Mission Statement
Fraser River Safari's goal is to assist in the sustainable management of the Fraser Valley to preserve its natural and historic attributes. Future development is based on the premise that today's use shall not compromise the area for the generations that follow.

The enthusiastic team at Fraser River Safari works hard to make sure we deliver a 100% BC experience and one that you'll want to tell share with others. Please read more about our Fraser River & Harrison River Eco Tours on this website.

The Team

Rob Chadwick has spent most of his life in the Fraser Valley and has lived & worked in Mission for over 14 years. The first few years in the City began with a career in real estate with jet boating as more of a hobby. Later Rob’s passion for the sport changed his path and he started his own business, Extreme Marine, in 1997, which specialized in the use of KeelowCraft Jetboats manufactured by Jetboat.com (owner Neil Ross). Through this connection Neil, Rob and Jo-Anne began to develop the Fraser River Safari tour on this fascinating stretch of river. Now Rob can be seen captaining the green tour boat, which has been nicknamed “Gerty” by the crew, on every trip performed by Fraser River Safari team. Rob also is a Director of the Mission Harbour Authority and the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival Society and sits on the Tourism and Spirit of B.C. Committees.

Jo-Anne Chadwick (ne Oikawa) moved to Mission in 1993 and continued her 16 year career with TD Canada Trust. Growing up in the small logging town of Port McNeil on Northern Vancouver Island gave her a love of the outdoors and nature. The movement from banking to tour guide was a welcome one and Jo-Anne appreciates every day that she now spends taking guests on soft eco-adventures in the Fraser Valley. Jo-Anne is second Vice President of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce and the New President of the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Society, a member of the Mission Tourism Committee and Co-Chair of the Mission Spirit of B.C. Committee. Recently she has accepted a position to be a Director on the board of Vancouver Coast & Mountains, representing the Fraser Valley and Outdoor Adventure.

The greatest achievements to date are their two children, Paige and Max, which the couple is raising on the Waterfront in Mission Harbour.

 

Neil Ross, after 27 years, continues to lead the way in jet boat: Adventure Tourism; Racing; Recreational Boating; Design & Manufacturing, in New Zealand and internationally.

Neil first got involved in the adventure tourism business with Turbo Jet Ltd, New Zealand, in 1986, before creating the first real back country jet boat tour in 1988, with Dart River Jet Safari, near Queenstown, NZ. This successful operation was subsequently sold to Shotover Jet in 1996.

He went on to open Dart Marine Ltd, a boat design & manufacturing business, now known as Jetboat.com, and at the same time launched the first 'Coast to Mountains' back country jetboat adventure, Waiatoto River Safari on the West Coast of the Southern Alps, NZ.

It was then evident to Neil that there was a need to cater to the growing West Coast Group and Conference & Incentive market, and so he created Haast River Safari, the first jet boat operation to use large twin engine, fully covered boats. Neil sold the Haast operation in 2004 and continues to design & build national and international commercial and pleasure Keelow Craft jet boats.

Neil has also become one of the most accomplished jet boat marathon racers in the world, having won many titles including the 1995 World Championship - Canada, 1996 New Zealand Championship, 2003 & 2004 & 2006 New Zealand Championship, and with the help of Rob Chadwick as navigator, they secured the World Champion FX Small Block title - USA, in 2004.

Susan Miller has specialized in marketing and tourism for over 20 years, launching her career as a public relations executive for a highly successful marketing organization in the north of England, before moving to New Zealand in 1995. Here she has been heavily involved in managing a number of destination and product tourism projects, including marketing manager for Haast River Safari, in 2000.

Safety

Safety is paramount at all stages and in all aspects of the Fraser River Safari Operation.

This wide braided river through the Fraser Valley allows safe and comfortable boating. Although uncommon, trips can be cancelled or amended due to adverse weather or other conditions out of the control of Fraser River Safari.
Fraser River Safari is a soft adventure, leisure activity, and with that carries a small element of risk. Passengers will be given a full safety briefing before the tour departs, during which the Driver/Guide will make clear all safety instructions, ensuring all English and non-English speaking clients understand the elements of risk, and to always follow the directions of the Driver/Guide. The Company is committed to providing service of unparalleled quality.

WAIVER - All guests will be required to sign a standard waiver form prior to departure. If you would like more information, or to view a copy, please contact Fraser River Safari. info@fraserriversafari.com
Fraser River Safari staff reserve the right to withdraw any person considered likely to endanger themselves or others.

Safety Standards - YES we have our Blue Decal
Every safari boat and safari driver will be Transport Canada Certified and will have the following safety standards:
** All boats are built to meet Transport Canada TP11717 standards.
** All drivers will have SVOP (Small Vessels Operator Proficiency)
** MEDA3 (Marine Emergency Duties Level 3)
** Marine Basic First Aid
** ROC (Restricted Operators Certificate) and trained to operate DSC (Digital Selective Calling)

Fraser River Safari has stringent safety operating procedures and policies which are carried out daily, and are documented in Fraser River Safari's 'Safe Operational Plan'. This publication is available for viewing at the Fraser River Safari's Operations Base, or contact Fraser River Safari at info@fraserriversafari.com

The Boats
The Fraser River Safari boats are custom designed and built to both Transport Canada and New Zealand Jet boats Association standards, with every aspect of the vessels comfort, safety and performance scrutinized and stipulations put in place.

With twin engines, this innovative vessel can easily travel shallow braided water with exceptional ease. This combined with the boats full covered design, front-loading access, wide centre aisle, and comfortable seating, people of all ages and abilities can join us on an enjoyable Fraser River Safari tour.

Technical specs
Engines are a pair of V8, MD300 hp supercharged diesels
Jet units are Hamilton 212's with 4kw impellers