HOUSEBOATING FAQs

We are pet friendly!  There is an additional fee of $60 plus tax for pets onboard.  This 1 time fee is paid at check-out.

The cost for houseboat vacations with Twin Anchors vary based on the size of the boat, features, the number of people it can accommodate, the season you choose to vacation in and how many nights you would like to spend on Shuswap Lake. Choose the houseboat type that fits your needs and then view the rates for your preferred dates.

Yes. A $500 deposit ($1500 for CC5, CC6 or L94) is required to confirm your reservation. The deposit is applied to the charter fee. Deposits can be paid by credit card or e-transfer at time of booking (contact our office for details on how to send an e-transfer).

OPTION A: Pay the balance (less deposit) 120 days prior to departure.

OPTION B: Pay the balance (less deposit) in 4 equal monthly installments starting 120 days prior to departure. (120 days / 90 days / 60 days / 30 days) for an additional 5% administration fee.

We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, or e-transfer! For more detailed information, please view our Policies page, (contact our office for details on how to make an e-transfer).

Additional costs include the gas you use during your vacation, marine park fees, septic pump out and daily insurance during your trip. Your fuel costs will vary depending upon how far you travel, cruising rpm, generator usage as well as the use of the remote fuelling station. We suggest budgeting around $200 a night in fuel for our smaller boats, $300 a night for our larger boats. These numbers are estimates and for the majority of trips is on the high side, the final fuel cost is calculated at the end of the vacation when the boat is fuelled up. *Fuel price on the water varies throughout the season*

Septic pump-out fee is $30. Marine park fees are charged per boat type.

Security Deposit: Payment of the Insurance Buydown, $28/day will reduce the amount of security deposit required. If the payment is not made, we require the applicable security deposit to be placed on a credit card as indicated:

Security Deposit: The security deposit will be applied to any outstanding charges including but not limited to lost or damaged items, late returns, excessively unclean boats, or any damages. Deposit must be placed on the Captain’s credit card. CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

The provincial government does charge for park usage.  The following fees are applied per houseboat model:

• Cruiser: $75
• CC1, CC2, CC4:  $150
• CC3, CC5, CC6: $200
• Genesis 60, Genesis 70, & Genesis 75: $200
• Legacy 94: $200

Marine park fees are plus applicable taxes.

If you require specific dates for your vacation, we highly recommend that you book 6-12 months in advance (especially if you’re considering a Long Weekend). Otherwise we can accommodate most requests if you have flexibility in your dates and houseboat style. It’s always worthwhile to call us, even on short notice as we occasionally get cancellations (1-800-663-4026). Check out our online booking system to view the immediate availability.

The whole check-in process can take up to 4-5 hours. This includes office paperwork, then once the boat is ready and assigned to you, orientation, loading your belongings and parking vehicles.

Anyone over the age of 19 can drive the houseboat provided that they have completed the Captain’s Orientation and hold a valid driver’s license or PCOC.

The Captain’s Orientation covers all the operating systems of the houseboat. We also include a video onboard that you may review at any time, along with an Operating Manual specific to the boat you have chartered.

Your houseboat will travel up to 6 knots or 7 miles an hour. We do recommend a specific travel speed to allow you to achieve the best fuel consumption. For example the average cruising time from Sicamous to Cinnemousun Narrows is 3 hours. See our ‘Explore Shuswap Lake’ page for more time estimates to specific lake areas.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.  There is a rescue boat on the lake, they will come get you.  If you can’t reach 911 by your cell, call us via radio. Cell phones do not work on all areas of the lake.

Return times are assigned to groups at check-in, and fall between 8AM and 10AM on your final day.

The ‘Captains’ of the houseboat must hold a valid driver’s licence and be at least 19 years old. We recommend that captains also have a PCOC but it is not mandatory.

Cell phones do work, however cell reception can be spotty at specific locations. For ease of mind you can provide our office phone number to your family and friends should they need to reach you while you’re away. (250) 836-2450.

No, each boat has a stereo system on board. Please bring an aux cord with you to connect any iPods or phones to the stereo.

Before dark you must “beach” your houseboat – houseboats cannot be safely secured in the middle of the lake as it is too deep – and we don’t provide anchors! You will be instructed on how to do this during your Captain’s Orientation. There are over 30 marine parks to choose from on the Shuswap Lake system.

No, please bring your bedding and towels from home.

Friends can join you in the middle of your trip.  You will need to call a water taxi.  We suggest using Sea Dog Boat Rentals as they leave from our dock.  Their number is 250-836-4567.  Or the houseboat can return to Old Town Marina to pick up guests.

Guests who choose to book will not be refunded due to COVID-19 circumstances unless the reservation holder has a Positive COVID-19 test within 14 days of their vacation and have purchased the Medical Cancellation Policy.