Frequently Asked Questions

IS THERE FOOD SERVICES ON BOARD?

All meals not included in your fare may be purchased from our galley. Our cook prepares hearty West Coast fare daily including homemade soups, sandwiches or chili. Enjoy muffins hot from the oven and an assortment of other baked goodies along with a freshly brewed cup of coffee at a reasonable price. If you wish to pack your own snacks and/or meals, please do not hesitate to do so. Payment by cash Visa or MasterCard.

Motion Sickness Remedies  You are traveling the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the weather can be unpredictable. Talk to your pharmacist about remedies that will work best for you.

Binoculars and Camera  We will be traveling "the West Coast", so keep your eyes peeled!  During your voyage you will see a variety of marine mammals and bird life.

Warm Clothing  It’s always cool on the water so bring warm clothing, wind breakers, and during the summer months don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY TRIP?

Wildlife  Aboard the MV Uchuck III you will have the opportunity to view a variety of marine wildlife. Commonly seen mammals include the humpback, grey and minke whale, and of course the orca. Porpoises, sea and river otters along with seals and sea lions are also seen regularly. There is a multitude of birds in the marine environment including eagles, cormorants and many other species, so have your camera ready!

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CAN I BRING MY CANOE OR KAYAK?

Absolutely you can bring your canoe or kayak on one of our trips. For pricing and to learn more, click here.

DO YOU PROVIDE KAYAK GUIDING?

We DO NOT provide guided kayaking trips.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Dogs are only permitted on the MV Uchuck III on the Wednesday or Saturday Friendly Cove trips. At the most, the dogs will be onboard the vessel for 2 1/2 hours before they can get off the ship at Friendly Cove and then it will be a 2 hour ride back to Gold River.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Yes, and we recommend it especially if you have special dietary needs.  If you have special gluten free bread, you are welcome to bring it and the cook can make you up a sandwich with it. The cook does her best in the small galley but if you have a limited diet, please bring something along that you can eat. Note: Please alert us at the time of booking if you have severe allergies.  We recommend  that any guests traveling with a life threatening allergy should bring their EPI pen.

I HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES, IS THERE A TRIP THAT WOULD BE BETTER FOR ME TO TAKE?

The Nootka Sound Day Cruise would be the best trip as you are on the boat all day.  There is no opportunity to get off the boat. The indoor lounge is a comfortable place to stay warm and also seating out back on the lower deck. PLEASE NOTE: The MV Uchuck III is not wheelchair accessable and the only way to access the Lounge for guests with mobility issues is down a set of fairly steep stairs with handrails. Please call our office if you have any questions and we can advise which trips would best suit your needs.

DO YOU HAVE LOCKERS TO STORE PACKS AND LUGGAGE?

Hikers heading out or coming off the trail can store their packs outside under the awning or on top of the captain’s wheelhouse. There is also a storage area to the right as you come down the stairs to the galley.  If you are on a trip where the boat is crowded, we ask that people do not store their packs on the seats in the lounge. This is the lunch area and we want to give people opportunity to find a seat. 

ON MY OVERNIGHT CRUISE, WILL I HAVE A PRIVATE BATHROOM?

On some of the one night cruises it is possible to have your own bathroom.  But please note, you may find yourself sharing one so if that is a problem, please let the office know at the time of booking and we will see if we can accommodate you.  On the two night cruises, there will be some sharing depending on where we are traveling to. Note:  All accommodation is on shore.  There are no rooms for passengers on board the  MVUchuck lll.