COWICHAN BAY

  • CACCB
  • Latitude: 48.7331
  • Longitude: -123.62
  • West Coast Canada
  • Marina in Canada

Location: Canada

Cowichan Bay is a notable marine port located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Here are some key points and specifications of this picturesque port:

Location and Access

  • Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 48.7435° N latitude and 123.6197° W longitude.
  • Proximity to Major Cities: Located around 30 kilometers (approximately 20 miles) southeast of the city of Duncan and about 63 kilometers (approximately 39 miles) north of Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia.
  • Waterways: Sits along the western shore of the Salish Sea, providing access to the Strait of Georgia and the greater Pacific Ocean.

Port Features and Facilities

  • Types of Services: The port serves a variety of vessels, including commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft, and recreational boats.
  • Marina: Equipped with berthing facilities at the Cowichan Bay Marina which accommodates local and visiting vessels. The marina offers slip rentals, fuel services, and boat maintenance services.
  • Navigation Aids: Standard navigation aids including buoys, beacons, and lighthouses to guide maritime traffic safely into the bay.
  • Water Depth: Generally accommodates medium-draft vessels, though exact specifics on the maximum depth and size of ships should be referred to local maritime charts and marina guidelines.

Economic and Cultural Significance

  • Fishing Industry: A hub for the local fishing industry, providing facilities for commercial fishermen.
  • Tourism: A popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty, vibrant community, and recreational opportunities like sailing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
  • Local Businesses: Features quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bed-and-breakfast establishments that cater to tourists and residents alike.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

  • Marine Ecology: Known for its diverse marine ecosystems which include various species of fish, birds, and marine mammals. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the local wildlife and marine habitats.
  • Weather Conditions: The region experiences a mild maritime climate with occasional fog and seasonal variations in wind patterns. Mariners should always check local weather forecasts before setting sail.

Additional Information

  • Organizations: The Cowichan Bay Fishermen’s Wharf Association and other community organizations play a role in managing and supporting the port's operations and facilities.
  • Events: Regularly hosts community events, maritime-related festivals, and sailing regattas which attract visitors to the bay.

Connectivity

  • Road Access: Easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway and other secondary roads linking it to nearby towns and cities.
  • Public Transportation: Limited public transport services are available though owning or renting a vehicle is recommended for convenient travel to and from the port.

Cowichan Bay's blend of functional port facilities and charming surroundings make it a unique and integral part of Vancouver Island’s maritime infrastructure.

Vessels in the port

Flag Name Type Destination Date/Time
LONE STAR Fishing 03:23:06
DONNA LOU Fishing 02:29:01
HASTE Fishing 02:28:19
MISTY MICHAEL Pleasure 01:55:50
NANOOSE YARDER Towing/Tug 01:53:54
BLACK ANGEL Fishing 01:23:06
JOHN L Pleasure 01:22:14
SONIC Passenger 12:11:21
ONYX Passenger 12:07:03
ALPINE MIST Pleasure 5/31/2025
SHUTTER SPEED Pleasure 5/29/2025
RCM SAR 34 Port 5/29/2025
A FINE MADNESS Sailing 5/28/2025
DUEN Sailing 5/28/2025
BODHI Pleasure 5/28/2025
JUDY J Towing/Tug LOCAL 5/28/2025
TERRAMOTO Pleasure 5/25/2025
SV OSPREY Sailing 5/24/2025
SKIP JACK Passenger 5/17/2025
DESIDERATA Sailing 5/16/2025

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