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MARINE Link Tours

Jan 28, 2021 | 3

Marine Link Tours

  Marine Link Tours – Check the website calendar and b e sure to check the line’s detailed Sailing Protocol. It is worth reading even if you are not planning to sail! Capacity is 12 in outside double cabins, five with two single beds and one with an upper and lower berth. 

There is nothing else quite like the tiny, 135-foot Aurora Explorer for an off-beat British Columbia coastal cruise. The coastal freighter operates out of a landing ten miles north of Campbell River facing the Inside Passage that is halfway up Vancouver Island – for just 12 passengers and a crew of six. She’s basically of landing craft design with a ramp to take on freight and vehicles stored on an open forward deck, while crew and passengers are housed an aft three-deck superstructure.

The surrounding scenery is majestic British Columbia with a heavily indented coastline on one side and Vancouver Island on the other, plus lots of small islands dotted about the gulf. The route and time ashore is contingent on the cargo requirements. Picnics and barbecues are often arranged off the ship. The crew is friendly, and the other passengers are self-selecting for a truly — dare we say — quirky cruise.

The engine noise and vibration affect some passengers, especially for the first night or two, plus be advised about the commotion associated with daytime cargo handling. After all, this is primarily a working freight boat. That said, the limited accommodation fills up fast, so book a year ahead if you can. For a short voyage summary taken in August 2016, please find it at the end of the main review.

Aurora Explorer (most recently updated 2019; 12 passengers) cruises British Columbia waters & the Inside Passage

Passenger Profile

Adventurous free-thinkers from North America and the UK mostly.

Included Features

• All meals onboard
• Round-the-clock snacks, teas, juices & soft drinks

Itineraries

Aurora Explorer operates late March through the end of October from a base at Menzies Bay, Vancouver Island, located about 10 miles north of Campbell River into the Gulf of Georgia and deep into the long inlets off Johnstone-Queen Charlotte Straits largely serving locations that have no road access. Two different routings are offered. The cruises operate weekly and last five days.

The departure point — Menzies Bay, 7990 North Island Highway — is 165 miles north of Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island. The drive takes 3.5 hours, and regular bus service from Victoria operates to Campbell River as does daily air access from Vancouver. Use a taxi from there for the last 10 miles to the landing.

The beauty of the British Columbia Coast. * Photo: John B. Henry

Sample Itinerary

The Broughton Island Archipelago Area route begins at Menzies Bay, traveling north and stopping at ports along the way, through Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage, Johnstone Strait and Chatham Channel. Port calls depend on freight schedules, with plenty of opportunities to delve into coastal fjords and spot wildlife.

Freight permitting, the vessel can sail past Cascade Head’s 800-foot waterfall from granite cliffs, and upon occasion can sail to the remote Seymour Inlet System. On the return journey, there are a few stops at first nation villages, and Yorke Island historical military site.

Sailing aboard a tiny freight ship, a lifeline for many road-less communities, with just a handful of passengers and a very friendly crew makes an unusual experience.

When to Go?

The cruises operate weekly and last five days. The maritime weather will vary considerably but expect some fog, perhaps rain and lots of snow seen atop the higher peaks, except in midsummer.

Activities & Entertainment

Besides watching the cargo handling that often includes heavy equipment bound for remote camps, there is a chance to meet local people, see whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and other wildlife, and learn about the history of the region. Passengers are welcomed in the pilothouse to have a chat about what is on your mind.

Gordon Turner, a past passenger has this to share, “While I was aboard  Aurora Explorer , heading up Bute Inlet, I saw an eagle overhead, a bear walking close to the shore and a large sea creature (possibly a seal) almost alongside the vessel. And the three sightings were simultaneous.”

“Also, I recall that when the open cargo deck was a bit muddy, the captain put Aurora Explorer under a 90-degree cliff whose waterfall cleaned off the decks in a matter of moments. That’s something you do not see with, for instance, Oasis of the Seas .”

Edging close to lounging wildlife. * Photo: John B. Henry

Some food will be freshly caught from the ship with lines cast for salmon, halibut and groundfish. Prawns are also on the menu, caught from the bow, while crab comes from the ship’s own trap. Otherwise, you can expect straightforward Canadian meals. Wine is served with dinner; there is no bar, so BYO. Sometimes they throw a BBQ on the back deck or a beach.

Aurora Explorer

This small working cargo freighter has space for up to 12 passengers, who are housed on three passenger decks at the aft of the ship. Two lounges, a dining room, and a small library collection (mostly BC coastal subjects) make up the public spaces, plus two outside levels of observation decks. Wi-Fi and cell phone access depend on the vessel’s position, but expect it to be very limited.

Accommodations are five outside twin-bedded cabins and one outside with upper and lower berths, all with windows that open. Passengers share four washrooms with toilet and two shower stalls, plus hair dryers. Fresh linens are provided along the journey. A washer/dryer is also available.

Along the Same Lines

Too quirky for much competition!

Special Notes

The engine noise and vibration affect some passengers, especially for the first night or two, plus be advised about the commotion associated with daytime cargo handling. After all, this is primarily a working freight boat.

RELATED: Click here for a Reader Review of Marine Link Tours. 

Marine Link Tours, Box 451, Campbell River B.C. V9W 5C1 Canada;  www.marinelinktours.com , 250-286-3347.

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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We want to go on this, very informative review and testimonial.

We are waiting for info from the company about the fare. No luck yet. We are very interested in this type of cruise. Can anyone give us a general idea of cost? We can’t wait to book for 2017 or 2018!

Hi Vikki, Yes, this is a great quirky cruise indeed, good choice! The company should be getting back to you shortly, they are a small operation, so it takes a bit of time. Their website shows 85% sold for 2017, so 2018 may offer a better chance of getting the dates you want. When you do get on board, we’d love if you could do a short “Reader Review” for us! The form is on our homepage. Thank you!

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Marine Link Tours

Campbell River, British Columbia

Cruise the inland waterways of coastal BC on the magical MV Aurora Explorer! Our 135-foot landing craft transports heavy equipment & freight as you enjoy rugged coastal scenery & abundant sea life. The ship’s chef will prepare first class meals while you experience the ambience of small ship cruising.

Our 135-foot landing craft transports freight as you enjoy rugged coastal scenery & abundant sea life.

Our chef will prepare first class meals while you experience the ambience of small group cruising and journey off the beaten track where no big cruise ship will ever go. With no more than 11 fellow passengers, your crew of six will take excellent care of you on your 5-night, 6-day voyage.

Listen as the crew works the VHF radio and navigates the ship by radar. Watch as heavy equipment rolls on board and see freight of all types discharged at the many stops along the way. Visit working logging camps, remote villages and other unique coastal destinations. Enjoy the rugged shoreline and the solitude of nature in a marine environment.

See numerous tidal rapids where the sea becomes a fast-flowing river that boils around the Aurora’s hull and flowing waterfalls that plunge into the ocean. Watch as schools of dolphin play in front of the vessel’s bow or bears and deer roam at the water’s edge.

Relish this unique opportunity to observe killer whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and a host of sea birds in their natural surroundings.

Pull up a deck chair and enjoy the sun as we sail to places such as Bute Inlet, Hernando Island, Hole-in-the-Wall, Yucalta Rapids, Waddington Harbour, Sullivan Bay, Kingcome Inlet, Deep Sea Bluff, Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago, Yorke Island, Chatham Channel, Burial Cove and the Homathko Icefield.

Disembark on secluded beaches, visit remote communities and stroll old growth forests on paths walked more often by animal hoofs than human feet.

If the tide allows, drop your line or help our crew pull up Dungeness Crab and Spot Prawn traps.

Explore the working coast with Marine Link Tours

Address: 7990 N Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC V9H 1N7

• City: Campbell River
• Phone Number: 250-286-3347
• Business Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinelinktours/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVAuroraExplorer
• Website: http://www.marinelinktours.com
• Do you have a Google Business listing?: ChIJ-6QQVtuwYlQRpKQA1NsxQHI
• Monday Open: 08:30
• Monday Close: 16:00
• Tuesday Open: 08:30
• Tuesday Close: 16:00
• Wednesday Open: 08:30
• Wednesday Close: 16:00
• Thursday Open: 08:30
• Thursday Close: 16:00
• Are your hours of operation currently affected by COVID-19?: No
• Offer Delivery: N/A
• Curbside Pickup: N/A
• Wheelchair Accessible: No
• Valid From:
• How many employees does your business employ (including owners)?: 35

KEY INFORMATION

Get Directions

Available Online

City/Region: Campbell River

District: Strathcona

Region: Vancouver Island/Coast

Payment Type Credit, Cash

Wheelchair Accessible No

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We respectfully acknowledge our place of work is within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and that we serve the Peoples of the many Nations throughout British Columbia.

Explore the working coast

Visit Marine Link Tours Aboard The M.V. Aurora Explorer  

1-250-286-3373

Marine Link Transportation

Marine freight solutions, flexible and dependable full marine freight delivery service out of the campbell river marine terminal, 15km north of campbell river, british columbia..

Marine Link Transportation services the forest, aquaculture, and other natural resource industries, remote communities, private residences, fishing and wilderness resorts and lodges, construction sites, large infrastructure projects, seasonal relocations and marine emergency response situations.

With year-round full freight handling and vessel charter services, Marine Link Transportation will safely and securely deliver upon your remote coastal needs.

Weekly scheduled departures for the Discovery Islands, bi-weekly scheduled departures into the Broughton Archipelago and South Coast areas. We depart out scheduled runs on a Tuesday from Menzies Bay, 15 minutes north of Campbell River. Give us a call to get your freight on our next scheduled run!

SOUTH COAST

DISCOVERY ISLANDS

freight services

Professional, highly trained and qualified crews with a record of reliability and safety while getting the job done.

With 4WD Forklift and Crane service we can cater a solution to your specific needs.

Services include handling and transport of:

Heavy Equipment

Construction Materials

Wire Rope and Boom Gear

Silviculture Seedling

Fuel Transportation

Bulk Aggregates

Food Handling including Freezer, Cooler, and Dry Goods

Salvage Operations

Emergency Fish Feed

Booming Ground Installation and Support

Helicopter Support

CHARTER SERVICES

Marine Link offers competitive rates for Tug and Barge Charters. Capable of ramp barge service for loads up to 1000 tons.

Typical charter services we perform include transportation of: Heavy Equipment, Construction Materials, Camp Barge Relocation.

Please contact us for pricing specific to your charter situation.

TRANSPORT TANKERS

We have an assortment of certified tankers to refill your remote diesel or gas tanks.

4WD FORKLIFTS

Our variety of 4WD forklifts have a lifting capacity of 8,000lbs and can access all types of rugged terrain.

TRACTOR SERVICE

Our tractors are available to move trailers, tankers, or anything else required.

CRANE SERVICE

Our onboard crane will allow delivering right to your dock.

REFRIGERATION

With a 20’mobile refrigeration unit we can support you in fresh and frozen goods at your remote location.

Our versatile range of vessels can tackle a variety of transportation needs.

M.V. AURORA EXPLORER

Landing craft.

ISLAND CHIEF

RISCO WARRIOR

WESTERN CARRIER

AREAS OF OPERATION

Year-round full & bi-weekly service, from drury inlet north to jervis inlet south we can get your freight where you need it to be., freight service routes throughout the gulf of georgia, johnstone straits, queen charlotte straits, the bc central coast and all mainland inlets., request pricing.

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2025 Schedule  

1-250-286-3347

See Availability

Welcome to Aurora's Coast

Cruise the inland waterways of coastal british columbia onboard the magical mv aurora explorer.

Our 135-foot landing craft transports freight as you enjoy rugged coastal scenery & abundant sea life.

Our chef will prepare first class meals while you experience the ambience of small group cruising and journey off the beaten track where no big cruise ship will ever go.  With no more than 11 fellow passengers, your crew of six will take excellent care of you on your 5-night, 6-day voyage.

Listen as the crew works the VHF radio and navigates the ship by radar. Watch as heavy equipment rolls on board and see freight of all types discharged at the many stops along the way. Visit working logging camps, remote villages and other unique coastal destinations. Enjoy the rugged shoreline and the solitude of nature in a marine environment.

Enjoy the rugged shoreline and the solitude of nature in a marine environment

See numerous tidal rapids where the sea becomes a fast-flowing river that boils around the Aurora’s hull and flowing waterfalls that plunge into the ocean.  Watch as schools of dolphin play in front of the vessel’s bow or bears and deer roam at the water’s edge.

Relish this unique opportunity to observe killer whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and a host of sea birds in their natural surroundings.

Pull up a deck chair and enjoy the sun as we sail to places such as Bute Inlet, Hernando Island, Hole-in-the-Wall, Yucalta Rapids, Waddington Harbour, Sullivan Bay, Kingcome Inlet, Deep Sea Bluff, Echo Bay, Broughton Archipelago, Yorke Island, Chatham Channel, Burial Cove and the Homathko Icefield.

Disembark on secluded beaches, visit remote communities and stroll old growth forests on paths walked more often by animal hoofs than human feet.

If the tide allows, drop your line or help our crew pull up Dungeness Crab and Spot Prawn traps.

Explore the working coast with Marine Link Tours

Cruise off the beaten path in the inland waterways of coastal British Columbia.

Schedules and availability for our current and future seasons.

From the Galley

Indulge in our Chef prepared west coast local cuisine.

Settle into our double occupancy staterooms that all feature 2 single beds and opening exterior windows.

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