Mothership Adventures Sea Kayak Tour Planning

Planning for your Sea Kayak Tour

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Meeting Columbia III

Discovery Islands / Desolation Sound and Broughton Archipelago / Johnstone Strait:

Our Broughton Archipelago / Johnstone Strait tours start in the town of Port McNeill ((map). Our Discovery Islands / Desolation Sound tours start in the town of Campbell River (map). When you sign up for a trip, we’ll send you an information package including an exact meeting location and time - or you can call us for exact details. On the last day of our trip, we’ll return to town in the mid-afternoon.

Great Bear Rainforest:

Most of our customers get to Bella Bella (map) on the daily Pacific Coastal Airlines flight from Vancouver and Port Hardy. Therefore our departure time will coincide with the arrival of the afternoon Pacific Coastal flight (summer flight schedules are not finalized until late spring). Upon arriving in Bella Bella, take a taxi to the "fuel dock." Here the Columbia III will await your arrival. On the last day of our trip we will return to Bella Bella so guests can catch the morning Pacific Coastal flight to Vancouver and Port Hardy. If you choose to travel to Bella Bella by ferry, we will do our best to accommodate meeting you but because the ferry schedule is varied, a good connection is not always possible. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about getting to Bella Bella. For information on Bella Bella you can also visit here. Our Great Bear Rainforest tours start in the remote town of Bella Bella (air or water access only). Most of our guests travel to Bella Bella (map) on the daily Pacific Coastal Airlines flight from Vancouver and Port Hardy. Therefore Columbia III’s departure time will coincide with the arrival of the afternoon Pacific Coastal flight (summer flight schedules are not finalized until late spring). Upon arriving in Bella Bella, take a taxi to the "fuel dock" where we’ll await your arrival. On the last day of our trip we’ll return to Bella Bella so guests can catch the morning Pacific Coastal flight to Vancouver and Port Hardy. If you choose to travel to Bella Bella by ferry, we will do our best to accommodate meeting you but because the ferry schedule is varied, a good connection is not always possible. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about getting to Bella Bella. For information on Bella Bella you can also visit here.

Contacting Columbia III

The Columbia III can be contacted at these cellular numbers:1-888-833-8887 and 250-202-3229. In the case of an extreme emergency, the boat can be contacted directly by calling the Canadian Coast Guard in Comox (250) 339-3613 or in Prince Rupert 250-627-3081. Ask them to send a message to MV Columbia III (quote this number: MMSI# 316-003-614). We are often off the boat so expect a response to take 12 hours. The ship’s phone is not for guest use.

Meals

We are happy to accommodate any personal dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan. Wine will be served with the evening meal. If you would like an alternative to alcohol please let us know. Please notify us of any food allergies or needs on the medical form well in advance of your departure date.

Medical, Allergies, and Other Concerns

Mail us your completed Medical Form ASAP. Your tetanus vaccination must be up to date (less than 10 years old) before you leave. Be sure to bring enough of your required medications as you will be far from any drug stores. We may encounter minor ocean swells so if seasickness is a concern, please bring anti nausea medication. But rest assured, we travel in very sheltered areas and overnight in calm, protected bays. We do our best to avoid swells and waves!

Weather , Clothing, and Packing

Our certified guides will not take you in any weather conditions that are dangerous to you or the group. We will likely encounter some wind and waves (the ocean is not always flat!), but nothing that would compromise the safety of a beginner kayaker.

For maximum comfort, a layering system of lighter “quick-dry” and warmer fleece clothing works best. Merino wool is excellent as well. Avoid cotton which stays wet for a very long time. Waterproof raingear is essential. When getting in and out of your kayak onshore your feet WILL get wet. We suggest a pair of sturdy water sandals/ shoes. Sports gloves for paddling may add to your comfort and help prevent blisters. Proper protection from the sun is essential so bring sun glasses, a sun hat, sun block and lip screen. Bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated in the outdoors is very important. When aboard the mothership, comfortable casual clothing is nice to change into after paddling.

Consider bringing the items listed on the packing list we provide.

Waterproof bags (drybags) for cameras and spare clothes work well in the kayaks. These are available at outdoor sporting goods stores. Large Ziploc bags work as well! Hard suitcases are difficult to fit into the small storage compartments on the Columbia III so if possible, bring your gear in soft duffel type bags.

A water-proof bag (sea-bag) for cameras, etc. while paddling is an excellent idea. These are available at outdoor sporting goods stores. Large Ziploc bags work as well! Please bring your things in soft, duffel-type bags, not hard suitcases or frame packs - boats are not designed for such shapes which are awkward to stow.

Packing List

Sun Hat / Warm Hat
Fleece Jacket
Windbreaker or Shell
Waterproof Rain Gear (jacket and pants)
T-shirts, Shorts, Swimsuit
Warm Layered clothing
Shore Shoes (for walking or hiking)
sturdy water sandals/ shoes (for kayaking)
Toiletries
Medications, prescription and non prescription
Beach towel
Day Pack
Sunglasses, Spare pair of Eyeglasses
Sun block, Lip Screen
Insect Repellent
Water Bottle
Sports Gloves (for use while paddling)
Binoculars, Journal, Sketchbook (optional)
Waterproof Bag
A Good Book

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