Planning for Coastal B.C.
Chart 1 - Symbols, Terms, Abbr.
Official Tide & Current Tables (2026)
Salish Sea (Straits of Juan de Fuca & Georga)
Discovery Passage & West Vancouver Island
Haida Gwaii, Totaranui (Q. Charlotte Sound)
Areas to Avoid
How to be Whale Wise
Safe Recreational Boating
Shared Waterways with Commercial Traffic
Marine Forecasts
Canada - Weather Zone Map & Forecast
US - Weather Zone Map & Forecast
Fishing Licenses
Canada, Washington & S.E. Alaska.
Boating Licenses
Canada - PCOC
Guides & Apps for Pacific Northwest Cruising
Salish Sea Pilot Guides: Thorough, up-to-date piloting notes, marina maps, route diagrams & details for harbours & anchorages throughout the region. Pro Tip: Print pages & add your own notes about currents, tidal ranges & hazards.
Waggoner Guides: An essential guide for cruising insights & contact info for marinas, fuel docks, pump-outs, showers, ice-cream & provisions from Washington to S.E. Alaska.. Pro Tip: Buy this popular resource early in the season.
Garmin (Navionics) & Other Chat Apps: Make time to learn the apps in advance, how updates & offline use works. For planning purposes - the desktop version is available for free. Pro Tip: Don't forget to ZOOM in to find hazards not visible in large scale views.
Current & Tide Tables: Download the official guides you will need before you depart to safely transit dangerous currents & anchor in large tidal ranges. Pro Tip: Confirm against the official sources when using alternative sources in dangerous passes.
Other Resources for Trip Planning:
Canadian Key Biodiversity Areas
Recreational Boating & Commercial Traffic
Throughout the Inside Passage - Puget Sound through British Columbia to S.E. Alaska - recreational boaters and commercial traffic share waterways. Cruise ships, tankers, cargo vessels, tugboats with barges and logbooms, seaplanes and fishing fleets occupy the same cruising areas as recreational vessels of all sizes. Awareness of the rules, maintaining a good lookout and advanced planning is essential for a relaxing and safe experience when cruising in the Pacific Northwest.
The following resources are provided to inspire you to do your research and hone your navigation and piloting skills as you explore this vibrant region.
Vancouver Port Authority (including the Frasier River) Handbook
Victoria Port Authority Traffic Scheme
Navigation Safety Around Towing Vessels
Float Planes: In general terms, float planes on the water operate like any other vessel. But boaters are always required to give way to vessels "restricted in their ability to manoeuvre" and take evasive action to avoid a collision. Take off and landing are key moments when float plane maneuverability and line-of-sight is restricted for float planes. Boaters must remain vigilant in their lookout and prepare in advance to understand how local rules apply.
ColRegs: Knowledge of the Collion Regulations is an essential skill for all boat operators. Before you start your cruise in the tidal waters of the Pacific Northwest, take the time to study or take a Coastal Navigation course (we offer those as self-study or guided courses) to ensure your trip to this dynamic region is fun, relaxing and safe.
Services for Yacht Owners
Boat Buyer Services
Looking for your dream boat?
Finding your boat is the first step in your adventure. We help buyers find and evaluate boats worldwide.
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We can help you deliver your boat to your home port and train you and your crew to enjoy the cruising lifestyle.
Your Dream Boat Deserves the Right Charter Partner
Owning a boat in a place you love should feel exciting, not uncertain. For many owners, placing a vessel in charter is a smart way to offset expenses, keep the boat active and professionally maintained and enjoy their boat. The success of that experience depends heavily on one thing: the quality of the charter company behind it.
Trust Matters More Than Marketing
A beautiful brand, polished photos, and glowing reviews may signal that a company markets well. They do not always tell you how well it operates. The real questions are deeper. Is the company financially stable? Are reporting systems clear and consistent? Do owners know how revenue, expenses, maintenance and service decisions are made? Is the company respected in its local market?
The best charter companies have credibility that extends beyond the internet. They are known by local boaters, service professionals, marina teams and current owners for operating with integrity and professionalism. So ask around.
Do the Due Diligence
It is easy to be drawn in by the lifestyle story of charter ownership. Yes, the story can be a good one. But this is a business arrangement. Approach it with the same discipline you would bring to any significant investment or partnership.
A reputable charter company should be prepared to share dependable financial information, explain its operational model clearly and offer references from both current and former fleet owners. If transparency is difficult to get early on, that tells you something.
Guidance for Owners Seeking the Right Fit
Finding a trustworthy charter company is not always straightforward, especially if you are evaluating opportunities from a distance. We work with charter companies and owners in multiple markets, with a particular focus on Pacific Northwest and Coastal British Columbia placements.
If you are considering charter ownership and want experienced guidance, we are happy to help you assess your options, ask sharper questions and move forward with greater confidence.
Book an exploratory call to begin your charter ownership journey with a clearer strategy and the right support around you.