Swell

Lovingly restored classic tugboat for up to 12 passengers

SWELL

Former tugboat, now a comfortable expedition ship with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, cruising off the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska.

On board this beautiful wooden tugboat, you will immediately feel the sense of security that comes from its classic, solid construction. As soon as the crew casts off, you will pass through coastal channels that this ship has been navigating for over a hundred years.

The former tugboat Swell, lovingly converted into an expedition ship, is spacious and offers amenities that no other ship of its class off the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska can match. The conversion from workboat to passenger ship has retained the original character, but also added comfort and elegance.

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Up to 12 guests travel in six comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and enjoy very personal service from a five-person crew in a relaxed, family atmosphere. The spacious living room is not only a cozy social area, but also a dining room where Meals from the galley For fantastic views, head to the main deck, retreat to the aft deck lounge, or relax in the Outdoor whirlpool on the upper deck. On the open bridge The crew will be happy to give you exciting insights into navigation.

The Swell – a boutique ship with history

Built in Vancouver in 1912, the Swell served as an important tugboat in British Columbia for decades. Powered by steam, she hauled coal, lumber, and other goods through a region without a road network. In 1954, she was fitted with a diesel engine, remained in towage service until 1972, and was then transferred to private ownership—a move that even earned her a “cameo” in the TV series *The Beachcombers *. In the 1980s, she temporarily returned to coastal service. In 2004, she underwent a comprehensive conversion to a passenger ship, followed by further modernization in 2015 to enhance comfort. Today, the Swell sails as a small expedition vessel through the coastal waters of British Columbia and Alaska.

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:

Make an appointment

Special Interest

A heart for solo travelers!

If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender.

Onboard amenities

Spacious living room with dining area
Covered aft deck lounge on the main deck
Open aft deck lounge on the upper deck
Open bridge
galley
Outdoor whirlpool on the upper deck
2 Polaris inflatable boats with rigid hull
4 kayaks
fishing equipment
A hydrophone (for listening to whale songs)

Lounge on a ship with panoramic windows, in the middle of which a couple in comfortable clothing enjoys the view.

ship data

Key data:

Ship type: Converted tugboat
Passengers: 12
Cabins: 6
Decks: 2
Crew: 5
Year of manufacture/retrofitting: 1912 (known overhauls/restorations in the 1950s, 1980s, 2004, 2014)
Registered: Canada
Length: 26.8 meters
Width: 6.7 meters

Good to know:

Onboard language: English, English-speaking guides
Onboard currency: We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, American Express, and MasterCard.

Information for persons with limited mobility

To ensure you can enjoy your time on the Swell without any worries, you should feel confident when entering and exiting your cabin and boarding the Zodiac – there are small steps of 15 to 25 cm to negotiate. On land, you can expect uneven coastlines where you will be walking. The main and upper decks, where the cabins, saloon, and wheelhouse are located, are connected by a staircase. The crew will be happy to assist you with all excursions on board and ashore.