Saturna Kayaking Resources

We have put together several sources of information for you to make your Sea Kayaking trip safer and more enjoyable. Some of the below information updates automatically while other information is linked to open up in a new window when it was available for us to do so (otherwise it will take you off our website and you have to hit the "back" button to return to our site.

Go/No Go? Make each piece of information below plus your skills, your group's skills and your equipment part of your decision making process for a Go/No Go choice. Learn and understand what your preferences and limits are regarding wind, waves and weather.

Plan and prepare ahead of time. Your data service may not work in certain areas around Saturna Island and the neighboring Southern Gulf Islands. You can also use this PDF (specific to Saturna Island) to print and complete.

Disclaimer: we cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided through the listed links.

Tip: If you are using a mobile device, take several screen snap shots.

In depth information on Canadian weather

Saturna Island land based weather

Regular Forecast and Technical Marine Synopsis: 4 am; 10:30 am; 4 pm; 9:30 pm
Extended Forecast: 4 am; 4 pm
Wave Height Forecast: 4 am; 4 pm

Use the below RSS feeds for updated information (check date and time is most recent) in our area. Updated forecasts are issued as required. All issue times are Pacific Standard or Daylight Saving Time (PST/PDT). To view other surrounding Straits, you can Get the full listing for the Pacific Waters here

Another favourite Kayaking Skills Resource is Tides4Fishing.

You will find comprehensive information on any area that you pick. The default location of the link may be Georgina Point, which is located at our neighbors (on Mayne Island's North).

Among plenty of useful topics, the site gives information about wave height.

Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island is the monitoring point for the Southern Gulf Islands.

Read more about tides in our area.

Keep in mind that Flooding is toward the Vancouver mountains and Ebbing is toward Winter Cove on Saturna Island.
This website was created and developed by our friend Jeff Bairiki of www.dairiki.org

Find out more about currents around Saturna Island.

Go to tides.mobilegeographics to view currents for Skipjack Island, 1.5 mi northwest of (depth 15 ft), Washington Current (48.7495° N, 123.0608° W) and other locations. Currents at this location have relevance when kayaking around East Point and the surrounding areas, where currents can be very strong. We recommend careful consideration of currents, winds and your skill level when navigating this area. There is no single current station telling the full story here. Direction, speed, and timing of currents vary greatly across the wider area affecting the southeast and eastern coast of Saturna Island. No guarantee is given for accuracy of the linked data.

Check out the moon phases for Saturna Island.
Keep in mind that around Full and New Moons tidal ranges will be greater and currents stronger.
Read more information on Tides and Currents.

Water temperatures are averages for Victoria and not Saturna Island. They however reflect similar temperatures for us ranging from 8° in winter to 14°C in summer. For more information either click the picture to the left or check out our article Why wear your PFD.

Carry a VHF Radio for 3 reasons.

1. In case of an emergency, you can call the Canadian Coast Guard for assistance on Channel 16.
2. Get the marine weather forecast from the Canadian Coast Guard, broadcast on VHF channels 21B and 83B. Note that Environment Canada's Weatheradio service was permanently discontinued on March 31, 2026. However, Environment Canada continues to post marine weather forecasts online at weather.gc.ca/marine. Marine forecasts via the Canadian Coast Guard on VHF also continue.
3. Stay in contact with other kayakers and boaters while traveling and crossing passages or channels.

For local weather forecasts and alerts, download the free WeatherCAN app by Environment Canada. For wind and marine conditions specific to paddling, use Windfinder (featured above).

*16 on your mobile/cell phone calls the Canadian Coast Guard for marine emergency.