Description
Where the Sea Glows in the Dark
After sunset, when the last colours fade from the sky, the sea takes on its quiet magic. On this 1.5-hour night paddle, you will glide through the dark, where each stroke may awaken a trail of living light. Tiny sparks of bioluminescence shimmer beneath your kayak, stirred to life by your paddle and the movement of the water around you.
Some nights the glow is strong, vivid and electric beneath the surface. Other nights it flickers faintly, fleeting and unpredictable, just as nature intends. Either way, the experience of paddling through a dark and living sea is one that stays with you long after you return to shore.
Fred and Ruth schedule this paddle on the darkest evenings of the month, when there is little to no moonlight to compete with the glow. Small groups only, so every guest has space to drift, watch, and simply be present in the moment.
What’s Included
- Sea kayak, paddle, and all safety gear
- Headlamp and glowsticks
- Experienced nighttime guide
- Floating hot drink break on the water (bring your own, no alcohol)
- No beach break, you stay in your kayak throughout
What to Bring
- Water bottle/hot drink in thermos
- Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants
- Kayaking-suitable shoes
- Windbreaker or paddling jacket
- Warm enough layers for the evening
- Toque
- Extra dry clothes for after
- Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
Good to Know
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Scheduled on the darkest evenings only
- Maximum 4 guests
- Meet at the KayakingSkills dock, off the CRD government dock on Saturna Island
- Prior sea kayaking experience required
- No alcohol permitted
Book 3 Ways:
- Online via FareHarbor (includes small booking fee)
- Text fee-free: 604-725-8897
- Email questions: info@kayakingskills.com
Elizabeth Bachinsky –
Spectacular! We went out with Ruth as the sun was going down. The night was very dark (no moon) and we got an amazing look at bioluminescence: trillions of green sparks! Our paddles glowed green, the wake of our kayaks glowed green. The night was so clear, we could see the milky way, and the sea was so still, stars reflected on its surface. Plus, kayaking is so fun. Hot chocolate at the halfway point was a terrific tip, too. Thank you, Ruth! When you go, bring a thermos full. This was just plain thrilling.
Ruth Daber –
Thank you for sharing your excitement and awe of this paddle. It was great meeting you and spending such a beautiful night on the water with you.
Two friends out on the water –
Ruth was a wonderful guide, full of knowledge and a passion for the area she calls home. This tour is a beautiful way to spend an evening out on the water, exploring the calm waters around the island while drifting amongst the bioluminescence. If you love kayaking and the wonder of nature then this is a must do when visiting Saturna.
Ruth –
Thank you for your review. It was great fun spending time with you two on the water! Ruth
Paddler –
Thoroughly enjoyed this unique evening paddle experience and recommend it to all ages.
Ruth –
It was great sharing this wonderful paddle with you! Thanks for sharing your experience.
David L. Baumfeld –
I recently had the experience of a lifetime not once, but twice. The bioluminescence tour left me enamoured for this area. Tour guide Ruth was a wealth of information. The sparkling organisms not only twinkled when paddling but also just to stop and look down in the darkened waters only to see the little sparkles like stars in the ocean. Thank you so much for the experience.
Fred Shadian –
Thank you David for sharing your experience here. It was wonderful to be on the night paddles with you and be astonished by the beauty of the bioluminescence together. Looking forward to paddling with you again soon.
Wendy Wiens –
This is the experience of a lifetime. Start with a stunning sunset paddle, and as the light fades, prepare to be amazed. Every stroke of the paddle, or even your hand, creates a glittery, glowing display. I was mesmerized.
Ruth Daber –
Thank you Wendy. It was wonderful to share this special experience with you. And great that you came out for a second tour with a very different, wonderful ocean, sky and bioluminescence feel. Thank you for sharing your experience here.