southeast.  Theodosia Inlet is almost like a lagoon as the shallow entrance channel inhibits the entrance of salt water but also permits freshwater outflow from the Theodosia River.  The current runs quite quickly through the narrow twisting channel which opens up inside Theodosia Inlet.  The Inlet at the entrance of Theodosia is often used as a picnic area and there are flat areas suitable for camping.  A shallow bay on the East side of the inlet can be used for beaching a canoe or kayak. Other good anchorage spots can also be found throughout Theodosia Inlet. Outside the Inlet, anchorage is possible near Grail Point behind Susan Inlet. An old orchard is a landmark. Mink Island

 is private property, however it provides one of the most popular anchorages in Desolation Sound.  The outer anchorage is fairly deep, but a shallower more protected anchorage is possible behind a small islet near the head of the cove.  Depths are 10-20 feet. Galley Bay 

offers good anchorage in the western most nook, or behind the island in the eastern part of the bay. Caution must be exercised in the central part of the bay, because there are two dangerously drying rocks. The one near the centre dries three feet and the one farther in dries 12 feet. It's also exposed to north easterly winds. A stern line to shore is recommended. Tenedos Bay 

is known as the "Deep Bay" and caution must be exercised in setting anchor here as depths can reach over 300 feet in the central bay.  There are however many small coves and crannies shallow enough for small charter yachts to find anchorage.  The largest, most protected anchorage area is in the extreme northern end of the bay.  Despite its partial exposure to westerly winds, the eastern most cove in Tenedos Bay is usually the busiest. Here you can anchor and walk a trail which leads up to Unwin Lake.  The lake is only five minutes by trail from the sea and halfway along the trail it is possible to cut through the woods to a stream where gentle rapids and deep pools provide an ideal secluded place to swim.  When a westerly wind arises, it whistles through this area.  Unmarked rocks extend from this island in several places. Ha'thayim (Von Dunop)

Marine Provincial Park in the Discovery Islands, with its long, narrow sheltered inlet, is a popular anchorage for charter yachts.  Located on the northwestern tip of Cortes Island, the inlet can be entered from northern Sutil Channel. Otter Island is only large enough for a few boats and is an almost totally secluded anchorage for charter boats.  The passage separating Otter Island from the mainland, although extremely narrow, is deep enough for most small craft to safely navigate.  Sky Pilot Rock, one of the most dangerous hazards in the area, is located north of Otter Island.  It waits menacingly out in mid-channel, unmarked, and only a few feet under water at high tide.  Favour the Otter Island Shore. Prideaux Haven 

is known as one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere. This well protected harbour has enough arms and interconnecting coves and passageways to safely accommodate hundreds of charter boats. Entrance to Prideaux Haven is from Homfray Channel to the east of Eveleigh Island. Caution should be exercised when entering the area and the reef in the center of the channel should be kept to the port. From July to August, Prideaux Haven has the reputation of being one for the most crowded anchorages on the BC coast. The warm waters of this area make it a perfect spot for swimming and water skiing. Teakerne Arm

Provincial Marine Park is a beautiful 128-hectare area off Lewis Channel on the west side of West Redonda Island in Desolation Sound, BC.  The park features features forested uplands and the amazing 30-metre high Cassel Falls.  Follow the hiking trails to Cassel Lake, perfect for a picnic and a swim in one of the best swimming spots in Desolation Sound, BC.  Most charter boats anchor in the bay immediately to the west of the falls, with plenty of anchor rode out in the deep bay and a stern line fastened ashore.  Teakerne Arm Provincial Marine Park has a dinghy landing dock and is a perfect area to include in your sailboat charter vacation. Walsh Cove 

is a small 85-hectare sheltered anchorage at Walsh Cove Provincial Marine Park, a favourite among Desolation Sound charter boats, is located on the east side of West Redonda Island, off Waddington Channel.  After anchoring in the secure and compact little cove, sailors can take their dinghy and explore the undeveloped shoreline, hike the trails and look for ancient native pictographs on the rock cliffs at Doctor Bay.

Desolation Sound

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This not so well known tourist spot is a sleeping giant traveled regularly by the few who know of its whereabouts.  Established in 1973, Desolation Sound Marine Park amasses over 20,000 acres of land and water and is considered the largest marine park in British Columbia.  Along the shoreline are dramatic sweeping mountains and high cliffs adding to the appeal of the plush landscape.  Popular areas within the park are numerous with a few hot spots listed below.

Grace Harbour

Protected from both the winds and the sea, Grace Harbour can be entered from the Malaspina Inlet.  Once privately owned, the area was added to the park in 1975 and is considered to be great for hiking, biking and camping.

Tenedos Bay Most who travel the Tenedos Bay refer to it as the “Deep Bay” due to deptsh reaching over 300 ft. in most of the area, but it is highly traveled site and provides access to the secluded Lake Unwin.  Along the quarter of a mile trail to the lake, rapids and pulls can be accessed for swimming.

Prideaux Haven Probably the most picturesque location in the park is the Prideaux Haven Harbour.  Quite a few choice coves and passageways exist and together safely accommodate hundreds of vessels.  During the summer months this area has a reputation for being the most popular of Desolation Sound’s Park with great swimming, kayaking, skiing, paddleboarding fun  and welcoming warm waters.

Isabel Bay This Bay is located in the Lancelot Inlet and well known for producing a large amount of clams and oysters.  Anchoring is somewhat difficult in this area and only recommended for the veterans.

Okeover Arm Rich in marine life due to its warm waters, this is a great spot for picnicking, camping and or dining in the restaurant on the hill.  There is a marina in Penrose Bay that provides access to all of the above.

Thors Cove The best spot for anchoring in Thors Cove is on the south end of the cove where the Aquaculture operations are located.

Theodosia Inlet Theodosia Inlet can be accessed easily with a canoe or kayak but is not recommended for larger craft due to its shallow inlet.  A fresh water flow from the Theodosia River provides enough of a current to keep the salt water out.  This is a great area for camping and admiring the scenery.

Portage Cove A great area to hang out during high tide, but is known to almost completely dry out during low tide.

Galley Bay The western most nook, or behind the island in the more eastern part of the bay is a great area for anchoring off, but caution should be exercised in the central portion of the bay due to a couple of large rocks breaking the surface of the water.

Mink Island A beautiful and safe area to anchor away from the winds and is probably what is considered to be the most popular boater spot in Desolation Sound.

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Booking Your Charter

Desolation Sound Yacht Charters’ knowledgeable and friendly team take care of all your trip details.

Your booking starts with a personal consultation so we can get to know you, your plans and your needs. We’ll assess your ability to charter based on your yachting experience and qualifications. We ask you to fill out an Experience Resume providing relevant information so we understand your proficiencies in chart reading and tidal waters experience.

Guests are given the tools to familiarize themselves with their boats prior to arrival. DSYC provides guests with a yacht manual, quick reference guide and navigational chart briefing on their cruising ground. When you arrive at the DSYC office you’ll take part in a further briefing, an on-board system orientation and practical on-water check out as required. We are committed to your safety and comfort through every part of your journey.

Desolation Sound Yacht Charters requires a 40% deposit to confirm your booking. Charter balance is due 60 days prior to commencement of charter and a mandatory daily insurance is added to the total cost of your charter in the case of hull and machinery damage. It also provides $2 million liability coverage.

A security deposit is required on your first day of charter, pre-authorized on a Visa or MasterCard. Desolation Sound Yacht Charters recommends and offers Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance for purchase. For additional information and the cost of this protection please inquire when booking.

Rates are for 6 days, 6 nights, from 9 am to 9 am. All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to 12% taxes. Low Season rates are valid before June 14 or after September 14. High Season rates are valid June 15 to September 14. We also offer Early Boarding of your yacht the afternoon before your charter for $200.

For more information on cancellations, please refer to our cancellation policy .