Your tour departs from Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, where you’ll check in and be fitted with your provided red cruiser suit, a required piece of outerwear that keeps you warm and dry and acts as a life preserver. After your guide/skipper gives you a brief overview of safety procedures, hop in your Zodiac and set off into Burrard Inlet, the waterway that forms Vancouver Harbour.

The open-air, purpose-built inflatable Zodiac is one of the fastest and most exciting ways to enjoy the city from the water, as it allows you to easily zoom around, exploring locations bigger boats can’t access. With your experienced guide, who will bring the Zodiac up to speeds of more than 30 mph (50 kph), cover several of Vancouver’s surrounding waterways and waterside attractions: Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park. While you snap photos and relish the cool wind in your hair, listen to your guide’s commentary about the city’s natural landmarks and wildlife, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Marvel at the sight of the downtown skyscrapers from the water, take an up-close look at freighters hanging out in the bay, watch locals getting exercise along the seawall, and spot families relaxing on the beach. Throughout the 90-minute tour, keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife like dolphins, harbor seals, bald eagles and sea birds.

If there’s something specific you want to see, just ask your guide! Your interests will be accommodated when possible.

Your adventure ends back at the departure point.