Why Seasmoke?

Killer Whale playing

A question that is frequently asked by our guests. Why the name Seasmoke?

Our company name Seasmoke is derived from a play on words from our earliest beginnings when we operated our wilderness based camping and sailing tours from aboard our sailing vessel Tuan.

Beginning with the image of smoke rising from our beach camp fires, it also incorporates the Seasmoke boat design of S.V. Tuan. The fog lifting from over the water is often referred to as seasmoke and the glorious plumes of seasmoke that rises upwards when an Orca or Humpback whale exhales, is often described as seasmoke.

Even today, Seasmoke is the best way to fully describe our company; what motivates our passions and connects us to nature.  It represents our connection to the sea and to the marine habitat that we are so privileged to work in and live beside each day.

An Eco-tour that speaks volumes

We recognize and acknowledge that the environment is humanity's most urgent need to attend to and care for. We have known this and practiced this for the past two decades and in our own small way, we have endeavoured to make a difference.

On our sailing tours we burn minimal fossil fuels, we use organics as much as we can in the food and beverages we serve on board and use only non disposable kitchenware in our galley. On both vessels our cleaning agents are biodegradable wherever possible and we recycle plastics, paper, cans, and glassware.

Escape from the crowds

There are fewer passengers on board our vessels. SV Tuan carries just 14 passengers and often less and while MV Cetacea is licensed to carry 30 passengers, it often carries 14-24 passengers or less.

We are small and consistent

As a small family operated business, we have maintained quality and personable service for the past two decades. On board you are more than a number and a face to us. You will meet and be at ease with your personable skipper and crew and while arriving as strangers you will depart as friends.

Passengers are delighted to return after an absence of many years, bringing with them their grandchildren, friends, and other family members. They are always relieved to find that our eco-tours have barely changed in 20 years and that we continue to offer the same high standard of service they had remembered from years ago.

For some, sailing quietly with the whales is the ultimate whale watching experience

Aboard the SV Tuan wind, ocean and whales blend together as one. As the wind in the sail propels the vessel soundlessly along and the orcas and humpback whales exhale nearby, the sound of their rhythmic blows punctuate the air with an astounding force. It is here at this place, in this moment, that some connect with a sacred reverence for nature.

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Quality Service

We pay attention to the details!

Thermo insulated suits are provided on both vessels for added comfort for those not dressed for the cooler temperatures often encountered on the water. We have warm hats, gloves, and even binoculars for those who may need to borrow them.

The Devonshire teas (hot scones, jam and whipped cream) served aboard SV Tuan are generous in portion and we have frequently been told, "they are the best"  as are the fruity organic muffins that are also served.

For children: cards, books, crayons and paper for drawing are provided in the cabin of the SV Tuan where there are also bunks for small children to take a nap on.

Informative and Educational

Given the fact that we have 4, 5, or 8 hours to show our passengers what they have travelled vast distances to see, we focus on what is at hand, the natural world. For some, this is often the only chance that they will ever have to travel on a boat and for others, it is their very first experience to ever see and be upon the ocean.

Seeing is what matters most, absorbing the magical sights and sounds of nature, and becoming at ease with the natural world.

SV Tuan (© Chantelle Tucker )

That is what our tours are all about.

We are not out to humour you and lecture you. When you disembark from one of our tours, it is the remarkable images that you have witnessed, from being "right there" exposed to and enlivened by, that you will remember long afterwards.

It is this learning; a lasting and deep set impression that we want you to leave with. An instinctive knowledge shown to you and your children that the species living wild and free in Johnstone Strait (and other world oceans, rivers and continents)  must be protected and cared for.

Your own exposure to this beautiful place on earth is a gift to yourself and your children, you are the ones educating yourselves in a rich and wonderful way.

We will share with you all that we know and together we will listen to the mystical sounds of vocalizing orcas and dolphins via our hydrophones.

Each tour will take on its own learning as the situation presents itself.

We know that our time with you is short and invaluable. We will do our utmost to inform and educate you but we will also leave you alone to inhale of the pungent ocean air, to observe and be silent, allowing time for the wondrous sights and sounds to seep deep within you.

In this very special place on planet earth, spending time with the whales on one of our tours, you give to yourself and your loved ones an inspiring and precious gift.

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