Custom Journeys
Adventures AwaitDates: 7 Days
Nuchatlitz Aug 18-24
Meeting Place:
Zeballos
Suitability:
Prior Multi-Day Recommended
Cost:
$2790
Come explore more of what Vancouver Island has to offer. You will love the open watersof Nuchaltitz, the smattering of islands, super neat geologic formations like sea stacks, caves and arches, the peace, greenery and wildlife. This trip offers variety, including spending time amongst islands, being in open swell, enjoying a beautiful inlet and feeling fairly secluded on multiple beaches. It is preferred that you come in with prior paddling experience on a multi day. There is a robust Sea Otter population here and bear, wolf, and cougar populations on Nootka Island. We look forward to paddling together this Summer.
Where We Paddle
Day 1
We’ll begin the trip in Zeballos and convoy some of the vehicles to our put-in point, about a 15-minute drive away. The guides will provide demonstrations on gear packing, followed by a kayak skills session to ensure everyone is comfortable with basic techniques and group travel. On our first day, we’ll paddle through the beautiful Little Espinosa Inlet, stop for lunch at its mouth, and then continue on to our first campsite.
Day 2-6
These will be full paddling days unless the weather suggests otherwise. A typical day might include 2–3 hours of paddling before lunch and another 2–3 hours afterward. On some days, we may complete all of our paddling by early afternoon—usually when weather is expected to roll in later on. Routes will vary based on weather, water conditions, and the guides’ judgment. Over our six nights together, we’ll likely stay at four different camps.
Day 7
On our final day, we’ll enjoy a morning paddle with a possible lunch stop, followed by a short afternoon stretch along Little Espinosa Inlet. We’ll finish the trip where the inlet meets the road. We typically wrap up between 2–3 pm before heading back to Zeballos, where some guests may have stored belongings at the Inn. Please keep any stored items modest, as space is limited; small items can also be left in the trailer.
Most people begin their journey down-island from here, and many find it convenient to spend the night in Campbell River or Courtenay.
When & Where We Meet
We will meet at in Zeballos the night before bwtween 6:30 to 7pm at a given location. This meeting will take about 1 hour.
At this time we will review all pre-trip information, distribute dry bags for personal packing and sign waivers.
We find it very beneficial to the organization of the trip for all to be present.
What is Included
- Your certified guide
- All kayaking gear and safety equipment
- Paddling jacket
- Camp chair
- Four dry-bags for your personal belongings
- Tent
- All meals and snacks
- Possible water taxi
Please ask about any extra rentals if needed
What to Bring
Clothing should include:
- 1 pair of water shoes - that can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle straps. We recommend runners, water shoes, Keen sandals with closed toes or Crocs clogs. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks and cutting feet on shark objects like barnacles.
- A pair of rubber boots are optional. Perks include your feet staying dry entering and exiting the kayaks. Downside they can flood if a wave fills them. They can also be bulky to wear in a kayak or to store.
- 1 pair of land shoes - runners or another light weight shoe are great.
- 4-6 warm socks
- 1-2 shorts
- 1-2 pants (A pair of fleece pants for the evening can be nice.)
- Underwear
- 1-2 thermal underwear - like the baselayers you might wear skiing.
- 4-5 shirts - a mix of short and long sleeve
- 1-2 sweater - a light/medium weight sweater while on water.
- Evening sweater or puffy coat (nights can be cool.)
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants - not necessary but can be nice to have.
- Paddling gloves - and on land mitts for those with generally cold hands.
- Buff - for neck warmth and sun protection
- 1-2 warm hat/beanie/toque - whatever you know it as! Wool or fleece ideally.
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit - optional
Check out MEC for some good options.
No cotton or jeans. These materials can cause rapid transfer of heat away from the body when wet, and do not dry easily. Wool, or synthetics such as fleece or polyester are better options.
Other Items may Include:
- Sun glasses (with a set of straps can be helpful so you don't lose them in the water!)
- Glasses/Contacts and Solution - consider a back-up if one becomes lost or broken.
- Small quick dry towel (for swimming or drying/wiping feet at night)
- Toiletries and menstrual products - biodegradable soaps please
- Baby wipes - for personal cleaning
- A few Band-Aids
- Sunscreen/insect repellent - please spray away from others, and not on materials like tents, life jackets and paddle jackets as it leaves stains and ruins the material over time.
- Lip balm - ideally 15 SPF or more.
- Personal medications - bring extra doses of medication if is critical to you. Separate and duplicate, keeping one set with a partner or guide. A trip can be cut short if there is not enough medication to keep a client safe.
- Wide-mouthed water bottle– plastic 1L Nalgene is ideal. They float and do not scratch kayaks. It’s nice to have a carabiner clip attached. The wide-mouth is necessary for refilling out of a water dromedary.
- Electrolyte tablets – can be nice while exercising in the sun especially.
- Book/Journal - kept in a Ziplock bag to reduce taking on of moisture.
- Spirits - alcohol may be consumed after the day's kayaking only. No glass bottles please.
- Camera - small waterproof cameras are great. If you have a larger camera we find a good option is for it to be wrapped in a sweater and kept in a dry bag. It can be stored in your cockpit. Most find a hardcase is difficult to access and store.
- Battery pack and charging cables
- Ziplock bags
- Headlamp/extra batteries
- Ear plugs - if others are sleeping deeply nearby.
- Inflatable/compressible camp pillow
- Small pair of binoculars
- Sleeping bag with a 15L max compression sack - Rental option available upon booking. Includes a -10º sleeping bag and liner for $5 a day.
- Sleeping pad -that is an appropriate size for packing in a kayak. Rental option available upon booking. Includes a comfortable sleeping mat for $5 a day.
It is advisable to bring along a piece of identification, a debit or credit card and a copy of your health insurance. This can be helpful in the rare occurrence of an evacuation and can help in the facilitation of best care, possible taxi or hotel expenses etc. thereafter.
Please contact us with any further questions at info@nullwildrootjourneys.com
