Malibu Rapids

Malibu Rapids, the entrance and exit to Princess Louisa Inlet

If ever there was any doubt, believe me, KAOS still reigns!


Following an uneventful 5 hour run up Jervis Inlet, Prince of Wales Reach and Princess Louisa Reach, we arrived at the Malibu Rapids, the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls. The ideal time to transit the rapids is at slack high tide, before the tide reverses. Upon checking several tide tables online, Alan concluded that 5:20pm was the desired time to transit. Upon our 4:50pm arrival, we heard several small, local boats announce their intentions to enter the rapids on the VHF radio. A couple of boats were milling around, with one small Ranger Tug giving it a shot, but turning back. We couldn’t see all the way into the rapids but could see occasional white froth, which should have been our first clue that the tide was still on flood.

The captain decided to give it a shot, and that was mistake #2. He knew it was a sharp “S” turn and needed to be under power. He increased the rpm as we entered the tight “S” turn and encountered some very fast flowing water. All was well until we hit a vortex of water as we exited the last sharp turn. The boat heeled hard to starboard as it spat us out. Stuff was flying all over the place, including the TV and BBQ. Thankfully, nothing and no-one was damaged although the captain was left with a bruised ego.

The little Ranger Tug followed right behind us and fared well.

We now know that if you see any white frothing water at a rapids – don’t enter!

As we arrived at Chatterbox Falls dock, we were asked where we came from. “You didn’t come through the rapids?” one fellow asked. When we answered yes, he said “you are my hero, slack high isn’t till 8:20pm! Hmmm, no wonder we had a rough ride! Next stop, we buy the Ports & Passes book with correct up to date tide information. We learned that many internet sites and GPS systems have incorrect information.

While Alan made an error in judgement, his boat handling skills and experience got us through unscathed. Many lessons learned here!
Next day we dinghied back to Malibu Lodge and Rapids to observe and check out the rapids.

We encountered rough waters and a boat transiting at less than desirable transit time.

Prior to departing Chatterbox Falls, we checked and re-checked slack high tide was at 7am and confirmed the same with other departing vessels. Smooth sailing! What a difference transiting at the correct time made.