Explore the coast on your own terms — English Bay sunsets, Gulf Islands anchorages, and the full arc of Vancouver’s waterfront. Fully private, BC-licensed captain included, departing from Granville Island.
Granville Island, Vancouver
“Every Blackfish charter is yours alone. Your group, your pace, your captain, your day.”
A birthday, anniversary, proposal, or bachelorette, and no restaurant or rooftop has quite the right feel for it. The water does.
Why This Coast Is Different
"In our experience with Vancouver's coastal waters, every outing is shaped by conditions that shift with the season, the tide, and the route, which is why every Blackfish charter includes a BC-licensed captain, not just a boat rental."
Vancouver’s cruising waters aren’t a single stretch of calm bay. English Bay behaves differently from Howe Sound. The Gulf Islands require tide-aware navigation and a captain who understands how the currents move between the islands. The Strait of Georgia has its own wind patterns that shift through the afternoon. These aren’t details that a map reveals. They’re the kind of knowledge that comes from years of actually operating in these waters.
Granville Island’s position at the mouth of False Creek works in your favour. From our berth at 1815 Maritime Mews, you’re minutes from English Bay to the west and Coal Harbour to the north. The Gulf Islands are a comfortable day-charter distance. You’re not losing time motoring through a marina to reach the interesting water.
Five distinct cruising corridors, each with its own character and planning notes.
Curated West Coast Experiences
Step aboard and experience Vancouver the way it was meant to be seen — from the water. Every charter is fully private, captain included, departing from Granville Island.
6–8 Hours
Pull crab traps, try your hand at fishing, and move through the same waters that have sustained this region’s marine economy for generations. The route runs the seafood-productive corridor between Vancouver and Nanaimo — guided by a captain who knows where the harvest windows open.
Optional add-on: Wild oyster foraging experience
Ideal for active groups, food-curious visitors, and families with older children.
2.5 Hours
From $1,500
Romantic · Intimate
There’s a specific quality of light that settles over English Bay in the hour before the sun drops behind the North Shore mountains. This cruise is designed around that window: champagne in hand, curated route, front-row views.
4 Hours
From $2,500
City · Waterfront
From Granville Island out through False Creek, past Coal Harbour, along the North Shore skyline — covering the full arc of the city’s most iconic waterfront in four hours.
4–6 Hours
Occasions · Celebrations
Birthdays. Bachelorettes. Anniversaries. Retirements. Your group is the only group on board. Your playlist is the playlist. Your pace is the pace.
6–8 Hours
Full Day · Flagship
The Gulf Islands, custom route, wildlife corridors — orca, seals, bald eagles. No fixed itinerary. The captain works with you in advance to shape the route around your priorities.
Interested in extending into a multi-day journey? The 2-Day Island Tour and 3-Day Gabriola Island Tour are available by request.
| Experience | Duration | From | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast Harvest Experience | 6–8 hrs | $2,000 | Active groups, food experiences |
| Golden Hour & Champagne Cruise | 2.5 hrs | $1,500 | Date nights, proposals, visitors |
| Vancouver Signature Cruise | 4 hrs | $2,500 | Families, corporate, guest hosting |
| Celebration Yacht Cruise | 4–6 hrs | $3,500 | Birthdays, bachelorettes, anniversaries |
| Pacific Northwest Day Charter | 6–8 hrs | $4,995 | Corporate retreats, families, milestone trips |
Charter Destinations
From the mouth of False Creek at Granville Island, every destination below is within reach. The captain shapes the route around your group — not the other way around.
Ganges Harbour · Montague Harbour · Sidney Spit
Burrard Inlet · Coal Harbour · False Creek
English Bay · Coal Harbour · Burrard Inlet · Howe Sound · Gulf Islands · Gabriola Island · Sunshine Coast · Desolation Sound · San Juan Islands (WA) — all departing from Granville Island, Vancouver.
Yacht Sales Vancouver
Here’s exactly what happens from your first enquiry to the moment you step off the dock. No ambiguity, no surprises.
We’ve been operating private yacht charters from Granville Island for over 25 years. The fleet is maintained to a standard you’d expect from an authorized marine dealer, not a rental operation. The experience is genuinely private, every time.
We take pride in our 5-star reputation. Read about the Black Fish Marine experience from locals.
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Common Questions
Here’s exactly what happens from your first enquiry to the moment you step off the dock. No ambiguity, no surprises.
Every charter includes the vessel, a BC-licensed captain, and comprehensive vessel insurance. The galley is fully equipped with dishes, cutlery, cookware, and basic supplies for onboard preparation and serving — guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.
Specific packages carry additional inclusions: the Golden Hour & Champagne Cruise includes champagne service and curated music; the Celebration Yacht Cruise includes a champagne welcome, décor styling, and music setup. For catered experiences or specialty add-ons, contact the Granville Island office.
All Blackfish Marine charters depart from Granville Island — specifically from 1815 Maritime Mews, Vancouver, BC. Granville Island’s location at the mouth of False Creek gives direct water access to English Bay, Coal Harbour, and Burrard Inlet without significant transit time.
Parking is available on Granville Island. For guests coming from downtown Vancouver, the Aquabus ferry provides a direct water connection to the island — a fitting way to start a day on the water.
Capacity varies by vessel. As a general guide: the Blackfish 685 accommodates up to 6 guests; the Blackfish 750 up to 8; the Sea Ray 400 Sundancer up to 10; and the Aquila Catamaran up to 15 guests. For larger corporate or celebration groups, contact us directly to discuss availability and configuration.
Regardless of vessel, every charter is fully private. No other guests are added to your booking, ever.
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages. The galley is fully equipped for onboard preparation and serving — cookware, dishes, and cutlery are included. If you have specialty ingredients or specific cooking equipment you’d like to use, bring it along.
For fully catered charters beyond the standard package inclusions, the team can advise on options — reach out before your booking is confirmed.
Blackfish captains plan routes around conditions, not the other way around. If conditions require a route adjustment, a change of pace, or a modified destination, the captain makes that call. That flexibility is built into every charter as a standard feature.
For cancellations: written notice at least 60 days prior to departure results in a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee. Within 30 days of departure, the charter can be rescheduled but is not eligible for a refund. Full details are available on request from the Granville Island office.
It’s one of the more effective corporate formats available in the city. When your group is the only group on board, the experience is entirely yours to shape. No strangers at the next table. No fixed venue layout. No 7 p.m. turnover.
Coal Harbour, Canada Place, the North Shore mountains reflected across the inlet — viewed from the water while you’re moving through it — creates a client entertainment setting that stands apart from any rooftop or private dining room the city offers.
The Vancouver Signature Cruise (4 hours) and the Pacific Northwest Day Charter (6–8 hours) are the most commonly booked formats for corporate groups. For catering, AV needs, or event styling, contact the Granville Island office to discuss your group’s specific requirements.
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Authorized Yacht Dealer · 1815 Maritime Mews, Vancouver BC