about us
History
Sea Star EcoCruising Society is the newest owner of this long-standing water transportation and tour business. It began as Sidney Harbour Tours over 30 years ago. Original owners Dave & Barb Watson started the service, Brian Smiley and family came next and expanded the tour portion of the business with Brian's marine biology expertise and began doing business as EcoCruising BC. Chris Schran & Mona Rosenberg took over when Brian wished to retire. They were determined to maintain the Piers Island service. Today And now we come to Sea Star EcoCruising Society. We were gifted the vessels by Mona Rosenberg in order to continue on. We are a non-profit society whose purposes are to: - Provide reliable community marine transportation to the people of Piers Island and neighbouring islands - Support educational touring and access to marine parks within our Salish Sea. There are no BC Ferry services available to the small islands we sail to. In addition to providing an essential service to these small islands, we also offer a wonderful way for tourists and locals alike to experience our beautiful area and the sea "up close and personal". We are non-profit, but we are not a charitable organization, so donations are not tax deductible, but are still greatly appreciated. We operate on a voting and non-voting member basis and offer a Founding Member option. Our yearly membership fee is only $25 and helps support the Society and our goals. To book a tour, only one person in your group needs to be a member. Take advantage of the vessels all-weather comfort and our operators versatility. Whether you'd like a gourmet picnic and sunset cruise, informative group tour for seniors from lodges and centers, boat rides for group-home clients in wheelchairs; ecology expeditions for world-travelers, bird-watching, birthday parties for nine to 90 year olds or special cruises for anniversaries, wedding vows, reunions and memorials, we can do it all. Even Canada's Next Top Models were onboard for television's premier show, filmed as they were boated to their secret destination home in Saanich Inlet.
SKIPPERS
Our skippers are a special blend of ecologist, 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 skippers are Transport Canada certified to operate and navigate the vessels and are committed, as first priority, to client safety and comfort. |
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VESSELS
The company fleet is 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 200 HP four-stroke outboard motors. The vessels are in annual compliance with the Canada Shipping Act and other regulations administrated by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. When stepping onboard, most people are immediately impressed at the warm living-room atmosphere. Everyone relaxes on a soft sofa while surrounded by the spectacular panaroma view. The tour routes stay near the shorelines in protected waters, ensuring a smooth, stable ride. The vessels are fully wheelchair accessible; you simply roll aboard from a wide dock. The vessels' shallow draft allows close approach to the scenic coastline for excellent wildlife viewing. |
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ECO CRUISING
Why eco...
It began with the ecological knowledge Brian Smiley loved sharing with his clients. That continues to be shared by our skippers to this day. In addition, we offer a ferry service for Piers Islanders. We can transport 12 passengers at a time, thereby reducing emissions from mulitiple gas engines that would be making multiple trips. We are the only "bus" option. Our ultimate goal will be to make our vessels electric-powered, when the technology improves enough to offer power in the conditions we need.
Why eco...
It began with the ecological knowledge Brian Smiley loved sharing with his clients. That continues to be shared by our skippers to this day. In addition, we offer a ferry service for Piers Islanders. We can transport 12 passengers at a time, thereby reducing emissions from mulitiple gas engines that would be making multiple trips. We are the only "bus" option. Our ultimate goal will be to make our vessels electric-powered, when the technology improves enough to offer power in the conditions we need.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As a non-profit Society we are run by a Board of volunteer Directors. Our First Board of Directors are David Ferguson, Carol Fevang, Pauline Olesen, Gary Peacock and Velvet Warrior.
As a non-profit Society we are run by a Board of volunteer Directors. Our First Board of Directors are David Ferguson, Carol Fevang, Pauline Olesen, Gary Peacock and Velvet Warrior.
VOLUNTEERS
We want to thank our many volunteers...from the countless hours spent by our Directors, our maintenance volunteers and even some volunteer skippers. Your contributions have been invaluable.
We want to thank our many volunteers...from the countless hours spent by our Directors, our maintenance volunteers and even some volunteer skippers. Your contributions have been invaluable.
