Travel & Tourism Awards 2021

Page 36 www.lux-review.com LUX 2021 Travel & Tourism Awards A husband-and-wife led company with a commitment to excellence in customer service and experience delivery, Archipelago Wildlife Cruises is operated by the teamwork of Alan and Toddy Landry. The couple own a luxury 53-foot motor yacht, the Raincoast Maiden, which is also their home. When new guests arrive, they are introduced by name and country, which helps to foster a sense of personable friendliness and community. Both Alan and Toddy are certified by Transport Canada and are masters at their craft, with decades of experience between them and a true passion for the sea and its wildlife. Archipelago strives to take a truly holistic approach to cruises, not just focusing on a particular species but allowing its guests to take in all that an area has to offer over the course of a day: the spectacular scenery of the Broken Group Island National Park and the variety of animals that have a niche in this area, as well as a close look at the wild Pacific from sheltered water. The Raincoast Maiden is the only tour boat in the area that has been fitted with hydraulic stabilizers, which ensure a smooth ride and greatly reduces the chance of motion sickness. For each guest there are binoculars, blankets, and mitts, and there is complimentary tea, coffee, and water throughout the trip. Common sightings are Grey and Humpback whales, black bears, both Stellar and California sea lions, Harbor seals, sea otters, Bald Eagles, and many kinds of sea birds. Uncommon sightings include Orcas and wolves. Although the route has developed over the course of their years of operation, they are happy to alter course, with the exact route depending on what was seen the previous day, what has been seen in the area that day, and the weather. The main focus is to make the day relaxing and enjoyable for everyone instead of finding one particular Community-focused cruise company Archipelago Wildlife Cruises is a small business that takes pride in doing things differently, offering guests an all-encompassing view of the island paradises along its route. Dec20522 Archipelago Wildlife Cruises Best Marine Wildlife Tour Operator - British Columbia animal species, which is not something that they can guarantee. The route zig zags through the beautiful Broken Group Islands, part of the Pacific Rim National Park, winding through narrow channels allowing up close viewing of the enchanting scenery. A gourmet lunch prepared by Heartwood Kitchen Restaurant is served while on anchor between islands. The experience is a very personal one. Throughout the day, Alan & Toddy provide commentary about diverse subjects such as biology, oceanography, history, and even folklore. Alongside the usual cruise and tour groups, Archipelago Cruises also caters to private charters. These include weddings, family reunions, staff parties and even services for the scattering of ashes. The couple take a personable approach, with a constant aim to give each guest an unforgettable and magical experience. Archipelago seeks to create memories that remain for a lifetime. Keeping this value is at the heart of the business since its beginning in 2006. In 2019, the couple took on their first staff member, and she has become a vital member of the team. Like many businesses in the leisure and tourism industry, Archipelago saw its revenue streams hit hard by the pandemic. However, it has pulled through the past year of low tourism rates and uncertain economic circumstances with determination and optimism. The owners are confident that they will be able to continue running its services relatively unimpeded as the world reaches recovery, rigorously keeping to safe and responsible protocols as set by local and global governing bodies. For Archipelago, such measures have meant limiting passenger number, implementing social distancing measures and mask use inside the yacht, and extra cleaning measures. The spirit of the tours, they assure their guests, will remain the same. Company: Archipelago Wildlife Cruises Contact: Toddy & Alan Landry Website: www.archipelagocruises.com