Around Saturna in 2 Days

Description

Circumnavigate Saturna Island by Sea Kayak

Some paddling experiences stay with you for the rest of your life. The Around Saturna in 2 Days expedition is one of them.

Over two full days on the water, you will circumnavigate the entirety of Saturna Island, covering approximately 10 nautical miles per day at a steady and manageable pace. Led by Ruth or Fred, this carefully planned expedition takes you through some of the most dramatic and diverse coastal scenery in the Southern Gulf Islands, from sheltered bays and tafoni sandstone formations to the powerful tidal currents of East Point and Boat Passage.

This is not a casual paddle. It is an actual expedition, designed for paddlers with solid sea kayaking experience who are ready to take on a meaningful challenge in a remarkable environment. Every nautical mile is earned, and every one is worth it.

What to Expect

The expedition circumnavigates Saturna Island clockwise, launching from the KayakingSkills dock.

Day one takes you through Boat Passage and out along the north shore toward Tumbo Island, a beautiful and largely undisturbed destination where we stop for a walk and possibly a swim. Viewing beautiful Cabbage Island along the way adds to the scenery, and after your visit to Tumbo Island we continue working our way toward East Point, one of the most powerful and wildlife-rich tidal environments on the BC coast. As the day draws to a close we prepare and plan our navigation past East Point to the south shore the following morning.

Day two begins at East Point. Timing is everything here. The morning is carefully planned to navigate around East Point with its strong currents and stunning cliffs. The area around East Point is a known place for whale visitors, including the endangered Southern Resident killer whales. These encounters are extremely rare, but they do sometimes happen. We will be passing through a 20-metre wide corridor along the shore, open in the summertime only to human powered vessels, to protect these majestic creatures.

We will then turn toward Fiddlers Cove and pass Monarch Head, continuing along Saturna’s dramatic southern shore with a well deserved break at Taylor Bay. Tafoni sandstone formations and wildlife encounters colour the memories of two extraordinary days on the water, and you return home with a genuine sense of achievement and adventure.

This adventure is different every time. Weather, season, and company all shape the experience in their own way. Early in the year there may be blossoms along the shore, later wild blackberries, and in the early fall ripe fruits in the parks that were once homesteads. Cormorants, eagles, oystercatchers, and seals are among the wildlife you may encounter along the route.

At the end of day one participants rideshare to their own accommodation for the night. No overnight provisions are included. Please arrange your own accommodation on Saturna Island in advance. Having access to a vehicle helps with the rideshare but is not essential. We will sort out the logistics with the group closer to the time.

What’s Included

• Sea kayak (single or tandem as appropriate), paddle, and all safety gear
• PFDs and safety equipment
• Guide carries VHF radio throughout both days
• Pre-trip safety briefing covering paddling techniques, rescue procedures, and environmental awareness
• Expert guidance from Paddle Canada certified instructors for both full days
• Strategic rest breaks and wildlife watching stops throughout

What to Bring — Each Day

• Water (minimum 2L per person per day)
• Snacks and meals for each full day on the water
• 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
• Warm layers
• Toque
• Extra dry clothes in a dry bag or sealed plastic bag
• Sunglasses with retainer
• Sun hat or cap with retainer
• Sunscreen
• Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
• Paddling gloves
• Small towel and swim suit (optional)
• Ikea bag or similar to haul your personal items easier

Good to Know

• Duration: 2 full days, approximately 5 to 6 hours on the water each day plus hikes and breaks
• Maximum 4 guests
• Select dates only — check FareHarbor for available dates
• Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills certification or equivalent experience required
• Paddling pace moderate and steady at approximately 2.5 knots
• Participants must be comfortable with 5 to 6 hours on the water each day
• Overnight accommodation not included — arrange your own on Saturna Island
• Bringing your own kayak? Contact us directly for a discounted rate
• In the event of adverse weather or wind conditions, postponement, refund, or route change will be resolved individually
• We do not allow the consumption of alcohol on our tours and courses.
• Meet at the KayakingSkills dock on Saturna Island, off the CRD government dock.
  We will communicate several days prior to the start of the adventure with more information.

Book 3 Ways:

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