Go wild on expedition cruises on Canada's west coast and the Brazilian Amazon

   Out to Sea for Jan. 19/19

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   Cruising “off the beaten path” is gaining in popularity as cruisers seek to explore rarely seen sights with just a few of their “friends.”

   Canada gets its first “luxury expedition ship” on the west coast – Cascadia, a 138-foot catamaran for 24 guests.

   As well, Naturetours.com, a small ship expedition company that sails further into the Amazon than any other line, is re-launching its signature vessel, the Motor Yacht Tucano.

A grizzly bear is sighted on a Maple Leaf Adventures west coast sailing. (Greg Shea photo)

   Maple Leaf Adventures, based in Victoria, B.C., describes Cascadia as being “very small” but with spacious cabins, unlike polar region ships.

   The company provides “remarkable journeys, engaging people and wild spaces” for boutique expedition cruises in British Columbia and Alaska,” said publicist Maureen Gordon.

   The “truly wild luxury cruises” are in response to travellers’ discovery of the experiential benefits of expedition cruising such as in Antarctica, she added.

   It’s an opportunity for savvy cruisers to explore B.C. wonders on a 138-foot catamaran.

   The benefits for guests include shore excursions with guides in small groups of eight to 12 people at most, “providing big hands-on experiences.”

   These include a “non-stressed” viewing of bears, a personalized walk at SGang Gwaay with a Haida interpreter that respects the carrying capacity for wildlife and the coast’s tiny bays and islands, Gordon said.

Maple Leaf’s Cascadia visits SGang Gwaay, a Haida village. (Kayleen VanderRee photo)

   SG̱ang Gwaay is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and a village of the Haida people on a small island off the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii)” on B.C.’s north coast.

   After a $1-million refit, Cascadia will explore Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea, beginning in May and continuing through November.

   All-inclusive prices start at $3,980. Details: MapleLeafAdventures.com; (250) 386-7245.

   The Canadian Tourism Commission has recognized Maple Leaf Adventures in its “Signature Experiences Collection,” providing “conservation-focused, big adventures aboard small ships since 1986.”

   It has a reputation as one of Canada’s top sustainable tour operators with multi-day excursions in some of the most beautiful and rarest places in the world.

   Parks Canada has given Maple Leaf its Sustainable Tourism Award for promoting the appreciation and protection of Canada’s natural, cultural and esthetic heritage and making significant contributions to conservation.

   It’s a jungle out there

   Naturetours.com, an expedition ship company based in Rhode Island offers “immersive experiences” into the Brazilian rainforest to discover the flora and fauna.

   These jungle tours give passengers a “very hands-on journey on one of the most sustainable motor yachts at sea,” said publicist Gabby McNamara.

Naturetours.com sails deep into the Amazon on the Motor Yacht Tucano.

   “They recently refitted the 18-passenger Motor Yacht Tucano to add solar power and additional onboard space and amenities while eliminating the use of plastic onboard,” she added.

   The extensive refit four-week refit at its homeport of Manaus, Brazil increased comfort and enhanced sustainable features along with a “re-imagined excursion program.”

   Passengers might have their own desires and level of ability in exploring the Amazon and “we want to make the experience as authentic and tailored to each guest as possible,” said Naturetours.com CEO Mark Baker.

   The cruises go deep into a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in the least inhabited major river system in the Amazon Basin – the Rio Negro.

   “Out there, among the greatest collection of flora and fauna in the world, it’s just the passengers and guides,” Baker said.

Tucano, an expedition ship from Naturetours.com, offers “immersive experiences” in the Brazilian rainforest.

   This is one of the most varied environments in the Amazon with towering trees and mysterious flooded forests that stretch upon dark, still water and by deserted beaches.

   Grasslands are where crocodiles rest in the day and at a certain times of year.

   Naturetours.com offers the four-night “Amazon Odyssey” and six-night “Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon” sailings round-trip from Manaus year-round.

   The nine outside staterooms have five large double, two single, and two double-berth rooms.

   Rates are from $1,750 U.S. for four nights and $3,150 U.S. for six nights. naturetours.com; 1-800-688-1822

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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com