I recently chartered a Jeanneau 440 through Island Cruising--a stunning yacht with sleek lines and…read moresuperb sailing performance. Having owned a similar vessel and chartered more times than I can count, I know what separates a top-tier charter company from a floating headache. Island Cruising, unfortunately, falls squarely into the latter. Let's start with the good: the boat itself was excellent. Well-equipped, comfortable, and ideal for a couple--or two. The twin rudders do have a knack for attracting kelp, but that's a minor quirk in an otherwise delightful sailing experience. Now, the company. Island Cruising's operations are a masterclass in how not to run a charter business. I won't echo the more colorful reviews suggesting Larry, the owner, return to South Africa--but I will say he's one of the most combative individuals I've encountered in the boating world. I understand being protective of an $800,000 yacht, but Larry's approach is less "professional caution" and more "ego on parade." When I submitted a perfectly reasonable sail plan, he pounced on the fact that it crossed ferry lanes--as if I'd never sailed from Sidney to Salt Spring before. Spoiler: you have to cross ferry lanes. His critique felt more like a self-aggrandizing performance than a concern. Ironically, in Larry's own marina, there's a submerged buoy that becomes a stealth hazard at high tide. When I asked why it hadn't been fixed, he shrugged and said he'd get to it "someday." Apparently, safety is negotiable. Our charter began with half a tank of fuel. Larry's solution? "Fill it up and I'll sort it out later." Famous last words. I trusted him and set sail. Things went smoothly until we headed from South Pender to Port Friday in the U.S.--where I discovered the boat's registration was missing. The manual said it should be in the chart table. It wasn't. I called Larry and he insisted I wasn't looking hard enough (I was). Eventually, he sent me the bill of sale, which U.S. Customs obviously deemed useless - Obviously, Larry didn't seem to know the difference between a bill or sale and a boat's registration. I had to pay a fee to enter and exit the country. Larry's response? Indifference. Would I charter from Island Cruising again? Only if I could bypass Larry entirely. His communication style is transactional at best--emails only get answered when money's involved. He charged us for linens that turned out to be torn sleeping bags, and one storage compartment was a science experiment of leaking beer cans and slime. We paid for a 4 p.m. pre-board, but Larry was still pressure-washing the deck at 5. Larry's goal is to sell the company and retire. Based on my experience, he'll need more than a mop and a smile to clean up his reputation. As of today, I've received no compensation for the fuel or customs fees, despite multiple follow-ups. In short: the boat was a dream, but the charter experience was a headache. If you value professionalism, steer clear of Island Cruising--unless you enjoy navigating bureaucracy more than the open sea.

Our third charter with Island Cruising was a great experience leading us two up the Broughton's…read moreArchipelago with the powerboat "Melisssa Ruth" covering easily 650 nm in 20 days. Though the boat had some unexpected issues Larry was permanently attainable by what's up phone and always found a solution. After a challenging journey passing twice the Seymour Narrows and the Johnstone Strait we returned safe and in time. I'd like to add that the homebase Deep Cove Marina has quite a tricky approach due to some large rocks and can be reached only with a tide over 2m and best with very low or no wind. In doubts fix the boat at a buoy and ask for help. Larry will give his best to assist you.

Captain Brian is very knowledgeable and personable. We had a great cruise plus he drove us past the…read morePenn Cove mussel grounds and explained everything in detail to us. He is a local and just the nicest guy!

From the owner: Looking for something to do around Whidbey Island look no further. Our boat Otium is a 32'…read moreBayliner motor yacht that has all the accommodations that your party of six or less needs for a romantic cruise, sight seeing or drinking wine and eating hors d'oeuvres. We go out all year around with the exception of high wind and rough sea state. In Washington it does rain but that does not slow us down.

Wonderful 12 passenger pontoon style boats offering wildlife tours for all ages and wheelchair…read moreaccessible. They also offer water taxi services to some of the smaller Gulf Islands near Sidney, BC and have a second location at Brentwood Bay, BC. The Brentwood location has tours and can combine a visit to Butchart Gardens by boat!

From the owner: We are flexible with our hours and happy to accommodate you on a reservation basis. We offer…read morepersonalized tours from one to 12 passengers. We also offer water taxi service for the smaller Gulf Islands near North Saanich and Sidney, BC and to Portland & Russell Island Marine Parks. Expand your SUP zone and use us to deliver you and your gear to marine parks in the area. We offer wildlife tours, bird watching and transport hiking/camping groups to Gulf Island Marine Parks.

This is a 1925 era schooner you can charter for a private sale…read more Run by a non profit group whose objective is to keep her sailing We had a perfect afternoon

Captain Mark was delightful. He obviously loves to sail and shares his knowledge and passion. He is…read moreboth charming and personable. Prices were reasonable and the boat is well kept. I would highly recommend Penn Cove Sailing and Captain Mark for any adventure.

This is a local boat rental site, with more yachts available and easy to book online. I love it.read more

From the owner: Rent or charter boats/yachts/kayaks for lower prices directly from the trusted local boating…read moreplatform boat.renthese.com, touring Indian Arm or Bowen Island from Port Moody or Downtown Vancouver.

We are new customers at Van Isle Marina and have been impressed with them since my first phone call…read moreto them. We store our 30' Bayliner in their Yacht Park and love the service they provide. When we want to use our boat, a quick call to schedule with Laura or Emma ensures it is waiting for us, and when we are done at a prearranged date and time, they take care of hauling it out and putting it in blocks. Their staff are friendly and professional, the marina is in beautiful condition, and the Seagrass Bistro is a wonderful place to eat. It seems few companies deliver what they promise these days. Van Isle Marina is an exception and we are thrilled to call it our home port!

From the owner: Moorage, Haulouts, Fuel Dock, Dry Storage, Yacht Sales,read more