SEA Kayaking Tours with Mothership Adventures
WELCOME ABOARD THE WORLD'S FIRST SEA KAYAKING MOTHERSHIP
COLUMBIA III, The World’s First Custom-Built Mothership for Kayak Expeditions
How we converted the Columbia III into the world's first sea kayaking mothership.
You can always recognize the elegant COLUMBIA III at the dock or at anchor by the bright yellow kayaks covering her rooftop. As you get closer, you’ll see the rows of spray skirts and bright orange life jackets hanging neatly under cover on the back deck. Racks of paddles hang below.
The COLUMBIA III has been custom-outfitted to load and unload kayaks smoothly and quickly with its efficient rooftop crane system. There’s plenty of room on the roof to carry kayaks for ten guests and two guides. The water level platform at the rear of the boat makes getting in and out of the kayaks simple and easy.
If you’re a beginner paddler, no problem! Our certified guides provide attentive instruction. So welcome aboard, and let us provide you the kayaking trip of a lifetime! British Columbia’s coast is a sea kayaking paradise.
Reasons to Paddle with the COLUMBIA III:
British Columbia Sea Kayaking Tours
We Offer Sea Kayaking Tours to Three Unique Paddling Destinations
Multi-day Sea Kayaking Tours IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
From Desolation Sound to the Great Bear Rainforest, glacial fed rivers spill into lush salmon spawning estuaries at the heads of magnificent steep sided fjords. Hundreds of islets and islands provide sheltered travel from the open ocean and habitat for a vast array of marine life. Orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins, sea otters, black bears, spirit bears, grizzly bears, wolves, eagles and seabirds all inhabit this temperate coastal rainforest and the waters of its rugged Pacific shores.
These coastal waters are the supernatural paradise the Columbia III has safely traveled since 1956!
A day in the life Aboard Columbia III
A typical day on one of our sea kayaking tours starts with the guests gathering on the back deck after breakfast. Water bottles are filled, dry bags are packed with cameras, sunscreen and a spare sweater, and spray skirts are pulled on. A guide assists each person into their kayak and soon everyone is on the water. The mothership sounds its whistle goodbye and heads off to the afternoon meeting place while the paddlers settle into their rhythms, anticipating the day’s journey ahead.
With the kayak’s minimal draft, we’ll float over shallows profuse with intertidal creatures. We’ll glide along cliffs just inches away from clusters of starfish and anemones. From the intimate vantage of your kayak, perhaps you’ll surprise a seal dozing in the sun or pause as an eagle swoops for a salmon. After the morning’s paddle, we’ll land on a shell beach or rocky islet for a leisurely picnic lunch before continuing on in the afternoon. We’ll watch in awe as orcas pass by or perhaps glimpse a bear on the beach.
Each evening, Columbia III meets you in a new location, so there’s no need to backtrack. With Mothership Adventures, every day brings fresh landscapes and new waters to explore. Unlike other multi-day sea kayaking tours, we are not limited to areas with natural campsites; we simply drop the anchor, and off you go. This means we can paddle in the more remote, steep and rugged parts of the coast, where other kayakers rarely venture.
Throughout your adventure, Columbia III is always within radio range, ready to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency. Safety is our top priority, and our goal is to provide exceptional service, a welcoming atmosphere, and an unforgettable kayaking experience.
After a full day of paddling, guests return to Columbia III, where the kayaks are securely stowed on the rooftop before we set off for our next anchorage. There’s nothing quite like a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a warm bed after a day of exploring the wilderness.
With no tents to set up and a cozy, heated cabin, you’re always comfortable—no matter the weather. Our fully equipped galley serves up fresh, West Coast-inspired meals, and year after year, our guestbook is filled with glowing reviews about the exceptional hospitality and care of our crew.
Sea Kayak Tours Information
Our BC Sea Kayaking Tours are normally 3 – 10 days long. Your trip on the Columbia III is all inclusive. The price includes meals, wine/beer, kayaks, equipment and paddling instruction.
The Columbia III is also available for private charters. The possibilities are endless – celebrate a birthday or an anniversary, explore, paddle, hike and more, but one thing is certain, you’ll have an excellent holiday.
Visit our Past Cruises to explore some of the unique and exciting charters we’ve hosted.
Trip size limited to 8 – 10 participants. Our trips are all inclusive from the point of departure.
“Thank you for sharing yourselves, your country and this wonderful ship with us. There were so many highlights: from the First Nations People, the amazing scenery and seeing so many animals in the wild! Two standouts were the orca fest feeding on the salmon and the raft of sea otters. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to return to the COLUMBIA III after a day’s kayaking, to a dry deck, a drink, great food, and a comfortable bed gently rocked to sleep by the motion of the waves. Good luck for the future! We hope to see you again.”
– Alex and Sue, Australia, 2015
How Do You Get In and Out of Kayaks Aboard the Columbia III?
A common question we get from guests (and those considering joining us!) is:
“How do you get in and out of the kayaks from the Columbia III?”
It’s actually easier than you might think! We’ve broken down the process step by step to show just how simple and smooth it is to board our ocean-going sea kayaks from the Columbia III.
Step 1: Safety Briefing & demonstRation
Before you get into a kayak, your guides will walk you through everything you need to know:
✔️ PFD Fitting – Each guest is provided with a paddling-specific PFD (life jacket) designed for comfort and mobility. It must be zipped up and properly secured while paddling.
✔️ Spray Skirt Demo – Guides will show you how to wear and remove the skirt (it keeps water out, but you need to know how to pop it off easily).
✔️ On-Water Safety & Capsize Plan – What to do in the unlikely event of a capsize.
✔️ Live Demonstration – One guide will board a kayak from the swim grid (the stable platform at the back of the boat) so you can see exactly how it’s done.
Step 2: Getting Into the Kayak
Your guide will be holding your kayak steady while you board.
1. Climb down the ladder to the swim grid (our stable boarding platform).
2. Sit on the swim grid and get ready to slide into the kayak.
3. Keep your center of gravity low as you transfer.
- First, swing your legs into the kayak.
- Then, lower your body into the seat.
4. Adjust your foot pedals (your guide will help!) – these control your rudder for easy steering.
5. Attach your spray skirt – securing the back first, then the sides, then the front (always leave the grab loop exposed!).
6. Paddle hand-off – Once you’re seated and secure, your guide will pass you your paddle and get you ready to launch.
Step 3: Getting out of the kayak
When your paddle is over, your guide will be right there to stabilize your kayak at the swim grid.
You have two easy options to exit:
✔️ Step-by-Step Exit
- Remove your spray skirt.
- Reach for the ladder or swim grid for stability.
- Shift onto the swim grid first, then stand up using the ladder for support.
✔️ Roll-Out Exit
- Remove your spray skirt.
- Roll onto the swim grid stomach-first (super stable!).
- Shift into a seated or standing position.
Once you’re back on the swim grid, guides will pass up your dry bags and water bottles so that you can climb the ladder hands-free.
Have more questions? Our crew is always happy to help!
TESTIMONIALS
Over the years, we've provided ‘trips of a lifetime’ for countless travellers from around the world. See what our past guests have to say about their experiences with us.
View Guest BookYOUR NEXT ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE
Book Your Trip Today to Reserve Your Desired Dates and Trip Destination
