Pacific Wildlife & Sailing Photography Retreat
Capture the magic of the herring spawn, a natural phenomenon like no other.
Limited Spots Available!
Unique Sailing
Photo Tours
Join photographers Taylor Burk and John Kelsey along with private chef Meesh Coles this March as we observe and document this extraordinary natural event from land and water. This unique trip is catered to photography enthusiasts craving an adventure and those looking to appreciate the presence of wildlife and enjoy quality time in nature.
With a maximum of four guests onboard, you’ll enjoy a curated and intimate small group adventure to document the herring spawn, from land and sea. Enjoy cozy accommodations, gourmet meals, and great likeminded company.
The herring spawn is transformative. For some, it feels like stepping into a Nat Geo documentary, seeing wildlife up close for the first time. For others, it’s a chance to witness the intricate connection between ecosystems and understand the vital role of these little fish. Moments like these deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
Small groups, big adventures—all-inclusive!
Sailing Excursions
The majority of our days will be spent on the sailboat in the Strait of Georgia around Hornby Island and Denman Island looking for wildlife, herring spawn activity and whatever else comes our way. You’re welcome to try your hand at sailing and learn the ropes!
Cozy Accommodation
Every aspect of Eureka House has been designed to provide you with the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the views from the private mountain-side hot tub or relax after a day of exploring in the sauna.
Wildlife Galore
We’re hopeful to encounter an abundance of sea lions, eagles, orcas, a variety of seabirds and more in the area. Spring awakens the BC coastline as the herring spawn brings the ocean to life, a spectacle every wildlife photographer must witness.
Capture Incredible Images
On this photo tour, everything is chartered privately, giving us the freedom to decide where to stop and what to focus on, an experience you won’t find on a regular guided trip. We’re not bound by rigid schedules or mixed group interests; instead, our priority is creating the ideal setting for photography.
With this dedicated approach, we can spend as much time as needed with our subjects, waiting for the perfect light and capturing those fleeting moments. Our goal is to place you in the best possible position - while maintaining a respectful and ethical approach toward wildlife to capture incredible images and fully enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re up for early mornings to catch sunrises and late nights under the stars (or prefer to sleep in and take it slow) this adventure is paced to suit your style.
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• Ship & captain for duration of trip.
• 2 Photography guides. Our aim is to get you in the best possible positions to capture incredible imagery with respect to ethical wildlife photography practice. We are also here to help and critique wherever necessary.
• Your accommodation at the Eureka House on Hornby Island during your selected tour dates.
• Chef + Meals:
We are spoiled on this trip as private chef Meesh Coles will be nourishing us with her incredible cooking. We will be enjoying fresh local ingredients and creative dishes, fuelling our adventures each day.
Your dietary preferences will be taken into consideration for each meal.
• A welcome package from our sponsors.
• A donation to Conservancy Hornby Island. 10% of profits will be donated to the volunteer based non-profit dedicated to protecting the land and marine environments around Hornby Island, in the traditional unceded territory of the K'ómoks First Nation.
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The trip departs from Deep Bay Marina on Vancouver Island, conveniently located about a 1-hour drive from Nanaimo and 2 hours from Victoria.
For those flying in, the nearest airport is Comox (YQQ). If you’re coming internationally, you can connect via Vancouver (YVR).
Shuttle service to and from Deep Bay is available for $25 each way from Courtenay/Comox.
Let us know if you'd like further refinements!
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Shambhala is a 42-foot cutter-rigged sloop, built in Santa Ana, California, in 1977. Over the past six years, John has meticulously restored her from a state of serious neglect and completed her commercial certification with Transport Canada.
This vessel is a joy to sail, combining classic charm with modern comfort. Shambhala is fully equipped with all the amenities of home, including a wood stove to keep you warm and cozy on even the coldest days.
John, a Transport Canada-certified captain with decades of experience navigating these waters, is thrilled to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable journey!
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Every spring, the coastal waters of British Columbia come alive with one of nature's most spectacular events: the herring spawn. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, millions of Pacific herring gather in massive schools along the coastline to spawn.
While the females lay their eggs in the intertidal vegetation and rocks, the male’s milt (or sperm) turns the waters a tropical turquoise colour. These small, silvery fish play a vital role in the region's ecosystem, serving as a keystone species that sustains a multitude of marine life. The event is a feast for the senses, as seabirds, seals, sea lions, and even whales converge to partake in the abundant buffet.
It's one of the best times to be out observing wildlife as it becomes a feeding frenzy.
Learn more about herring and the dangers they face in this short film and via CHI’s “Herring School”.
10% of profits will be donated to Conservancy Hornby Island.
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A detailed itinerary with a packing list will be sent out to registered guests!
Here is a glance:
Day 1: We’ll meet as a group in the morning at Deep Bay Marina on Vancouver Island and set sail for Hornby Island. After settling into our accommodations and enjoying lunch, we’ll head back out on the water for our first opportunity to explore around Hornby and search for wildlife.
Days 2-4: Our days will be spent between the sailboat and on land. As a group, we’ll adapt our plans based on weather, wildlife activity, and photographic opportunities - allowing the conditions to guide us toward the best experience.
On tour one the dates align with the Herring Ball & Festival, so you’ll have the option to join the celebrations: live music, art, dancing, and a quintessential gulf island atmosphere.Day 5: After a final, relaxed morning of exploration, we’ll begin our journey back to Deep Bay Marina. We’ll say our see-you-laters and send you off inspired with lots of photos to edit.
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Accommodation, food, drinks and snacks are all included.
As a photographer, being in the right place at the right time is everything, but reaching unfamiliar locations can be daunting. That’s why we’ve designed these trips to take care of the logistics, so you can focus on capturing your best work and soaking in the adventure.
Explore alongside two acclaimed photographers who bring years of field experience to the journey.
Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time, shooting professionally, or capturing memories on your phone, you will walk away with sharper skills and a deeper connection to the landscape. Although this is not a formal workshop, the learning happens naturally.
Your next adventure could look like this!
The herring spawn in British Columbia's coastal waters is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the interconnectedness of all species within this breathtaking marine environment.
FAQs
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Travel costs to reach Deep Bay Marina as well as accommodations before and after the tour are the responsibility of the participant. (We recommend that you arrive a day early to make sure you are here on time.)
Breakfast on the first day and dinner on final day.
Alcohol—guests are welcome to bring their own to enjoy responsibly at the end of the day!
Travel/Trip and Medical Insurance (recommended).
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Please note that while our trip is timed to coincide with the annual herring spawn, as well as the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, sightings are never guaranteed. The rhythms of nature are unpredictable, and sightings may vary from year to year. However, rest assured that we will do our best to find the action and our itinerary is filled with exciting activities and scenic experiences to ensure an incredible adventure, regardless of wildlife conditions!
Herring spawning events can occur numerous times over the course of a 6-week period in the early spring, and the timing of the spawn is impossible to know for certain.Regardless of when the spawn actually happens, other wildlife will be congregating in anticipation of the herring. This time period is when the ocean comes to life!
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Absolutely! You don’t have to be a photographer to join, you're more than welcome to come for the experience and enjoy good company in nature! Feel free to just use your phone and soak in the moments as they happen.
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We will be meeting at Deep Bay Marina in Deep Bay, BC. From there we will sail to Hornby Island (1.5hrs) and check into our home base, the Eureka House.
Deep Bay Marina will also be your drop off point. Parking is available here. Please note that the sailing is weather dependent, if the conditions are too rough we will shuttle you.
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This trip will be photography focused meaning that we will be dedicating as much time needed with our subjects, waiting for the best light and moments. You don’t get the same experience on a regular guided trip as there are more time constraints and mixed group interests.
Our aim is to put you in the best position possible to capture incredible images and have a great time doing so!
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Yes absolutely, allergies and sensitivities will be taken into consideration for each meal. please let us know in advance and we will make sure you are taken care of!
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Yes, you will have both options. However, there may be some areas with no service when we are out on the boat.
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No, we are accepting and encouraging international bookings.
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While the excursion is moderately active, encountering slippery shorelines and boarding the sailboat may present challenges, particularly for individuals with specific disabilities.
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Guests need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Spring on the coast means sunshine and warmth but also rain, snow and cold temperatures.
A packing list will be sent out to you upon registration.
