Traverse the magnificent west coast of Moresby Island onboard one of the most spacious motherships operating in Gwaii Haanas; the splendid 71' ketch, Ocean Light II.

Our mothership cruise provides a comfortable outdoor expedition with an emphasis on wildlife viewing, kayaking and the rich cultural history of the Queen Charlotte Islands.  Silently kayak through remote, pristine coves.  Discover ancient Haida villages.  Paddle the awe-inspiring outer coast along the continental shelf.

The Outer Coast Kayak Mothership Cruise is a unique 8-day journey scheduled to depart Sandspit on June 26, 2010.  This voyage is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; we have specially arranged this itinerary with the captain and crew of the Ocean Light II.  We are delighted to offer the outer coast route in 2010, however; we do not anticipate offering this itinerary on an annual basis.  (This trip sold out in January, although we are accepting registrations on our waiting list.)

Our planned itinerary first takes us down the east coast of Moresby Island to round Cape Saint James - the southern tip of the archipelago.  Hundreds of sea lions live at the Cape; it’s a truly wild, vibrant and spectacular marine environment.
Most of the week is dedicated to exploring the rarely visited west coast of Moresby Island.  Our mothership vessel provides sturdy and seaworthy transport along the exposed stretches of the outer coast.  We anchor in several different isolated and sheltered locations, such as Flamingo Inlet, Wells Cove and Gowgaia Bay.  From the anchorages, we launch kayaks to quietly explore the “Edge of the World.”

During the mothership cruise, no two days are alike; a variety of sea conditions will be encountered.  Depending on conditions and the day's itinerary, guests are usually able to kayak as little or as long as they want to.  Generally, we launch the kayaks in the morning and return to the Ocean Light II at mid-day to relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch, while considering the options for an afternoon paddle.  Alternately, we can pack a lunch and venture out on more extended paddling excursions, to rendezvous with the Ocean Light II later in the day.  For added safety during kayak outings, guides carry VHF radios to enable communication with the mothership.

Visit the abandoned Haida Indian village of Ninstints on Anthony Island.  This remarkable historic village is a United Nations World Heritage Site, also known as SGang Gwaay.  Numerous ancient totem poles overlook the village and longhouse ruins are still visibly prominent.

Haida Watchmen on the island can explain the carvings on the poles and provide insightful interpretations of the village and their ancestors who lived there.  You will spend a day exploring the site and experiencing the sense of mystery that lingers in this haunting, deserted village.

Ocean Light II provides a comfortable and convenient roving home base, enabling us to enjoy incredible flexibility during our kayak explorations.  The paddling opportunities are endless along this diverse coastline.  There are hidden, sheltered waters where you can enjoy tranquil kayaking, even on relatively windy days.

For the more adventurous, Hecate Strait and the open Pacific provide a sense of the vast ocean, bordered by magnificent rock formations and cliff faces.

Nature-viewing and photographic opportunities abound.  Large populations of Humpback whales and Dolphins have been sighted in the area regularly during the past several summers.  A wide variety of seabirds are abundant throughout the region.

The cruise ends at the tiny, isolated community of Rose Harbour.  On the last day you board a de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter floatplane for the 40-minute scenic flight to Sandspit.

The mothership itinerary remains very flexible in order to accommodate changeable west coast conditions.  Our fleet of single kayaks will be transported onboard the mothership vessel.  One Necky Looksha T double kayak will be included to provide additional flexibility.