The right conditions in a beautiful setting:
Saturna Island is a beautiful location to visit and offers a variety of sea states to practice kayaking skills. From beginner’s level on flat water to more challenging waters and strong currents; there is some real “hands-on / paddle-on” experience available, when training in this varied water location. Navigation exercises and planning trips with tides and currents in mind, are relevant and valuable skills to learn and apply here.
Saturna Island offers the right conditions for the Basic, Level 1 and Level 2 Paddle Canada Courses, all in one location.
There are also various stunning sights to see and things to do like:
The Fog Alarm Building at East Point – beautiful views with a chance of spotting Orcas swimming close to shore.
Narvaez Bay – Monarch Head – views and hikes
Boat Passage at Wintercove – sunsets and watch the currents at different speeds
Mount Warburton Pike – views and hikes
Bird watching & wildlife watching
No experience is needed for several of our guided tours including the Scenic Saturna, Sea Star Watch, and Sunset tours. These are perfect for beginners and first-time paddlers. We provide all safety equipment and instruction before getting on the water.
Some of our longer tours explore more challenging destinations and conditions and require prior paddling experience.
For Paddle Canada certification courses, the Basic Sea Kayak Skills course is designed for beginners, while Level 1 and Level 2 courses require progressively more experience.
Text us at 604-725-8897 and we will help you choose the right tour or course for your experience level.
Our guided tours welcome families including children accompanied by an adult. We regularly paddle with children aged 10 and up, and can work with younger paddlers on a case-by-case basis depending on the child and conditions.
Paddle Canada does not set a minimum age for their courses, so certification is based on the individual’s ability rather than a strict age cutoff.
Text us at 604-725-8897 to discuss your family and we will recommend the best option.
Paddle Canada is Canada’s national paddling organization. Their sea kayaking certification program is recognized across the country and provides a structured pathway for developing your skills.
KayakingSkills offers Paddle Canada courses from Basic Sea Kayak Skills through Level 1 and Level 2. Each level builds on the previous one with increasing skill requirements and more challenging water conditions. Our instructors include a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer, which is the highest certification level in the program. Paddle Canada certification is also increasingly required by kayak rental and tour operators as proof of competency before renting equipment or joining advanced trips.
Dress for the water, not just the weather. Even on warm sunny days, the water in the Salish Sea is cold, so wearing layers that keep you comfortable if you get splashed or take an unexpected dip is important. We recommend quick-drying clothing (avoid cotton), a windproof outer layer, and layers you can adjust throughout the trip/day. Footwear that can get wet such as water shoes or sandals with straps is essential. Please wear at least a short-sleeved shirt under your PFD to keep our shared equipment clean and in good condition. Bring a sun hat or cap with a retainer strap, sunglasses with a retainer strap, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a change of clothes for after your paddle. If bringing a phone or camera, we recommend a waterproof pouch with a strap to keep it secure on the water.
We provide all kayaking equipment (unless otherwise pre-arranged) inclucing kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, and personal floatation devices. For multi-day courses and tours, we will send you a detailed packing list when you book.
We provide all essential safety equipment for every tour and course. This includes personal flotation devices (PFDs), spray skirts, paddles, and kayaks. Our instructors carry marine safety gear including communication devices, first aid supplies, tow lines, and navigation tools.
Before every outing we conduct a safety briefing covering paddling techniques, capsize recovery, and on-water communication.
Your safety on the water is our first priority.
We are a small family-owned business and pride ourselves on personalized attention on the water. Many of our tours and courses run with just one or two participants, and we welcome solo travelers. Our tour pricing reflects this personal approach, with better rates available when two or more people book together. Whether you are paddling solo or with a group, you will receive the same quality of instruction and care.
Text us at 604-725-8897 to discuss your plans and we will find the best option for you.
The main kayaking season on Saturna Island runs from May through September. Saturna sits in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, which gives it warmer and drier conditions than much of coastal BC.
June through August offers the warmest water temperatures and longest daylight hours. May and September can be excellent for quieter paddling with fewer visitors. Spring and fall bring more dynamic water conditions that are ideal for intermediate and advanced skills training.
Wildlife viewing is outstanding throughout the season with opportunities to see seals, sea lions, bald eagles, feral goats, and sea stars along the shoreline, and at rare occasions orcas, porpoises or humpback whales.
The waters around Saturna Island are rich with marine life. From your kayak you are likely to see harbour seals, bald eagles, great blue herons, river otters, and a variety of seabirds. The intertidal zones around Saturna are home to colourful sea stars, anemones, and crabs.Porpoises and Steller sea lions are spotted regularly throughout the season. Orca sightings are possible but unpredictable and should be considered a rare bonus rather than an expectation.
On paddles along the south side of the island toward Saturna Beach, Thomson Park, or Taylor Point, you may also spot Saturna’s famous feral goats roaming the rocky cliffs above the shoreline.
Saturna’s East Point is one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the Southern Gulf Islands, well worth a visit before or after your paddle.
Weather is something we take very seriously. We monitor marine weather forecast, tides, and current conditions before every tour and course.
One of the advantages of paddling from Saturna Island is that the landscape offers variety. When one area is exposed to wind and waves, another destination may offer calm, sheltered conditions, so we may adjust our trip to give you the best experience on the day.
Rain does not cancel a tour. Paddling in light rain can be a beautiful experience. If our assessment of the forecast suggests rescheduling or cancelling would be best, we will reach out to discuss options. If we cancel due to unsafe conditions, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Saturna Island is easily accessible by ferry or float plane.
Saturna is located in the Southern Gulf Islands, BC Canada.
Click the image below to go to googlemaps on our Contact page.
There are a number of ways to get on and off Saturna Island.
Ferries
Via BC Ferries 1-888-223-3779
Select “from” first: Victoria (Swartz Bay) or Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Southern Gulf Islands (Saturna) on the below link.
From Swartz Bay or Tsawwassen (near Vancouver, mainland BC)
With BC Ferries, if you wish, you can bring your kayak with you as a foot passenger on a dolly or loaded on your car.
Via Victoria Clipper 1-800-888-2535
From Seattle to Victoria (Vancouver Island)
Via Black Ball Transport 1-250-386-2202
Service between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC
Float Plane
Via Seair – 1-800-447-3247
Service from Vancouver Airport (Richmond Terminal) & Inter Island Travel
Water Taxi
Via Island Water Taxi 1-250-656-4826
Service from Sidney, BC (near Victoria, Vancouver Island)
Private Boat
Once you’re here
Saturna Lions Shuttle
The Saturna Lions Club offers a seasonal, pre-booked by donation transportation service on the island. Contact them in advance (48 hrs.) to arrange a ride from he ferry terminal. Please donate to the Saturna Lions Club to support their community services. saturnashuttle@gmail.com
Arrange pick-up with us
Most of the time we will be able to pick you up from the ferry, dock or float plane terminal. Just ask when booking your course with us.
We are located and most often launch from the Lyall Harbour Government Dock, next to the BC Ferries terminal.
You can get to Saturna Island from Tsawwassen on the mainland and Sidney/Victoria on Vancouver Island by BC Ferries as a foot passenger. There is also a float plane that lands next to the ferry terminal.
You do not need to bring your car; we are located right next to the ferry terminal.
Unless otherwise stated, we are located within 1 minute walk from the ferry terminal and float plane dock.
We recommend the use of your own kayak during our courses, so that you confidently improve your efficiency and skill in your own boat.
However, if you are unable to bring your kayak, we can provide one for you.
There may be a small fee for the kayak use.
It is also possible to bring a kayak as a foot passenger on BC Ferries using a dolly.
BC Ferries charges a small stowage fee for bringing a kayak on board. We recommend calling BC Ferries directly at 1-888-223-3779 to confirm the current fee for your specific route to Saturna Island.
Saturna Island offers various kinds of accommodation:
B&Bs and Campsites.
Our usual launching location is at the Lyall Harbor CRD Government Dock.
We are happy to make recommendations after discussing your preferences and needs.
Here some suggestions.
With a two minute walk, the Arbutus Campsite is a convenient location for tenting and glamping.
Tours (3 hours or less): Refundable in full up to 72 hours before the booked start time. Cancellations made between 48 and 72 hours before the start time receive a 50% refund. No refunds within 48 hours of the booked start time.
Tours (over 3 hours): Refundable in full up to 30 days before the booked start date. No refunds within 30 days of the booked start date.
Paddle Canada Courses: Refundable in full up to 30 days before the course start date. No refunds within 30 days of the course start date. In the event of cancellation within 30 days, KayakingSkills.com may offer you a spot on a future course as available.
Weather cancellations: If we cancel a tour or course due to unsafe weather or water conditions, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
