Captain
Southern Swell Coastal Adventures

Member since March 2026 Sooke, Canada
Background
We are Don & Steph Merlo, the family team behind Southern Swell Coastal Adventures, proudly calling Sooke home as we raise our family surrounded by the stunning beauty of the West Coast. Life here revolves around the ocean - from rugged shorelines to endless horizon views - and we love sharing that lifestyle with others. Don served 14 years in the Canadian Navy, where his respect for the sea and seamanship skills were forged. Today, that experience - combined with his lifelong passion for fishing - shines through in every charter he runs, delivering safe, knowledgeable, and memorable days on the water. Together we bring local roots, family values, and a genuine love for the outdoors to every trip. Come join the Southern Swell family and experience Sooke from the water.

Hey, I'm Captain Southern Swell Coastal Adventures

Sooke, Canada
Background
We are Don & Steph Merlo, the family team behind Southern Swell Coastal Adventures, proudly calling Sooke home as we raise our family surrounded by the stunning beauty of the West Coast. Life here revolves around the ocean - from rugged shorelines to endless horizon views - and we love sharing that lifestyle with others. Don served 14 years in the Canadian Navy, where his respect for the sea and seamanship skills were forged. Today, that experience - combined with his lifelong passion for fishing - shines through in every charter he runs, delivering safe, knowledgeable, and memorable days on the water. Together we bring local roots, family values, and a genuine love for the outdoors to every trip. Come join the Southern Swell family and experience Sooke from the water.
3
Reviews
2
Fishing Reports
Our Team
Don M.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Southern Swell Coastal Adventures

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Sooke
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $321

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 3 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (15)
Such a great time!
Such a great time!
Such a great time!
+12
Angler rating
3
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
3 of 3 reviews
Diana B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing fishing and trapping experience!

VERIFIED   NEW  Nite Bite– Evening on July 21, 2026
My family cannot recomend Captain Don enough! We had been canceled on the day before by a different company so we decided to...
Diana B. recommends Southern Swell Coastal Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Southern Swell Coastal Adventures Captain replied
Read more
Jocelyn M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sooke salmon/crab adventure 🐟

VERIFIED   NEW  Nite Bite– Evening on July 14, 2026
We had a great family trip to Sooke and were welcomed by Captain Don & Jon..we had a fantastic trip out with our son..he reeled...
Jocelyn M. recommends Southern Swell Coastal Adventures
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Southern Swell Coastal Adventures Captain replied
Read more
Semone D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Such a great time!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip AM – Salmon on July 24, 2026
Fantastic salmon fishing trip! Captain Don was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun from start to finish....
Semone D. recommends Southern Swell Coastal Adventures
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Southern Swell Coastal Adventures Captain replied
Read more