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Saturna Island Kayak Tour
Overview
To start this new adventure, your guide will introduce you to the kayaks and equipment. You will learn an easy paddling technique that will help you enjoy the experience.
As you glide through the water you will fall into a rhythm that makes sea travel seem almost effortless. Saturna Island has several dramatic landscapes and fascinating shorelines where your guide might take you. Your route will be determined by the day’s weather, the time needed for the journey and preferences of your group. Your guide might take you to the King Islets or Saturna Beach or Boat Pass or another treasured spot. The kayak tour can be blended with a shoreline stop to give you a different perspective of the island. When you arrive back at the Kayak Centre the ferry terminal will be right there as will ice cream or coffee at the store or a bite to eat at the pub.
For Spanish speakers – check out a video of our Saturna tour below!
- Testimonials
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To read all of our reviews, click on the Trip Advisor logo below!
- Bob led us on a great tour around Winter Cove and Samuel Island. He was patient and helpful, encouraging us to improve our paddling and confidence as we enjoyed some great sights. We even beached at Irish Bay and went for a quick swim! This was a highlight of our trip to Saturna – thanks!
- Bob and Rosemary at Ocean River Saturna led our group of seven around the waters of Saturna Island, a perfect three hour paddle! Both our guides knew the area well, were very competent kayakers, which made for a relaxing, fun outing. We were on the Swartz Bay ferry (walk on, no need for a car!) at 9 am, had a fabulous paddle followed by lunch at the pub close by, returned home to Victoria on a late afternoon ferry, arriving at Swartz Bay around 6:30. A perfectly lovely day with friends!
- My wife Kim and I had a great visit to Saturna Island, especially the kayaking with Bob from Ocean River. As we were not experienced kayakers, Bob was the perfect guide, he was patient, helpful plus took us to wonderful places along the ocean shores and alongside steep rock faces with nesting birds explaining what we were looking at. He even brought some snacks and drinks, as we forgot. One evening Bob invited us to a Saturna SeaTalk function, where whale experts presented whale learnings from their research, plus explained their interesting research programs. Saturna locals also pitched in with personal experiences of wonderful whale encounters while in kayaks or walking on the shore. We’re already planning our next kayaking trip in a month back to Saturna with Bob and team.
- Itinerary
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This tour leaves from our Saturna Kayak Shack, next to the BC Ferry Terminal Dock, Lyall Harbour on Saturna Island in the Gulf Islands. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. BC Ferries offers multiple sailings to and from both Victoria and Vancouver to Saturna Island daily.
Full Itinerary – PDF: Itinerary for Saturna Island Kayak Tour
- Equipment List
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Please read the following equipment list carefully, as it indicates what you will need to bring with you to help ensure you enjoy a comfortable tour.
Ocean River Sports stocks many of the items listed below. If you need advice or would like to purchase gear, please visit us or check out our online store!
Cotton keeps you cold when it’s wet, and takes a long time to dry. If possible, bring clothing designed for outdoor wear and made from Merino (wool), silk, or synthetic materials, such as polyester, polypropylene, or nylon.
- Eyeglass retainer strap if you wear glasses
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- A broad-brimmed sun/rain hat
- Clothing like you might wear for a short hike (dress in appropriate layers depending, on the weather). Bring a light rain jacket on days when there is a chance of rain. If you don’t have one, we can provide you with a waterproof paddling jacket.
- Low-heeled shoes
- Water and snack (optional)
- A watertight plastic bag for electronics (optional)
- A camera (optional)
We cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of your items, so please ensure valuables are stored securely in watertight plastic bags or dry bags and placed in the watertight storage compartments of your kayak. Secure storage is available for personal items you choose not to take on the water!
- Waiver/Medical Forms
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Please review the following form prior to your program. Please sign/initial the form in the presence of your instructor/guide, who will act as your witness.