3683 - Checleset Bay Nautical Chart

The Ecological Frontier: 3683 - Checleset Bay

Navigate one of the most pristine and protected marine environments on Vancouver Island with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 3683 is the definitive 1:36,493 scale "road map" for mariners, providing the high-resolution data required for safe passage through Checleset Bay, home to the world-renowned Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve.

Precision for High-Energy Coastal Environments

Located between Kyuquot Sound and the formidable Brooks Peninsula, Checleset Bay is characterized by a "Barrier Island" chain that receives the full brunt of Pacific swells. CHS Chart 3683 provides the "ground-truth" data required for safe pilotage:

• Bunsby Islands & Inshore Channels: Features critical bathymetry for navigating the sheltered waters of the Bunsby Islands, a premier destination for sea otter researchers and wilderness kayakers.

• The Barrier Islands: Detailed mapping of the outer reef chains and islands that protect the inner bay, essential for identifying safe leads and avoiding heavy breaking surf.

• Ououkinsh & Malksoh Inlets: Provides the resolution needed to transition into the deep, fjords-like reaches of Ououkinsh Inlet and Malksoh Inlet, identifying hidden hazards and safe anchorages.

• Ecological Reserve Safety: Explicitly marks the configuration of the coast, drying rocks, and sea bottom characteristics, ensuring mariners can explore this sensitive region without disturbing the delicate marine ecosystem.

The Professional Standard for Vancouver Island Safety

As the primary navigational link for vessels transiting the rugged northwestern coast, the reliability of Chart 3683 is paramount. Specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of marine navigation, this official CHS chart delivers the accuracy and detail needed to navigate from the open Pacific to the remote wilderness anchorages with total confidence.