EcoCruising Tours and Transport is a boating business locally owned and operated by long-time Victoria area residents' Brian and Roxy Smiley, and their son Matt. The Smileys are enthusiastic biologists with strong backgrounds in aquatic research, environmental science, ocean stewardship and ecotourism. Brian is a marine biologist retired from the federal Institute of Ocean Sciences; Roxy a past researcher of waterfowl and polar bears; and Matt an ex-commercial salmon fisherman, fisheries technician and coastal recreation.
In 2002, the Smileys purchased Sidney Harbour Cruise Ltd, an established company with its two unique glass-domed vessels uniquely suited for tours and transport. Since then, the company has expanded its boating services into all Saanich Peninsula waters, from the Sidney waterfront to the Goldstream Estuary in Saanich Inlet.
The company re-branded itself as EcoCruising because of its unique blending of marine ecology with onboard comfort -- especially with the custom building of the newest, most luxurious vessel called the 'Water Limo' in 2004.
Taking advantage of the vessels’ all-weather comfort and operators’ versatility, the company offers diverse services to demanding clientele. Examples include gourmet picnic and sunset cruises to hotel guests, informative group tours for seniors from lodges and centres, boat rides for group-home clients in wheelchairs, ecology expeditions for world-travelers, eagle viewing for longstay ‘snowbirds’, birthday parties for nine to 90 year olds, special cruises for anniversaries, wedding vows, reunions and memorials. Even Canada's Next Top Models were onboard for television's premier show, filmed as they were boated to their secret destination home in Saanich Inlet.
And of course daily, we offer water-taxi pickups and grocery shopping shuttles even in the rain, snow and dark, serving residents of several local private islands.
Partially in recognition of these accomplishments, the Saanich Penisula Chamber of Commerce honored us with the 2007 Runner-Up Award as the Best Successful Business for 1-25 Employees, and with the 2009 Runner-Up Award for Environmental Responsiveness.
The company fleet is three commercial 28' pontoon vessels with custom-built solarium domes for all-weather comfort. The vessels are each certified to carry 12-passengers and their skipper-guide. They are reliably-powered by quiet, efficient 115 or 150 HP four-stroke outboard motors. Transport Canada annually inspects the vessels for compliance with the Canada Shipping Act and other regulations.
When stepping onboard, most people are immediately impressed at warm living-room atmosphere. Everyone relaxes on a soft sofa and enjoys one another while surrounded by a spectacular panaroma view. The tour routes stay near the shorelines of protected waters, to ensure a smooth, stable ride.
The vessels' shallow draft allows close approach to the scenic coastline for excellent wildlife viewing, and even short stops at remote beaches for intertidal exploring. A convenient bow door enables guests to simply step out onto the sand or a dock!!
Our guides are really nice people -- a wonderful mix of trained ecologist, gracious host, fun story-teller and competent skipper. They are dedicated to providing an 'edu-taining' narration of interest to all ages and backgrounds. They have extensive local knowledge of Saanich Penisula waters, knowing where and how to treat you to world-class scenery and rich marine life. Most importantly, the guides are fully certified to operate and navigate the vessels, and are committed as first priority to client safety and comfort.
