The Swell I What to Expect

What to Expect

Ready to set sail with The Swell? Discover our customizable charter experiences , premium food and beverage add-ons , and flexible transport options designed to get you exactly where you need to be.

Arrival & Boarding

Your charter with The SWELL operates on a timecharter basis, meaning your vessel, crew, and schedule are reserved exclusively for your group. To ensure a smooth departure and to keep all guests on their event timelines, we ask that you:

Please arrive 15 mins before your scheduled departure.

This brief window allows time for:
Late Arrivals

Because our vessel must maintain precise timing and positioning for subsequent charters, late arrivals may result in the cancellation of your trip. We are unable to delay departures without impacting other guests’ event schedules and our required vessel movements.

If your group is not ready to board at the scheduled time, the voyage may not be able to proceed, and standard cancellation terms will apply.

What To Expect On Your Voyage

Your trip from Port Credit to Toronto Harbour covers just over 11 nautical miles, offering a blend of comfort, openwater travel, and panoramic skyline views.

Departure from Port Credit

We motor out of Port Credit Harbour at 5 knots, taking approximately 10 minutes to clear the breakwater and pass the historic Ridgetown.

OpenWater Transit Across Lake Ontario

Once clear of the breakwater, the vessel accelerates to 15–18 Kts, depending on sea state. This openwater leg covers roughly 9 nautical miles, running 1–2 miles offshore for about 30 minutes.

Because this is an exposed portion of the voyage, we ask guests to remain seated in the salon, cockpit, or cabin.

For your safety: The forward deck is not suitable during the crosslake portion. Guests must remain clear of this area. If you do wish to go up to the bow on arrival to Toronto let the Captain know. They will asses conditions and advise if it’s safe to do so.

Arrival at the Western Gap

As we approach the Western Gap, the crew reassesses conditions and prepares for the final 10–15 minute transit to your selected dropoff location within Toronto Harbour.
Inside the harbour, waters are sheltered and calm, and guests may move about more freely at the captain’s discretion.

Weather & Safety Policy

Because The SWELL operates outside Toronto Harbour, our weather standards are more conservative than harbour only tour operators.

Arrival at the Western Gap

All weather and safety decisions are made by the Captain’s Discretion. We may delay, modify, or cancel a voyage due to:
If The SWELL Cancels for Weather
If we cancel your trip due to weather or safety concerns:
There is no penalty when we cancel for safety.
If Conditions Are Safe but Guests Prefer Not to Travel
If the captain determines conditions are safe (e.g., light rain, moderate chop) and guests choose not to travel, the booking is treated as a guest cancellation under our standard policy.
Communication
We monitor weather conditions hourly in the days leading up to your voyage. If we have any concerns about the forecast, we will contact you 24–48 hours in advance to discuss expected conditions and any potential impacts to your trip. Re-schedule options may be offered at this time.

If conditions deteriorate closer to departure, we will provide updates as early as possible and confirm any weather related decisions 3–4 hours before departure whenever feasible.

Guests must provide a reachable mobile number for day of communication.

Send a Custom Request

Please select the numbers of passengers traveling with you