Northwest Navigation Company

We had an excellent experience on our David B vacation! Cristine, Jeffrey, and Matt were exceptional hosts. It is impressive the dedication and expertise that Christine and Jeffrey have for the boat. We can't say enough good things. The attention to detail for the vessel and the guests is exceptional. From the moment we walked on the David B, we felt welcomed! We loved everything; the delicious meals/snacks, the hospitality, the knowledge and appreciation of the area, and every need met while we were there (walking sticks, binoculars, Kayaks, journals, David B pens, etc....). We know it takes a lot of planning to create such a seamless experience and they outdid themselves. Cristine and Jeffrey have restored and maintained a piece of history and their hard work is evident everywhere you look. They created a memorable experience we will never forget and we will not hesitate to recommend the David B experience!! We also want to recognize Sarah who is their reservationist, as she did an excellent job as well. While we never met her, we were impressed by how organized and responsive she was. The David B is a unique experience not to be missed!

Written on the David B

I am on a photography cruise on a small boat called the David B. We are motoring through the San Juan Islands. The clickety clack of the motor is steady and mesmerizing. I am sitting on the stern watching the wake, knowing I can not retrace the exact path of where I have been. I can however follow the golden path of the sun on the water. It is always there and easy to follow. I am following it now.
The trip is a change from my every day life of caring for my horses and my farm. It is a change of perspective, a different way to see the world--finding exquisite beauy in rocks and trees and illuminating light. There is a breeze on the stern and the sky is a deep October blue. I am content and the sense of peace I feel is all absorbing and indescribale. I feel exhilarated and alive taking in the beauty of the sea surrounded by the surreal mountains.
The boat was built in 1929 and is lovingly cared for by its owners Jeffrey and Christine. The cabins, though tiny, have everything you need and are adorned with fresh flowers and comfortable beds. The salon is homey and cozy. Meals are served family style and are always
nutritious and delicious. The smell of fresh baked cookies or bread drifts from the galley. Photography insruction is top notch, conversation is lively, fun and full of laughter. This is the heart of the David B. It fills my soul and calls me back.

Our family chartered the vessel Sept 2018 for the 4 day San Juan Islands Cruise. Great time. Jeffrey and Christine are terrific and wanted to make our trip enjoyable. Amazing nearly 100 year old restored motor vessel. Only complaint the weight we gained from Christine's outstanding cooking. . MM Arizona

I took a cruise on the David B. to Victoria B.C. for the wooden boat show with my partner. Our trip was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The cabins were cute and clean and incredibly cozy. The crew was super friendly and was not only able to provide tons of fun facts as we sailed, but also continued to provide amazing food to us the whole trip through.

Once we got to our destination the fun just continued with Victoria's charming downtown and seaside attractions. It was definitely just the romantic get a way that my partner and I needed. I am really looking forward to the next time we can spoil ourselves aboard the David B.

We signed up for a 4 day 3 night mothership based kayaking tour of the San Juan Islands offered by Northwest Navigation Company which is based in Bellingham. The owners of the company, Captain Jeffrey Smith and Christine Smith have restored a historic wooden boat called the David B and converted it into a marvelous "floating B & B". In addition to their tours of the San Juan Islands, they also go up to Alaska. We had a fabulous time, beautiful scenery, great kayaking and hiking, wonderful home cooked gourmet food, I could go on and on.

A few specific advantages of going with this company:

1. Based in Bellingham, therefore, you do not have to deal with the ferry in Anacortes. We drove to the harbor in Bellingham and immediately got on the David B at 9 am.

2. The maximum number is guests is 6 passengers.

3. Every state room has a private head (toilet) and sink.

4. There is one good sized community head with a bathtub!

5. Fabulous food. Christine is a great chef and loves to bake and cook. We had fresh seafood, fruit, and freshly baked bread, biscuits, muffin, brownies, and cookies every day.

6. They provide all of the kayaking gear including fiberglass kayaks (they have 3 doubles and 2 singles), PFD (personal flotation device), paddles, and spray skirts

7. Jeffrey and Christine are just really fun people to be around. They are great hosts and will make you feel right at home on their boat. The trip totally revolves around your interests and activities.

We just got back from a weekend trip in the San Juans on the David B. There is only one word that adequately expresses our experience: awesome. From the moment we stepped on the boat and saw separate staterooms, complete with private heads, we knew it would be great. Christine's fabulous food (freshly baked bread at every meal!) and Jeffrey's skill at locating marine life just sealed the deal. We're already plotting our next excursion with them.

I had a fantastic time on the David B mother ship during my 3 night and 4 day kayaking trip of the San Juan Islands. It was a wonderful trip in every way. The cabins were very comfortable. As an avid coffee drinker I loved the rich strong coffee that Christine had ready each morning. Her meals were awesome! My diet was completely blown by the wonderful fresh bread, rolls and pasta she served. She is a fantastic cook, providing freshly made sauces and lots of seafood. She always provided salads and fresh fruit as well.
In addition to the kayaking we were able to walk or hike the San Juan Islands, as we wished. Since they will only take a maximum of six guests, they are able to cater the food and activities to their guests. Jeff's tour of the engine room was also great. Christine and Jeff are very interesting and personable, I greatly enjoyed getting to know them.
I will book them again with family, hopefully next summer.