News Blog

Anchoring, Mooring & Docking

Learning the (Getting) Ins and Outs of Boating Let’s look at the differences between anchoring, mooring, and docking. While they all refer to ways of securing your boat in place when necessary, these 3 nautical terms all mean something slightly different. An essential part of learning how to navigate a new vessel is learning all […]

33 Different Styles of Fishing

33 Ways to Fish – from Angling to Trotlining When you find the fishing technique you prefer over all other styles, it’s quite easy to forget that other styles of fishing even exist! But at Van Isle Marina, we believe it’s never too late to try something new. If you’re new to the world of […]

Birdwatching from Your Boat

Common Seabirds of Vancouver Island   As you cruise around Vancouver Island and the neighbouring Gulf Islands of Canada’s west coast, you won’t be able to ignore the diverse population of birds soaring above you or swimming beside your vessel. Vancouver Island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with so many different types flocking to and from […]

yachts in the marina

What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Fish While On Your Boat

  It’s never the best part of the fishing experience, and it’s often a thankless task, but someone on board the boat has got to do it. We’re talking about cleaning your catch. Knowing how to clean a fish properly is something every fisherman should know how to do. It’s the first step in getting […]

Boat Licence, Registration and Insurance

What Documentation Do I Need to Operate a Boat? One of the common questions we get from prospective boat and yacht owners is, “Do I need a licence to operate a boat?” The short answer is no, not in the spirit of having a driver’s licence, but you do need to demonstrate to the federal […]

Parts of a Boat

Parts of a Boat: Boating Terminology for Beginners If you’re new to the boating community, familiarizing yourself with the different parts of a boat will help you talk the talk and ensure you set sail with confidence. Van Isle Marina has you covered with our handy beginner’s guide to the different parts of a boat. […]

Lures or Bait?

Lure or Live Bait? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each When it comes to catching fish as quickly and effortlessly as possible, the question of which is better – artificial lures or real bait – depends on what you’re trying to catch and in what conditions you’re trying to catch it. Sometimes a lure is […]

Yacht Life: 8 Things You’ll Love About Living on a Yacht

What’s It Like Living on a Yacht? For many people, a property with an ocean view is the most coveted type of property there is. No matter the season, gazing out into the vast ocean and watching the sunset can be a breathtaking experience. But have you ever considered what this view would be like […]

Winter Boating Courses to Keep Your Skills Sharp

Whether you are a skilled offshore cruiser or a new boater with only a few seasons under your belt, there is always more to learn when it comes to boating. The New Year holiday season is an excellent time to perfect existing skills or learn a wealth of new information. We have compiled a list […]