Sea Kayaking - Suitable for experienced and beginning paddlers.

Sea Kayakers flotilla Describing a typical day on one of our Mothership sea kayaking trips, is difficult, since every day is so varied and different... Leaving the ship after breakfast on board, there is a sense of anticipation as the paddling begins. Hopefully you have a camera to record the colors, reflections and breathtaking views you encounter as you paddle quietly across the calm waters of one of our magnificent fiords. Weave your way among tiny islets, exploring the shoreline close up in a manner which can only be achieved in a shallow craft.

Kayaker by cliff Our kayaks are fast and stable "doubles" designed by Necky for day excursions with an emphasis on safety. The trips are suitable for both novice as well as experienced paddlers, with instruction provided by our professional certified guides.

Depending on which area Columbia III is based, you can be treated to fantastic displays of wildlife; birds, seals, porpoises, orcas, black bears and deer. Stopping on shore, we may hike into the rain-forest or explore the shore life at a clamshell beach. Our qualified naturalist guides are very familiar with the natural and aboriginal history of the coast and kayaks are ideal for exploring ancient abandoned village sites or viewing the native rock paintings (pictographs) which are found dotted along this coast.

Sea Kayaks on sandy beach Our professional guides are very familiar with the aboriginal history of the coast and the kayaks are ideal for exploring ancient abandoned village sites or viewing the native rock paintings (pictographs) which are found dotted along this coast.

Sometime in the late afternoon, the paddlers will rendezvous with the 'Mothership' and the advantage of this mode of travel becomes clear. There is no retracing of your path, the route having been planned so paddlers are traveling with the tide and current. Columbia has remained within radio range of the guides and available in the unlikely event of an emergency. Add to this the fact you are paddling a light kayak, unburdened with gear... we don't have to pack, unpack, and set up tents, or be overly concerned about the weather.

Kayak on beach Unlike traditional camping-based kayaking, our mothership takes us into remote places where kayaks rarely go. We have this privilege because of our vessel's speed and range, and the fact that we are able to paddle in more pristine areas which do not have natural campsites. Instead, we cruise these beautiful inlets and islands and anchor in quiet coves. Given the steep topography of coastal British Columbia there are many areas to which other sea kayakers cannot travel for the simple reason there are no suitable camping sites. This means we paddle parts of the coast which cannot be easily accessed except by the Mothership.

At days end, our guests come aboard and relax - not spending time setting up tents and gear. If the weather turns foul we have a cozy environment - dry and heated. Our fully equipped galley turns out dishes with a west coast flavour. Our guest book raves about the vessel and the hospitality shown by her crew. The waiting hot tea and cocoa are a welcome end to a day's paddle, as is the hot shower before the evening meal. A day typically closes with a great evening meal, quiet games and laughter, reading, storytelling or perhaps simply watching the sunset from the back deck.

We offer three kayak touring destinations to wild and remote areas of British Columbia's coast: the Desolation Sound Tour, the The Broughton Archipelago and Johnstone Strait Tour, and the The Great Bear Rainforest Tour.

Sea kayaking treks are normally 3 - 9 days long. Your trip on the Columbia III is all inclusive. By this we mean you only have to bring personal gear; price includes meals, kayaks, equipment and basic instruction.

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