Description
Your Introduction to Saturna Island’s Remarkable Coastline
Saturna Island sits quietly at the southern edge of the Gulf Islands, one of BC’s least visited and most unspoiled islands. Its coastline is a world of weathered sandstone formations, kelp-lined shores, sheltered bays, and intertidal zones teeming with marine life. The Scenic Saturna by Sea Kayak tour is your invitation to explore it all from the water, at a pace that lets you take it in properly.
This 3-hour guided tour is available almost daily throughout the season, making it the perfect choice for visitors arriving by BC Ferries or floatplane who want to make the most of their time on the island. No prior kayaking experience is needed. Fred and Ruth welcome complete beginners and returning paddlers alike, and routes are chosen on the day to suit sea conditions and the comfort of the group.
A favourite route follows the sheltered shoreline toward Saturna Beach and Thompson Park, where a beach break gives you a chance to stretch, explore the intertidal zone, and simply enjoy being somewhere genuinely beautiful. When conditions call for it, other equally spectacular destinations along the coastline are always available.
Paddling close to shore, you will glide past extraordinary tafoni sandstone formations sculpted by wind, salt, and centuries of tidal action. Kelp beds sway in the current beneath your kayak. The geology alone is worth the trip.
Wildlife Along the Way
Wildlife is one of the great joys of paddling Saturna Island’s sheltered west 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. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows. River otters slip through the kelp. Seabirds perch on tiny ledges in the sandstone cliffs.
What’s Included
- Sea kayak, paddle, and all safety gear
- Experienced guide
- Beach break stop (conditions permitting)
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Snack if needed
- Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants
- Kayaking-suitable shoes, feet and legs will get wet if we take a beach break
- Windbreaker or paddling jacket
- Extra dry clothes for after
- Sunglasses with retainer
- Sun hat or cap with retainer
- Sunscreen
- Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
Good to Know
- Duration: 3 hours (including safety briefing and fitting)
- Maximum 6 guests
- Available almost daily May through September
- No prior kayaking experience required
- Meet at the KayakingSkills dock, off the CRD government dock on Saturna Island
- Route chosen on the day to suit sea conditions and group
Book 3 Ways:
- Online via FareHarbor (includes small booking fee)
- Text fee-free: 604-725-8897
- Email questions: info@kayakingskills.com
Ciara –
Amazing day out with Ruth! A very accommodating and helpful tour guide. You get an amazing view/history of the island. Great for all skill-levels.
Ruth Daber –
Thank you Ciara. It was great meeting you and paddling with you.
Sharon McCann –
The Scenic Saturna tour was very enjoyable. Ruth is a great kayaking instructor – helping to improve my paddle skills while pointing out the natural features of Saturna. A wonderful way to explore the island.
Ruth Daber –
Thanks Sharon. It was wonderful to spend time on the water with you.
Kathy Santini –
I highly recommend Fred and Ruth and their company. They’re friendly, professional and made my kayaking experience a good one. Their equipment is top notch and it’s hard to surpass Saturna’s beauty. And because nothing ever REALLY happened unless it’s on social media, Fred took some great photos of me that I posted. Thanks for a lovely experience.
Fred Shadian –
Thank you Kathy!
We look forward to paddling with you again in the future 🙂
Fran –
Thanks, Ruth! Great tour, great weather, and friendly company!
Fred Shadian –
It was a pleasure paddling with you both.
Alan Barreca –
This was so much fun!
We got to practice falling out of kayak in the cold water.
Fred is an incredible teacher. Super patient and positive. I would go on another trip with Fred again next time I’m in the area.
Alan: from Southern California
Ingmar D Lauringson –
Great day on the water. Nice to have quality boats to paddle and excellent instruction.
Fred was more than happy to teach at each paddlers level and no one went away without learning. Excellent location also.
Ingmar from California
Emmely Reijken –
We visited Ruth and Fred for a 3 day and 2 nights kayaking, camping and hiking trip.
Ruth and Fred are great kayak instructors and we felt super safe kayaking with these two.
We learned a lot about paddle stroke techniques, seaweeds and wildlife around Saturna.
We saw orcas, eagles, otters and seals. They also provided super delicious and fresh food.
We recommend a trip with Ruth and Fred and would love to visit them again.
from…Germany
Chip Bantock –
A wonderful trip along the borders of Saturna Island in double Kayaks with Fred Shadian and Ruth who were excellent company and teachers.
Fred kept me safe and stable while I could use my camera. Thanks Fred.
Laura Bantock –
Choose Ruth and Fred as your guides and instructors, they are brilliant and pay attention to safety.
Douglas Carpenter –
We loved sea kayaking around Saturna Island with Ruth and Fred.
Great instruction and seamanship insights.
Looking forward to our next sea kayaking adventure.
John Vergara –
Mr. Shadian was very welcoming and helpful on my journey in Kayaking.. at first my girlfriend was afraid, but he was good at putting her at ease and we really enjoyed our time in Saturna Island. I’d definitely come back and would recommend anyone else to try for themselves.