a flyer for vancouver island with orcas sea lions and octopus reading six guests one transformative mind blowing experience

🌊 What Would Your Perfect Wildlife Trip Look Like?

What if you didn’t have to compromise?
What if, during your surface interval, coffee in hand, a bald eagle soared out of the sky and snatched a fish from the water — ten feet from the boat?
What if your off-gassing time was spent photographing black bears flipping over rocks to hunt for crabs… or catching a glimpse of the elusive coastal wolf trotting the shoreline of an untouched paradise?

Now imagine the diving:
Not a crowded boat with 20 others — but a floating basecamp designed for just six guests. Outfitted with a compressor, Nitrox, and dedicated photo support. Intimate, intentional, built for story and stillness.

SCUBA Network’s Fund the Fleet initiative isn’t just a trip — it’s a chance to co-create something rare: small-scale, cinematic, and centered around true wild immersion — both above and below the surface.

WHERE: Vancouver Island 🐙

Just a short flight into Seattle and a half day’s sail from land, Vancouver Island’s remote dive sites are more accessible than they feel. Guests will rendezvous in the city, board the boat, and be tucked into God’s Pocket — one of British Columbia’s most protected marine hideaways — by nightfall.

The boat itself is a classic 55’ expedition yacht, reimagined for comfort, utility, and small group adventure. Onboard, you’ll find two guest cabins (each sleeping 3), a dedicated camera station, full galley, salon, and deck space for gearing up. There will be an onboard air compressor, Nitrox blending, hot showers, rinse bins, and all the small touches that make a liveaboard feel like home.

Once we’re anchored, you’ll settle into a natural rhythm: dive in the morning, recharge in the afternoon, maybe take the skiff ashore to explore. No rush. No schedule beyond the sun and the tide.

🚢 Reserve Your Berth as a Founder

Unlike most trips, this isn’t just a booking — it’s an expedition with our favorite people. When you join Fund the Fleet as a Founder, you’re not just reserving a spot — you’re helping launch a new kind of dive experience from the ground up. And you’ll always have a flexible seat reserved in every chapter that follows.

From the one-time Maiden Voyage tier to our all-access Founder’s Berths, every level comes with trip credit, lifetime perks, and first pick on the calendar. This is your chance to be part of the crew that helped make it real.

The boat is picked. The route is set. The wildlife is waiting.


Are you in?

“I don’t want to just sell charters. I want to provide an experience that makes people feel like they’re living inside a National Geographic magazine — and be so transformed that they come back pledged to protect the few places left that are truly wild.”

Ryan Hoffman, Course Director

Pledge Levels

Fund the Fleet – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I pledge?
Click on the tier level you want, and sign up using any major credit card, or send payment via Zelle to [email protected] (will appear as Scuba Fifth Ave). Please include "Fund the Fleet + Tier Name" in the memo line so we can lock in your spot.
2. What is “Fund the Fleet”? Is this a donation or a pre-booking?
A little bit of both! Think of it like a Kickstarter campaign without the middleman. We’re launching a brand-new liveaboard under the SCUBA Network brand — and we want our favorite people to help bring it to life. Your pre-sale booking not only guarantees you a berth on our first trip, but also helps fund the final yacht preparations.
3. Do I need to give all the money now?
Nope! You can secure your spot with just a $1,000 deposit. We’ve designed a three-part payment plan to give you flexibility while still helping us move forward:
  • $1,000 deposit to reserve your berth and benefits
  • 50% due upon signed purchase agreement of the boat
  • Final payment due once renovations are complete
That said — once you commit to a tier, we’re counting on your support. You’re locked into the tier you select when you sign up. That means you can’t downgrade later, and any partial payments toward a higher tier are non-refundable. We say that not to scare you, but because your pledge helps us actually build this thing — and once we start, we’re all in together. If a higher-tier pledge doesn’t come through, that directly impacts what upgrades we can afford — and we have to make up the difference somewhere else.
4. What’s the cancellation or refund policy?
This is a pre-sale expedition fundraiser, which means your payments are going toward bringing this boat to life — and once that process begins, all contributions are final. When you choose your tier, we take it seriously — and hope you do too. You’re locked into the tier you select, and downgrades aren’t possible once the project is underway. If you make partial payments toward a higher tier but don’t complete the full amount, those payments are non-refundable. Inside of 90 days from your confirmed departure, reschedules incur a 100% penalty. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance once you book — because once we’re moving, we’re in it together.
5. What happens if the expedition doesn’t launch this year?
Your booking is good for when the expedition launches. We can’t predict how long it will take or whether we’ll hit any speedbumps, but we expect to launch by summer 2027. If the deal for the boat falls through entirely, you’ll have the option to apply your deposit to another SCUBA Network international trip — or request a refund. Once work begins on the boat, we’re locked into this journey together — wherever it leads.
6. Can I use my tier benefits on a different trip or at a later date?
Your Fund the Fleet benefits do not expire for any trip aboard the Loosey Goosey. They cannot be used on other SCUBA Network trips unless the project is canceled due to issues with the boat purchase (such as a failed survey or lack of agreement). In that case, you may request a refund or a transfer of funds to another SCUBA Network international trip.
7. How do I pick my departure date?
Once the boat is ready, you’ll receive access to a scheduling link to choose your preferred departure. After you're confirmed, changes within 90 days of departure are not permitted.
8. What’s included in the price of each tier?
All tiers include: tanks, weights, all meals, soft drinks, and a berth in triple occupancy on the Loosey Goosey.
Upgrade to double occupancy: +$1,000 per person
Private cabins available for $8,000
9. Can I bring a friend or non-diver?
Yes and yes. Non-divers are welcome! There will be inflatable kayaks onboard and excellent opportunities for birding and photography. Snorkelers are also welcome — just bring your own fins and mask.
10. Do I need cold water diving experience?
It’s not required, but it’s highly recommended. We offer free drysuit training dives (drysuit not included). You should either:
  • Own your own drysuit and complete a pool acclimation before arrival
  • Or be comfortable diving in a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves
11. What’s the itinerary like for the 6-day / 5-night trip?
  • Day 1: Depart Seattle, clear Canadian customs, short checkout dive, dinner onboard
  • Days 2–5: Three dives per day, coastal wildlife tours (bears, eagles, sea lions). If orcas appear, we’ll prioritize in-water time with them
  • Day 6: Return to Seattle and disembark
12. What kind of diving can I expect around Vancouver Island?
Incredible cold water diving — giant Pacific octopus, kelp forests, sea lions, wolf eels, and vivid invertebrate life. Expect good visibility, dramatic terrain, and near-zero crowds in one of the world’s most underrated dive regions.
13. Can I use rental gear or bring my own?
Absolutely. You’ll have the best experience with your own gear, but we’ll also offer a full line of rental equipment for an additional cost.
14. Where does the trip depart from?
Departures will be from the Seattle area. We’ll coordinate pick-up via Uber from a nearby hotel and handle the customs process. Details will be shared well in advance.