Ecological Explorations: Mothership Kayaking

April-May 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

Eco-West Adventures Ltd. of Cowichan Bay on southern Vancouver Island in association with Eco Tours Inc. of Victoria offers 4 & 6 day sailboat based kayak adventures of the Gulf Islands. Their mothership the Ecologic is a 51' French built Beneteau sailboat with four double staterooms, each with its own private bathroom. She also features a large cockpit area for BBQing and watching the beautiful Gulf Island Sunsets.

Each day after breakfast paddlers embark on a full day of kayaking. During the course of the tour they paddle the coastlines of several of the Gulf Islands including Saltspring, Galiano, Mayne, Prevost, Saturna, Moresby and Portland Islands. Lunch is taken on one of the legion of small clamshell or sand beaches that exist in the islands. Kayaking continues in the afternoon until the wind picks up, at which point they board the Ecologic to sail to the final destination for the day.

While underway, guests have the option of helping sail the boat or they can just relax and enjoy the ride. Upon reaching one of the many secluded coves or bays that dot the Islands, guides prepare a dinner of traditional west coast styled cuisine (BBQed fresh salmon, hearty smoked salmon pasta dishes, fresh salads and more). After dinner guests are encouraged to explore ashore, or to go for an paddle around the bay they are calling home for the evening.

Proximity to British Columbia's capital city of Victoria (35 miles) makes Eco-West an easy choice for people who want to get to a wilderness setting without having to travel long distances by car.