Moresby Explorers

What Moresby Explorers does

Moresby Explorers is a locally operated marine expedition and tour company based in Sandspit, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada, founded in 1988. The company provides guided zodiac boat tours, sea kayaking services, water taxi transport, private boat charters, and commercial marine transportation in and around Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, with integrated accommodation through the Seaport B&B, a remote Float Camp on Moresby Island, and a partnership at Rose Harbour. It is one of only three locally operated businesses licensed to operate within Gwaii Haanas under the framework of the 2024 Haida Title Lands Agreement, and its year-round full-time staff are all local Haida Gwaii residents.

The company operates a fleet of Zodiac Hurricane rigid-hull inflatable boats and has trialled Sharrow toroidal propellers targeting up to 30% fuel efficiency gains. It is investing in solar power across operational buildings and accommodation assets, scheduled for 2026. Moresby Explorers generates revenue through a direct-to-consumer model with premium pricing across multiple streams: multi-day guided expeditions ($420-$6,999 per person), commercial marine charters ($2,890-$4,100 per day), private boat charters ($2,500-$3,900 per boat per day), kayak and gear rentals ($65-$95 per day), and water taxi services ($260-$340 per person per way). The customer base spans individual leisure travelers, families, sea kayakers, naturalist and birding enthusiasts (Migration Travel Package), wellness tourists (Four-Day Yoga tour), and commercial marine clients, with primary operations concentrated in the May-September season and year-round charter and commercial marine activity outside peak months.

The business has accumulated 300+ five-star reviews and six consecutive TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Operations are seasonal in nature, capacity is constrained by small boat passenger limits (typically 4-12 guests per departure), and revenue is not publicly disclosed. The company is privately held with no disclosed funding events, operates with a workforce in the 11-50 employee range, and competes in a structurally supply-constrained market due to the limited number of licensed Gwaii Haanas operators.

Name

Moresby Explorers

Legal name

Moresby Explorers

Website

https://moresbyexplorers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Moresby Explorers is a locally operated marine expedition company based in Sandspit, Haida Gwaii, founded in 1988. It offers guided zodiac tours, kayaking, water taxi, charters, and accommodation focused on Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve to leisure, naturalist, and commercial marine clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Tourism Services

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (4872), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487), Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation (483114), Inland Water Passenger Transportation (483212)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Sightseeing & Scenic Boat Tours (Harbor, Sunset, Dolphin/Whale Watching) (THAJAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Wildlife & Birding Cruises (dolphins, seals, seabirds) (THAAAIAD), Luxury Yacht & Small-Ship Expedition Cruises (THAEABAF), Shore Excursion Operators (Tours & Activities) (THAEAFAC), Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP Tours (Guided/Paddling Excursions) (THAJAJAF)

Keywords

• Wilderness boat tours
• Guided kayak expeditions
• Marine transportation services
• Adventure tourism accommodations
• Ecotourism experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Sandspit

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Guided Boat Tours: The primary revenue stream. Moresby Explorers offers guided zodiac boat tours ranging from single-day trips (Louise Island, $420/person) to multi-day expeditions (2-day and 4-day Gwaii Haanas tours at $1,400–$3,200/person), plus the premium Migration Travel Package at $6,999/person. Tour prices include transportation, guiding, meals on multi-day trips, safety equipment, Parks Canada fees, and tax.
2. Commercial Marine Transportation: Provides certified captain and crew services, delivering crew, materials, scientific instruments, and supplies to isolated areas of Haida Gwaii. Daily charter rates for three Zodiac Hurricane vessels range from $2,890 to $4,100/day + tax.
3. Private Boat Charters: Custom private trips year-round for up to 12 passengers. Daily charter rates from $2,500 to $3,900/boat + tax depending on vessel size.
4. Kayak & Gear Rentals: Single kayaks at $65/day and double kayaks at $95/day, plus VHF radio rental at $10/day, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, tent rentals, and outdoor gear (clothing, PFDs, camp stoves, fuel, dry bags). Also stocks Icebreaker merino wool clothing, Kokatat PFDs, MSR gear, and Thermarest sleeping mats.
5. Water Taxi Services: Twice-weekly shuttle service for self-guided kayakers throughout Gwaii Haanas. Prices per person per way range from $260 to $340 CAD depending on destination. Five-person minimum required.
6. Accommodation (Seaport B&B, Float Camp, Rose Harbour): Seaport B&B in Sandspit offers 8 rooms with breakfast. Float Camp in Crescent Inlet offers 8 bedrooms with communal dining and kitchen facilities. Rose Harbour Guesthouse offers 6 basic rooms. Included in multi-day tour packages or booked separately for self-guided kayakers and travellers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Moresby Explorers provides guided multi-day zodiac boat tours, kayak routes and rentals, water taxi transfers, commercial marine transport, and on-island lodging within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve from its base in Sandspit, British Columbia. The company combines vessel-based wildlife and cultural excursions with self-guided and supported kayak expeditions, plus bed-and-breakfast, floating lodge, and guesthouse accommodations, selling directly to individual travelers, private groups, school groups, and select commercial clients.

Product overview

Moresby Explorers is a locally operated tour company offering guided zodiac boat tours and kayak services in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve on Haida Gwaii. The product portfolio centers on Boat Tours (One Day: Louise Island, Two Days: Northern and Southern Gwaii Haanas, Four Days: Full Gwaii Haanas, and a specialty Yoga tour), supplemented by Private Boat Charters for customized trips and Commercial Marine Transportation for delivering crew and supplies. Supporting these are Kayak Services including equipment rentals (Seaward kayaks, safety gear, VHF radios), water taxi transportation to various Gwaii Haanas locations, and self-guided kayak route packages (8-15 days). Accommodation options include the Seaport B&B in Sandspit, a solar-powered Floating Lodge at Crescent Inlet, and the rustic Rose Harbour Guesthouse. The company also offers a premium Migration Travel Package combining multiple experiences with expert naturalist guiding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seaport B&B: Waterfront lodging in Sandspit, the gateway to Gwaii Haanas National Park. Eight guest rooms with breakfast included.
• Floating Lodge (Float Camp)
• Rose Harbour Guesthouse

Products and services

• One Day Tour to Louise Island and Beyond Single-day guided zodiac boat tour from Sandspit to the Louise Island area and adjoining park coastline, targeting visitors seeking a one-day Gwaii Haanas experience with family-friendly pricing.
• Two Days at Northern Gwaii Haanas Zodiac Tour Two-day guided zodiac boat tour covering the northern Gwaii Haanas section, including vessel-supported exploration of the northern park coastline.
• Two Days at Southern Gwaii Haanas Zodiac Tour Two-day guided zodiac boat tour operating through the southern Gwaii Haanas park area, with boat-based exploration of the southern coastline and cultural sites.
• Four Days of Gwaii Haanas Zodiac Tour Four-day guided zodiac expedition covering the full extent of Gwaii Haanas by boat, designed for travelers wanting an in-depth multi-day wilderness experience.
• Yoga Four Days in Gwaii Haanas with Karen Walhout Specialty four-day guided zodiac tour combining park exploration with yoga instruction led by Karen Walhout, targeting wellness- and expedition-oriented travelers.
• Private Zodiac Boat Charters Private boat charters allowing customer groups to customize a guided zodiac itinerary within Gwaii Haanas on terms they choose, with daily pricing set per charter.
• Kayak Route Planning and Permitting Services Self-guided kayak expeditions of varying length (eight-day Northern, eight-day Southern, ten-day Southern Two-Thirds, and fifteen-day End-to-End routes) for self-sufficient kayakers, with route guidance and access logistics to Gwaii Haanas coastal waters.
• Kayak and Gear Rentals Rental of kayaks and paddling equipment for customers undertaking self-guided trips in the Haida Gwaii region.
• Water Taxi and Shuttle Services Vessel-based water taxi transfers between Sandspit, ALLIFORD BAY, and remote Gwaii Haanas locations, supporting kayakers, hikers, and lodge guests moving in and out of the park.
• Marine Transportation Services for Commercial Clients Contracted commercial marine transportation including water taxi services, crew boat support, vessel logistics, and supply runs for aquaculture, research, and government clients operating in Haida Gwaii waters.
• Migration Travel Package Travel package bundling BC Ferries transport between Skidegate and Alliford Bay with Seaport B&B accommodations, supporting travelers arriving in or relocating through Haida Gwaii.
• Seaport Bed and Breakfast Lodging at the company's Sandspit-based bed and breakfast, offering accommodation to tour guests, kayak customers, and general visitors.
• Floating Lodge in Gwaii Haanas Multi-day floating lodge accommodation positioned within Gwaii Haanas, providing backcountry lodging combined with the company's boat and kayak services.
• Rose Harbour Guesthouse Guesthouse lodging at Rose Harbour in southern Gwaii Haanas, offering accommodation to tour participants and independent travelers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ 5-star reviews and TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 6 consecutive years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Rose Harbour Sustainable Living SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Moresby Explorers partnered with the Rose Harbour Sustainable Living Society — a not-for-profit founded in 2019 that owns and operates the new cookhouse at Rose Harbour. Moresby Explorers helped build the cookhouse with 50 volunteers. Frances took over the kitchen business from Susan, and the cookhouse enables Frances to continue providing food for travellers. Moresby Explorers uses Rose Harbour as an overnight stop on southern tours.
• Laskeek Bay Conservation SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoresby Explorers invests directly in the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society rather than offsetting carbon through credits. Laskeek Bay Conservation Society protects and researches the delicate ecosystems of Haida Gwaii. This reflects the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and direct community investment.
• Bridgeview MarineminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBridgeview Marine handles complex engine work for Moresby Explorers' outboard engines. Also stocks fuel (white gas and small propane bottles) for sale to kayakers. Located 30 minutes from the office.
• Haida NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoresby Explorers operates with humility and gratitude on Haida Gwaii as guests in Haida territory. They incorporate Haida values into their operations, foster relationships with the Haida Nation, collaborate with local businesses, and educate guests on the cultural significance of the land and waters. The company respects the Haida Title and self-governance, and works within the framework of the 2024 Haida Title Lands Agreement. Tours visit Haida Watchmen sites where Haida guardians provide cultural context.
• Highlander Marine ServicesminorOthersMoresby Explorers refers customers needing bigger boats or landing craft to Highlander Marine Services. This is a commercial referral relationship for customers with requirements beyond what Moresby's Zodiac Hurricane fleet can accommodate.
• Parks Canada / Gwaii HaanascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoresby Explorers operates within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site under Parks Canada jurisdiction. All tours include Parks Canada fees. Gwaii Haanas orientation is mandatory for all visitors, provided by Gwaii Haanas staff or by Moresby Explorers in Sandspit on request. Moresby Explorers is one of three locally operated businesses with access to Gwaii Haanas.
• Sandspit SuperValuminorOthersSandspit's SuperValu grocery store provides most of Moresby Explorers' food supplies for tours. Dean at Super Valu assembles grocery orders for self-guided kayak trips when pre-arranged. The company sources most produce from island growers and relies on SuperValu for the rest.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Maple Leaf Adventures: Canadian small-ship expedition cruise company offering multi-day itineraries along the BC and Vancouver Island coasts with onboard guides and naturalists. Directly comparable luxury expedition cruise model.
• Bluewater Adventures: BC-based small-ship adventure cruise operator running multi-day kayak, natural-history, and zodiac expeditions along the BC coast. Comparable product format and customer segments (nature travelers, paddlers, photographers).
• Ocean Adventures: One of the three locally operated businesses with Gwaii Haanas access, offering guided zodiac tours and kayak services from Masset, Haida Gwaii. Closest direct competitor, sharing the same regulatory moat and product mix.
• Haida Style Fishing Adventures: Haida Gwaii charter operator out of Sandspit offering sport fishing and private charters. Competes for the same high-end visitor in the same small market, sharing destination economics.
• Sea Wolf Adventures: Haida Gwaii–based charter and adventure tour operator in Masset offering boat tours, fishing, and kayak expeditions in the same waters Moresby serves. Competes for the same tourist base in a tightly constrained destination.
• Blue Heron Guest House & Charter: Masset, Haida Gwaii operator combining guesthouse accommodation with guided boat tours and kayak support. Directly comparable lodging-plus-tour business model and geography.

Broad incumbents

• Prince of Whales (Vancouver Whale Watch): Larger, established BC marine tourism operator offering whale watching, scenic cruises, and adventure tours out of Vancouver. Broader portfolio and scale, but overlapping marine sightseeing and customer profile.

Emerging players

• Tide Rip Grizzly Tours: BC wildlife viewing operator focused on grizzly bear tours out of Telegraph Cove and Knight Inlet. Overlap is in the nature-tour customer segment and zodiac-style marine excursions, though geographically distinct from Haida Gwaii.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Moresby Explorers