End of Season Staff Trip: The Broken Islands

Every year we try to do a trip with the Moondance staff to celebrate the season, but schedules become busy and plans fall through. Not this year. This end of season, a few guides set off for a celebratory trip to the Broken Islands in a wild and rugged corner of Barkley Sound. Over four days, we experienced fog, swell, wildlife encounters, and short but powerful storm. A fitting finale to the season.

Day One: Into the Fog

We launched from Secret Beach into thick morning fog, relying on our compass and charts as the islands were hidden from view. Shortly after, we paddled alongside Larkins Island and continued hopping from island to island, following our bearings.

Out in Loudoun Channel, we were met with big rolling swells that reminded us why this coastline is so legendary. Lunch was a calm moment in a protected cove on Lovett Island, while the swell crashed just beyond. Afterward, we made our way to Owens Island and navigated a chain of small rocks into camp at Clarke.

As the sun set, we ventured out for a short circumnavigation of Clarke, spotting a playful sea otter and a curious sea lion—an exciting wildlife bonus to end the day.

Day Four: Calm After the Storm

Morning brought a stunning sunrise and the calm after the storm. We packed up and paddled back to Secret Beach for our ferry home.

This trip reminded us why we love what we do: the challenge of navigation, the thrill of swell, the joy of wildlife encounters, and the beauty of untamed coastline. The Broken Group Islands delivered an unforgettable end to our season—and we can’t wait to return.

Day Two: Whales and Rock Gardens

The morning greeted us with intermittent fog as we paddled toward the outside of Effingham Island. We circumnavigated Wouwer Island, where the swell crashing against the reefs made for some sporty conditions. A quick hike on Wouwer gave us a chance to stretch our legs on a short but overgrown trail.

Our journey continued past Effingham and Austin Islands, where we explored sea caves, paddled through a natural arch, and found fun rock gardens. Lunch on the north end of Effingham came with a spectacular wildlife show: three whales surfaced nearby, likely humpbacks or gray whales. One whale even surfaced just 40 feet away from our kayaks! Clearly, this channel between Effingham and Wiebe is a popular feeding spot. After watching the whales for a while, we continued to our campsite on Gibraltar Island.

Day Three: Stormy Adventure

Knowing a storm was forecast, we hit the water early. We circumnavigated Gibraltar, exploring the southern rock gardens and caves, then paddled through Jaques and Jarvis Lagoon before continuing to Hand Island. Rain began during our paddle, but the winds stayed light—until later.

We quickly set up camp and prepared for the storm. By 4:30 pm, the rain poured steadily, lasting until nearly midnight. With almost two inches forecasted, we hunkered under the tarp, enjoyed the rest of our whiskey, and played cards until it was time to retreat to our tents.