Taylor Point Paddle

Description

Saturna’s Wild South Shore — More of It

Some paddles are gentle introductions. The Taylor Point Paddle is something else entirely — a full 6-hour immersion in some of the most dramatic coastal scenery Saturna Island has to offer.

Covering roughly 11 nautical miles along Saturna’s south shore, this guided sea kayak tour takes you past towering cliffs, extraordinary tafoni rock formations sculpted by wind and salt over centuries, and intertidal zones teeming with marine life. The pace is steady and purposeful — this is an active day on the water, not a leisurely float.

Your route follows the island’s exposed southern coastline to scenic Taylor Bay. Expect at least five hours of paddling, with stops as conditions and the group allow. Fred and Ruth know this coastline intimately, and their knowledge of its wildlife, geology, and tidal patterns adds depth to every stroke.

This tour is designed for paddlers who are ready for an extended open-water experience — those who want to earn their views.

Wildlife Along the Way

Wildlife is one of the great joys of paddling Saturna Island’s south shore. Harbour seals are a near-constant presence — curious yet easily startled, often watching from the rocks as you pass. Bald eagles nest throughout the island and are spotted on almost every paddle. River otters slip through the kelp. Seabirds perch on tiny ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Look out for lucky sightings of harbour porpoises, and on very lucky days, even whales. Along the way to Taylor Bay, keep an eye on the rocky shoreline for Saturna’s famous feral goats — sometimes venturing right to the water’s edge to nibble seaweed.

What’s Included

• Sea kayak, paddle, and all safety gear
• Experienced guide
• Snack and meal stops along the route (bring your own snack/meal)

What to Bring

• Water (minimum 1L per person)
• Snacks or a meal for the day
• Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants (merino wool also works)
• Water shoes or old runners for paddling and beach landings
• Windbreaker or paddling jacket
• Shoes for walking at beach stops (packed in a bag)
• Extra dry clothes in a dry bag or sealed plastic bag
• Sunglasses with retainer
• Sun hat or cap with retainer
• Sunscreen or sun protection
• Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch

Good to Know

• Duration: up to 8 hours, depending on pace and stops
• Group size: Maximum 4 guests
• Meet at the KayakingSkills dock, off the CRD government dock on Saturna Island
• Minimum Level 1 Sea Kayak certification or equivalent experience required
• Participants must be able to maintain 2.5 knots (approx. 5 km/h) for one hour
• Route and conditions may vary due to weather and sea state

Book 3 Ways:

• Online via FareHarbor (includes small booking fee)
• Text fee-free: 604-725-8897
• Email questions: info@kayakingskills.com