Breathtaking Ocean Eco Tours & San Josef Bay
San Josef Bay Tours
Discover Vancouver Island’s Most Breathtaking Wilderness Beach
“Where the rainforest meets the sea — and adventure meets serenity.”
Welcome to Vancouver Island’s Wild Side
Vancouver Island is world-famous for its rugged coastline, towering forests, and abundant wildlife. Among its most stunning natural treasures is San Josef Bay, a spectacular crescent of white sand and sculpted sea stacks, surrounded by old-growth pines and endless ocean views.
Remote, pristine, and untouched, San Josef Bay has been described as “breathtaking” and “one of the most incredible unspoiled beaches you will ever see.”
Book Your Tour Today
Experience the wild beauty of San Josef Bay — voted one of the World’s 50 Best Beaches and named Canada’s #1 wilderness beach by Lonely Planet.
Filling fast - reserve your spot today!
189.00 per person round trip
99.00 per person one way
(Taxes not included)
BOOK NOW FOR MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 2026 AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT.
Advance booking required.
Our Mission
THE BEST WAY TO SAN JOSEF BAY
For years, local residents have done their best to guide visitors along the rough, dusty logging roads that wind from Port Hardy to Holberg and on to the San Josef Bay trailhead — a journey of nearly two hours each way. Travelers often encounter flat tires, broken shocks and other mechanical breakdowns, and confusing turns on unmarked forest routes. Some turn back before reaching San Josef Bay, others arrive late, tired, and shaken. Even rental car companies discourage the trip, as most prohibit travel on unpaved roads and impose costly cleaning or damage fees.
By far, the most scenic and well-maintained route by road is a little known shortcut from Coal Harbour, just 13 km from Port Hardy, which connects by gravel road to Holberg and can save roughly half an hour. Yet even this route remains a long and often dusty drive, and best avoided in ordinary rental vehicles. The visit to the quaint fishing village of Coal Harbour, the home of Stephens Bay, is well worth the short drive to Coal Harbour in itself.
Local tour operators have long offered trips by road — often at steep prices and with little more to offer than the promise of arrival and return.
San Josef Bay Tours provides the truly best way to reach San Josef Bay: a scenic and relaxing boat trip from Stephens Bay in Coal Harbour through the pristine Holberg Inlet, followed by a short, comfortable shuttle to the San Josef Bay trailhead. This can be accomplished within one hour, but passengers usually request to spend more time along the way viewing nature.
The voyage showcases the beauty of Vancouver Island’s sheltered coastal waters — calm, picturesque, and rich with wildlife — all at a reasonable fare designed for comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Along the journey, you may encounter whales, porpoises, seals and sea otters, as well as eagles, bears, and deer in their natural habitat. Every trip offers new opportunities for unforgettable photography and peaceful moments surrounded by nature’s splendor.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the serenity and scenery alone make this tour an extraordinary experience.
At San Josef Bay Tours, we’re passionate about sharing the wild heart of Vancouver Island.
We believe travel is more than a destination — it’s a way to reconnect with the natural world, embrace discovery, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Our mission is to offer authentic, small-group adventures that inspire wonder and respect for the environment.
ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING! TAKE IT IN - TAKE IT OUT
Your Adventure Begins Here
Depart from the Stephens Bay Pier in Coal Harbour (just outside Port Hardy) for a tranquil 30-minute boat ride through the sheltered waters of Holberg Inlet. Glide past forested shores and dramatic coastal scenery before arriving at the charming community of Holberg, gateway to San Josef Bay.
From there, it’s a short 19-kilometre drive by passenger van to the San Josef Bay Trailhead. The trail is beautifully maintained and surprisingly easy to walk — a gentle path through lush rainforest that opens onto one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
Plan Your Adventure
San Josef Bay Ocean Tour — Daily Schedule
Sailings leave on odd numbered days May through October 2026
⛴️ Journey through the sheltered waters of Holberg Inlet to one of Canada’s most breathtaking wilderness beaches.
Schedule Overview:
Times are approximate subject to weather and tides; and flexible, allowing for stops to enjoy wildlife or scenic photography.
Departure — Stephens Bay → San Josef Bay
- 11:00 a.m. — Depart Stephens Bay Pier (Coal Harbour) aboard tour vessel
- 11:30 a.m. — Arrive Holberg Community Dock
- 12:00 noon — Arrive San Josef Bay Trailhead
Return — San Josef Bay → Stephens Bay
- 5:00 p.m. — Passenger pickup at San Josef Bay Trailhead
- 5:30 p.m. — Depart Holberg Community Dock
6:00 p.m. — Arrive Stephens Bay Pier (Coal Harbour)
📷 Bring your camera — whales, sea otters, and bald eagles are frequent companions along this scenic route.
Our Tours
We offer a wide range of northern Vancouver Island ocean sightseeing tours including San Josef Bay, Stephens Bay at Coal Harbour (near Port Hardy), Port Alice, Quatsino, the Holberg Inlet and Telegraph Cove that cater to different interests and preferences providing guests with a memorable and engaging experience.
Our vessel is known for providing safe, comfortable ocean going transportation. The Captain was with the Canadian Coast Guard (Fisheries & Oceans) for over a decade, and certified by Transport Canada (marine division).
The Best way to San Josef Bay
For years, local residents have done their best to guide visitors along the rough, dusty logging roads that wind from Port Hardy to Holberg and on to the San Josef Bay trailhead — a journey of nearly two hours each way. Travelers often encounter flat tires, broken shocks, and other mechanical troubles, as well as confusing turns on unmarked forest routes. Some turn back before reaching San Josef Bay; others arrive late, tired, and shaken. Even rental car companies discourage the trip, as most prohibit travel on unpaved roads and impose costly cleaning or damage fees.
By far, the most scenic and well-maintained route by road is a little-known shortcut from Coal Harbour, just 13 km from Port Hardy. This route connects by gravel road to Holberg and can save roughly half an hour — yet it remains a long and often dusty drive, best avoided in ordinary rental vehicles.
Local tour operators have long offered trips by road — often at steep prices and with little more to offer than the promise of arrival and return.
A visit to the quaint fishing village of Coal Harbour, home to Stephens Bay, is well worth the short detour in itself.
San Josef Bay Tours provides the truly best way to reach San Josef Bay: a scenic and relaxing boat trip from Stephens Bay in Coal Harbour, gliding through the pristine Holberg Inlet, followed by a short, comfortable shuttle to the San Josef Bay trailhead. The entire trip to the San Jo trailhead can be completed within an hour — though passengers often choose to pause and enjoy the chance to observe wildlife and savour the tranquillity of the coast along the way.
This voyage showcases the beauty of Vancouver Island’s sheltered coastal waters — calm, picturesque, and rich with marine life — all at a reasonable fare designed for comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
Discover San Josef Bay Tours
Rules and Policies
Operator Cancellation or Rescheduling
We will make every effort to notify you promptly should a change or cancellation be necessary. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any trip due to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
This tour is subject to a cancellation policy as below and must meet minimum passenger requirements to proceed.
If a tour is cancelled due to weather or other conditions, guests will be notified and offered the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Guest Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
- Groups of up to 4 guests: Receive a full refund or credit with 14 days’ notice of cancellation.
- Groups of 5 or more: Receive a full refund or credit with 21 days’ notice of cancellation.
- Guests will also receive a full refund or credit in the event of an operator-initiated cancellation due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Please contact us by phone to modify or cancel a booking. No-shows will be charged the full fare. All trips are subject to applicable fees and taxes.
Safety
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We maintain rigorous training and vessel maintenance schedules and have invested extensively in safety and life-saving equipment that not only meet but exceed Transport Canada standards.
Before each tour, our crew conducts a comprehensive safety briefing and provides every guest with a properly fitted flotation suit. Your comfort and peace of mind are central to every voyage.