Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures

Vancouver Water Adventures offers an exhilarating 3-hour tour that combines a high-speed zodiac boat ride along the city’s waterfront with a scenic journey to the charming Bowen Island. Guests can expect to witness iconic landmarks, spot local wildlife, and indulge in a delightful dinner at the renowned Doc Morgan’s restaurant. Consistently earning 5-star reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural beauty, and culinary delight. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour is a must-do activity that will leave you craving for more.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Dinner Tours In Vancouver.

Key Points

• A 3-hour zodiac boat tour from Vancouver to scenic Bowen Island, including a high-speed journey, wildlife sightseeing, and a dinner stop.
• Explore the Vancouver waterfront at speeds up to 31 mph, passing by iconic landmarks and a colony of native seals.
• Disembark at Bowen Island and enjoy a 1-hour stopover to explore the charming shops, restaurants, and local atmosphere.
• Savor a selection of classic pub fare and local seafood dishes at Doc Morgan’s, a waterfront restaurant on Bowen Island.
• The tour is consistently praised as a 5-star experience, with glowing reviews highlighting the high-speed boat ride, wildlife sightings, and overall organization.

Overview of the Tour

This 3-hour zodiac boat tour departs from Vancouver, taking participants on a high-speed journey to the scenic Bowen Island, where they’ll enjoy dinner and exploration.

The tour includes a 30-foot rigid hull zodiac boat ride, ocean-ready gear, and sightseeing along the Vancouver waterfront. Guests will pass by iconic landmarks like the Burrard Street Bridge, Bard on the Beach, and the Eugenia Building, reaching speeds up to 31 mph.

After disembarking at Bowen Island, they’ll have an hour to dine at Doc Morgan’s and explore the island’s shops.

The return journey offers more sightseeing, including views of the local seal colony and shipping freighters.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and thrilling experience.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins as guests board a 30-foot rigid hull zodiac boat and navigate out of False Creek, learning about the history of Granville Island along the way.

Passing by landmarks like the Burrard Street Bridge, Bard on the Beach, and the Eugenia Building, the boat reaches speeds up to 31 mph while cruising along the Vancouver waterfront.

Guests pause at Siwash Rock for photos before disembarking at Bowen Island.

After an hour of dining at Doc Morgan’s and exploring the island’s shops, they return to the boat for a second sightseeing cruise.

During this leg, they’ll view a colony of native seals and observe shipping freighters up close as they pass by Stanley Park and Lighthouse Park.

Sights and Attractions

Guests on the tour can witness a colony of native seals and observe shipping freighters up close as the zodiac boat passes by iconic landmarks like Stanley Park and Lighthouse Park.

The tour offers ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the city’s natural and architectural wonders.

As the boat cruises along the coastline, travelers can admire the famous Siwash Rock and the Lions Gate Bridge, which connects downtown Vancouver to the North Shore.

The sightseeing portion of the excursion allows participants to fully enjoy the beauty of the region, from the serene waters to the majestic mountains in the distance.

This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to explore Vancouver’s breathtaking scenery.

Logistics and Requirements

To experience the Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour, travelers must meet at the designated starting point on Granville Island, allowing 30 minutes for check-in prior to departure.

The tour provides survival suits for guests to wear over their dinner attire, ensuring comfort and protection throughout the excursion.

With a maximum capacity of 12 travelers per tour, the intimate group size allows for a personalized and immersive experience.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with back problems due to the nature of the zodiac boat ride.

The minimum height requirement for participating in the tour is 4 feet, ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests.

Dining Experience at Doc Morgan’s

After disembarking on Bowen Island, guests have the opportunity to spend around 1 hour dining at the renowned Doc Morgan’s restaurant.

The menu features a selection of classic pub fare and local seafood dishes, complemented by a drink of choice from the hotel’s well-stocked bar.

Diners can savor their meal while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding island and indulging in the welcoming atmosphere that Doc Morgan’s is known for.

The casual yet charming setting provides a perfect respite after the high-speed zodiac boat ride, allowing guests to recharge and enjoy the local island vibe before returning to the water for the second leg of the tour.

Zodiac Boat Ride and Speeds

The zodiac boat’s high-speed navigation whisks travelers along the Vancouver waterfront, reaching exhilarating speeds up to 31 mph as it passes by iconic landmarks like the Burrard Street Bridge and Stanley Park.

Cruising through False Creek, the tour offers up-close views of Granville Island’s history and architecture. Pausing at Siwash Rock for photos, the boat then zips across the water to Bowen Island, where passengers can disembark and explore the shops and restaurants.

On the return journey, the high-speed ride allows for spotting a colony of native seals and massive shipping freighters. The combination of adrenaline-pumping speeds and stunning sights creates an unforgettable water-based adventure.

Exploring Bowen Island

Once the high-speed zodiac boat docks at Bowen Island, passengers can spend an hour exploring the quaint shops and restaurants, with Doc Morgan’s serving up a delicious dinner and drink.

Bowen Island’s charming downtown offers a mix of boutique stores, galleries, and cafes for visitors to browse.

After the exhilarating boat ride, passengers can stroll along the island’s peaceful streets, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Whether it’s browsing the local artisan wares, dining on fresh seafood, or simply soaking in the island’s serene atmosphere, the Bowen Island portion of the tour provides a relaxing contrast to the high-speed excitement of the zodiac cruise.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

Numerous glowing reviews praise the Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour as a 5-star experience, with travelers consistently describing the excursion as an unforgettable highlight of their Vancouver visit.

The tour boasts an impressive 61 reviews that have earned it a Badge of Excellence, though an exact average rating isn’t provided.

Reviewers rave about the high-speed boat ride, the opportunity to see native seals and shipping freighters, and the delicious dinner at Doc Morgan’s on Bowen Island.

Many also commend the knowledgeable guides and the overall organization and logistics of the tour.

With its perfect mix of sightseeing, dining, and adventure, it’s no wonder this tour is so widely acclaimed by those who’ve experienced it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and beverages on the tour. The tour includes dinner and a drink at Doc Morgan’s, so outside food and drinks are not allowed. Participants must follow the tour operator’s policies.

Is There a Cancellation Policy in Case of Bad Weather?

Tour providers generally have a cancellation policy in case of bad weather, allowing participants to reschedule or receive a full refund. Checking the specific policy before booking is recommended to understand the options available.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price typically covers the boat ride, dinner, and gear. However, there may be additional costs for optional activities or purchases on Bowen Island. Travelers should check with the tour operator to understand any extra fees not included in the base price.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour for safety and liability reasons. The small zodiac boat is not suitable for animals, and their presence could disrupt the experience for other travelers. The tour operator must prioritize the comfort and security of all participants.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The 3-hour tour itinerary is fixed, including the 1-hour stop at Bowen Island for dinner and exploration. Extending the tour would require booking a separate or customized experience.

Recap

The Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour offers an exhilarating and scenic adventure.

Guests will race along the Vancouver waterfront in a high-speed zodiac boat, then enjoy a leisurely ferry ride to Bowen Island where they’ll savor a delightful dinner at Doc Morgan’s.

With stunning natural sights and consistent 5-star reviews, this 3-hour tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Vancouver.