Friday March 12th, 2010

Sunshine Coast Marine Getaways

The Beacon B&B and Spa has a treat in store for those who like the water. From diving to sea kayaking to over the top pleasure boat excursions, we can get you out on or under the water so you can truly experience the unique pleasures of our marine community way of life.

BOAT CHARTERS

Powell River has something for everyone on the marine waterways. Experience fly fishing, ocean fishing or perhaps charter a boat and spend a wonderful afternoon or evening cruising the beautiful inlets into Desolation Sound. There are also lunch and dinner cruises available from time to time. We have the ability to partner you with a variety of outdoor adventures. Let us know what you would like to experience while in Powell River and we will put you in touch with all the right operators. There is so much to do that we advise booking a minimum of 2-3 days in order that you may take advantage of some of what the area has to offer. Advance bookings are usually required if you are interested in any water adventures.

SEA KAYAKING

The Upper Sunshine Coast is known as the gateway to stunning Desolation Sound, and thus offers unparalleled opportunity for some of the most protected and scenic sea kayaking destinations on the West Coast.

Tour the Copeland Islands, known locally as the charmingly named Ragged Islands group. Seal colonies and wonderful intertidal life will capture your imagination and enthrall you. This area is also excellent for swimming and snorkeling - pull up your kayak to one of the small rocky beaches, and get up close to nature. It is best to approach first thing in the morning before the pleasure boats start moving into Thulin Channel.

Many of our lakes offer also excellent paddling opportunities. If you are planning to head out for an overnight or extended kayaking excursion, consider bookending your journey with a one-night stay at our B&B Spa on either side of your departure and return - there's nothing like a rejuvenating massage to help your muscles and mind make the transition to and from the wilderness experience.

GREAT DIVES:

The Powell River area is known as one of the top ten dive destinations in the world and was a favorite of the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Winter visibility is good to approximately 100 feet, affording incredible views of underwater life that includes giant pacific octopus, wolf eel, swimming scallops and natural wrecks.

THE DIVES (B=Boat Dive; S=Shore Dive)

B - Copeland Islands: sea lions, November to April.
B - Major Rock: seals all year long.
S - Wreck: 65ft boat "Adventure" in 60ft of water & Wreck of the "North Star" in 45 feet water, and fishing boat in 40 ft of water.
B - South end of Little Island: abundant marine life.
B - Okeover Caves: unique marine life
S - Breakwater: marine life and 2 small fishing boats in 30ft and 50ft of water
B - The Iron Mines: spectacular cliffs
B - Dinner Rock: wreck of 147ft "Gulf Stream"
B - Vivian Islands: wreck of 110ft "Shamrock"
B - Rebecca Rock: excellent shallow diving
S - The Hulks: vast amount of small sea life
S - Wreck: the "Malahat" a 100ft sailing ship in 40-80ft of water
B - Grisle Point: octopus and cloud sponge
B - Marshall Rock: great diving on the west side
S - Texada Island: marine life on both sides
S - Beach Gardens: breakwater/abundant life
B - Scotch Fir Point: sea lions
S - Mermaid: 50ft underwater is a 9ft statue and 100ft is the "MV Sandy Cape"
S - Octopus City: numerous octopus and 32ft wreck in 50ft of water

Let us show you our Sunshine Coast and our special brand of hospitality, and why all of our guests say ...

"You're at home when you're at the Beacon"

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