A tattoo is a symbol of empowerment.I love you, body.
ART ALCHEMYThe Sacred Art of Tattoo
We invite you into a transformational container. Divinera is a creative label focusing on art alchemy, tattoo, and contemporary visual & auditory performance. We weave technology into the esoteric and mystical.
Secret Garden Studio
A luxurious private tattoo studio tucked away on tranquil Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.
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By Ferry:
Start your adventure from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Take a BC Ferries sailing to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island. A direct ferry ride itself is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, However, many sailings stop at other Gulf Islands along the way, which can extend the trip to about 3 hours. The ferry offers scenic views of the surrounding islands along the way.
Pro tip: Some sailings are direct, while others stop at other Gulf Islands first, so check the schedule in advance for the best option.By Seaplane:
For a quicker, breathtaking alternative, take a seaplane from Vancouver Harbour or YVR Airport’s South Terminal. Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes offer flights directly to Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour. In just 30 minutes, you’ll be soaring over the stunning coastal waters and arriving right in the heart of Salt Spring.
Pro tip: Flights are often weather dependent, so check conditions ahead of time. -
From Victoria
Drive or bus to Swartz Bay Terminal, about 30 minutes from Victoria, then hop on the BC Ferry to Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island. The ferry takes around 35 minutes, with regular sailings throughout the day. The terminal on Salt Spring is about 20 minutes from Ganges, the island’s main village.
Pro tip: Reservations aren't available on this route, so plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure during busy times.From Crofton (Near Nanaimo)
Head to Crofton Ferry Terminal, about 1 hour from Nanaimo, and board the ferry to Vesuvius Bay on Salt Spring. The crossing is a short 25 minutes, and Vesuvius Bay is just a 10-minute drive to Ganges.
Pro tip: The Crofton-Vesuvius route is quick and offers the most frequent sailings, making it a great option if you’re coming from mid or northern Vancouver Island.
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By Air
If you’re coming from farther afield, the easiest way is to fly into either Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Victoria International Airport (YYJ). From there, you can take a ferry or a seaplane as described above.Driving from the U.S.
If you're driving from Washington state or beyond, take the I-5 North to reach Vancouver, or the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. From there, you can follow the ferry routes mentioned above.
Pro tip: Make sure to bring your passport or other ID for border crossings.
HOW TO GET HERE-
We recommend doing your research but here are a few suggestions:
Airbnb: There are many beautiful options to select from.
Hastings House Country House Hotel: This luxury manor hotel offers beautiful harbor views, cozy cottages, and superb breakfasts. It's a relaxing, high-end option with spacious rooms and excellent service.
Skipping Stone Beach B&B: For a more intimate stay, this B&B offers a private beach, comfortable rooms, and freshly baked goods, perfect for a serene getaway.
Hedgerow House Bed & Breakfast: A luxurious and quiet option, ideal for those seeking a calm, relaxing stay with amenities like a sauna.
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Garden Faire Campground: This quirky campground close to Ganges features whimsical fairy-themed decorations and offers both walk-in tent sites and small RV spaces. There's a magical atmosphere with tree showers and colorful details.
Ruckle Provincial Park: Ideal for nature lovers, this park offers stunning ocean views, hiking trails, and a working heritage farm. The campground is mostly tent-only, with a few RV spots, and is best for those who want to fully immerse themselves in nature.
ACCOMDATIONSTell us in more DETAIL about your tattoo request below
Our Artists
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Ashley Apok
Blending the Ancient Practice of Tattooing with Contemporary Digital Art Mediums
Ashley Apok offers intention and ceremony to ritualistic tattooing. Ashley’s artistic expressions are intended as invitations to deepen one's relationship to the divine.
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Delakit
Intuitive tattooing is an intentional channeling process uniquely designed for you. Symbolism deeply inspires this process. We like to think of it similar to a recipe or spell. By adding ingredients such as plant and animal medicine imagery with tarot, rune, oracle and natal chart readings we can create a piece of art potent of manifestation and personal growth. We like to describe this process as art alchemy.
Available Tattoo Designs
Our Philosophy
Inspired by our experiences of temples and sacred architecture from around the world, we created Divinera as a container for Art Alchemy, and transformation. Art Alchemy is a creative framework we designed to deepen personal development through the use of sacred symbolism, intention, manifestation, and ancestral remembering.
We live in a time of intense polarity, rapid change, and disconnection. Our art is created in direct response; symbolically exploring the themes of death and rebirth, seasons of change, and the ineffable source of experience: the Divine.
Divinera's Secret Garden is a luxurious private tattoo studio tucked away on Salt Spring Island near Ganges. We are only an hour away from Victoria and Nanaimo by ferry and can be easily accessible to Vancouver by ferry or sea-plane. Our clients are free to express themselves in whatever way feels authentic throughout the tattoo process. The ancient and sacred act of ritual tattoo is a doorway to deepen our relationship to self, and an invitation to deepen our relationship with the divine feminine, and masculine inherent in everyone. We hold a professional and equanimous container throughout the tattoo process- and do so with radical acceptance for the client experience.
Inspire Us
Our Terms
Frequently Asked QuestionsBooking a Flash Tattoo / Design Offering
Once you have sent an email and received a response, your artist may book a video consultation to discuss the specifics and vision for your tattoo. During this time your artist will go over intention setting for your tattoo, and there will be space to share keywords and inspirations.
Booking a Custom Tattoo
Once you have sent an email and received a response, your artist will book a video or in person consultation to discuss the specifics and vision for your tattoo. During this time your artist will go over intention setting for your tattoo, and there will be space to share keywords and inspirations for the design process, and share relevant reference material.
Tattoo Deposits
A non-refundable deposit is required to book a tattoo. The deposit amount is of equal value to one hour of tattooing with your artist, and can be paid in cash, e-transfer, or credit card. The deposit is deducted from the total cost of the final tattoo session.
Presenting Custom Artwork
Custom artwork is presented in person, on the day of your appointment. Any alterations / revisions to the artwork are at the sole discretion of the artist. Small alterations / revisions that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time prior to tattooing are acceptable. Requests for significant alterations / revisions to the artwork require a $100 drawing fee and rescheduling of the tattoo with sufficient time for the artist to complete.
Payment
Our preference is cash. Debit and credit cards are also accepted, for a small processing fee.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
Please give 7 days notice for cancellations, and minimum 48hrs for rescheduling an appointment. If you no-show your appointment, your deposit is forfeit and you will need to pay a second deposit to book a future session. In the case of no-show, your artist may choose not to rebook your tattoo. If a client reschedules multiple times, the artist may choose not to rebook your tattoo. If the artist chooses not to rebook with a client due to client no-show or multiple reschedules, the artist may re-release the artwork for sale.
Videography / Photography Release
Upon agreeing to receive a tattoo, the client gives their express consent to being freely photographed and videographed throughout the tattoo process. Any photographic and video graphic assets captured during the tattoo process are the property of the tattoo artist, and Divinera. Any photographic or videographic assets captured during the tattoo process may be used, reproduced, altered, and distributed by the tattoo artist and Divinera in perpetuity and forever.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 years of age to get tattooed. No exceptions.