GREAT BEND CHARTERS

Charters and Tours available year round

Paul R. Schaumburg
USCG Licensed Master

360-490-2777

P.O. Box 221
Union, WA 98592

info@greatbendcharters.com

Welcome to the beautiful Hood Canal region of Puget Sound. Nestled up against the east slopes of the Olympic Mountains, Hood Canal winds its way some sixty-five miles north to its confluence with the rest of Puget Sound. Carved out by glaciers millions of years ago, its icy depths support a thriving marine ecosystem. Giant octopus, the six gilled shark, countless species of fish and shellfish, along with an abundant seal population, call these waters home.

Over the last several years transient orca whales have been paying extended visits due to the abundance of seals. Bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons are commonly seen fishing along the shorelines on boat charters and tours on Hood Canal. Dungeness crabbing trips on Hood Canal are popular and provide fun for the entire family. Low tide explorations can yield a variety of marine life including the Pacific bloodstar.

Great Bend Charters scenic boat tours on Lake Cushman offer stunning mountain vistas and crystal clear waters surrounded by dense evergreen forests that meet the waters edge. Lake Cushman Resort offers food, lodging, camping, and anything you might need to make your visit comfortable. A scenic one hour boat tour is available on Lake Cushman or you may charter the boat for as long as you would like.

Great Bend Charters scenic boat charters and tours on South Puget Sound offer the opportunity to visit state parks only accessible by boat. Hope Island state park offers hiking through forested trails, abandoned orchards, and an old homestead. There is also and opportunity to dig clams in season. Beautiful waterfront homes dot the shorelines nestled amongst the evergreen forests. Unsurpassed views of snow-capped Mt. Rainier to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west abound on boat charters and tours on South Puget Sound.

To the south the state capital dome beckons you to Olympia, with its public landing, fine restaurants and shops, and farmers market on weekends.

Services

• CHARTERS

  Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Scenic cruises/ sightseeing. Crabbing / Clamming / Bottomfishing. Wildlife / Whale watching. Low tide exploration. Hands on. Sea stars, shellfish, crabs and other sea creatures. Great for kids. Picnic trips / Barbeques / Crab cooking on the beach. Geoduck hunts on a private reserve. (100% success rate)

  
  
• TOURS

  Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Sunset and evening tours. Scenic photo opportunities. Low tide exploration. Lake Cushman scenic tours. Breathtaking mountain vistas and crystal clear waters. Hama Hama Seafood Company operations tour and retail store. Access to Rest a While Marina's clams, oysters and seafood store.

  
  
• WATER TAXI

  Hood Canal. Dinner transportation. Kayak transport / support. Alderbrook, Union, Hoodsport, North Shore areas, and state parks.

2006 Rates

• 1-3 HOUR CHARTERS
  $60.00 per hour
  
  
• 4-6 HOUR CHARTERS
  $50.00 per hour
  
  
• 7-8 HOUR/FULL DAY CHARTER
  $350.00
  
  
• 1 HOUR SCENIC TOUR
  ADULT (13 & up) $15.00
  CHILD (5-12) $10.00
  CHILD (4 & under) FREE
  
  

Military & senior discounts available.

Cash, personal checks, and travellers checks are accepted.

What to Bring

There is a saying here in the Pacific Northwest: "If you don't like the weather just wait fifteen minutes." After all, we coined the term "sunbreaks". A jacket or sweatshirt is always a good idea. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a comfortable pair of shoes are a plus. If you choose to do any wading or clamming, a pair of watershoes, boots, or an old pair of tennis shoes will protect your feet from sharp oyster shells.

A shellfish / fishing license and catch record card is neccessary for fishing / crabbing trips and available at Alderbrook Country Store in Union and Cushman Boats in Hoodsport. We provide all bait, tackle, and gear on crabbing and fishing trips. Snacks, sandwiches and lunch items are available at Alderbrook Country Store, The Union Deli, and the Union Country Store.

Our Captain

Captain. Paul R. Schaumburg is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and holds a 50 ton masters license. Additionally he is certified in CPR and First Aid. He has owned and operated vessels for 20 years here in the Pacfic Northwest and Alaska, and also on the Great Lakes and Northeastern U.S. coastal waters.

Our Boat

Built locally here in the Pacific Northwest since 1979 the C-Dory 22 Cruiser is particularly well suited for cruising, fishing, and exploring our local waters in safety and comfort. With its fully enclosed heated cabin, year round charters are enjoyable. The classic dory design with its shallow draft hull allows for beachings, and accessing the many intriguing coves and tidal flats that larger vessels cannot. Our boat is powered by twin four stroke Honda motors. These motors are clean, quiet and meet the 2006 EPA Emission Standards.

We meet all required U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements and receive a voluntary vessel safety check annually from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally we are outfitted with a complete navigation system. This includes radar, GPS, GPS chart plotter, depth sounder, and VHF and cellular communications. We are fully insured. Our boat can accomodate a maximum of 5 passengers. Groups of 2-4 adults and families with children are ideal.

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