A Non-Profit Society
After over 25 years of operating as a private business, services are now owned and managed by Sea Star EcoCruising, a non-profit society. Our official launch is June 1, 2024, though we will start bookings by April 6, 2024.
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We are indebted to owner Mona Rosenberg who is donating 2 boats to the Society to ensure continuity for the community and a healthy start of a new business.
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Our Mission
Sea Star EcoCruising Society’s mission is to provide a marine transport service that is convenient, economical and environmentally friendly with water taxi, cargo, and scheduled services; as well as offer unique tour and educational experiences of our Salish Sea.
Our Routes & Services
Our all-weather vessels provide comfort and safety to access our local Salish Sea with water taxi, cargo, and scheduled services; as well as unique tour and educational experiences.
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Whether you'd like to match a gourmet picnic with a sunset cruise; provide an informative group tour for seniors or for clients in wheelchairs; map ecology expeditions for world-travellers; explore birdwatching and eagle viewing; host unique birthday parties for nine to 90 year-olds; entrust special cruises for anniversaries and memorials - we can do it!
We also offer grocery shopping shuttles, and serve residents of local private islands.
Our Professional Crew
Our Skippers are a special blend of eco-enthusiast, gracious host, fun story-teller and competent mariner.
They are dedicated to providing an 'edu-taining' narration of interest to all ages and backgrounds. They have extensive local knowledge of Saanich Peninsula waters, knowing where and how to treat you to world-class scenery and rich marine life.
Most importantly, the guides are fully certified to operate and navigate the vessels, and are committed as first priority to client safety and comfort.
Guy Plante - Head Skipper
Guy is fluent in both French & English and loves to share the wonders of the Salish Sea with visitors.
Chris Taylor - Skipper
Chris has been with EcoCruising for many years and in the marine environment for years longer.
Our Vessels
Sea Star EcoCruising has a fleet of two commercial 28' pontoon vessels with custom-built solarium domes for all-weather comfort. The vessels are each certified to carry 12-passengers and their skipper-guide. They are reliably-powered by quiet, efficient 115 or 225 HP four-stroke outboard motors.
When stepping onboard, most people are immediately impressed with the warm living-room atmosphere - with a soft sofa while surrounded by the spectacular panorama view. The tour routes stay near the shorelines in protected waters, ensuring a smooth, stable ride. The vessels' shallow draft allows close approach to the scenic coastline for excellent wildlife viewing, and even short stops at remote beaches for intertidal exploring. A convenient bow door enables guests to simply step out onto the sand or a dock!
The vessels are fully wheelchair accessible; you simply roll aboard from a wide dock.
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The vessels are in annual compliance with the Canada Shipping Act and other regulations administrated by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.