Somewhere in the first few minutes on the water, something becomes apparent. This feels special.

You are low on the ocean, connected with it. The water stops being something you look at, or travel on via a ferry or large boat. It is right there, inches below you, and you are moving with it. You glide past a rock face. You glance down and see a vibrantly purple sea star clinging to a rock wall a few feet from you. Behind you, without warning, a river otter surfaces, and vanishes the moment you catch a glimpse.

Sea kayaking opens a dimension that most people have never experienced. Not a boat on top of the water. Not a beach, or even swimming. Something in between, quiet, close to the water, and connected in a way that is hard to describe until you feel it.

If you are thinking about your first guided sea kayak tour or considering a Paddle Canada Basic Skills course, this guide is written for you. No experience required. No gear required. Just curiosity and a willingness to show up. Take a small leap of faith that you will enjoy this, and you will.

A Word of Honesty First

Sea kayaking looks easy. And in the right conditions, with the right guidance, it is wonderful. But as accessible as it may be, it can lead people to underestimate it.

Every year, people with no training buy poorly suited kayaks, head out onto water beyond their skill level and equipment, and find themselves in situations they are not able to handle. Inadequate gear, lack of skills, and unexpected conditions are a combination that can have serious consequences.

We are not saying this to frighten you. We are saying it because guided experiences and proper instruction exist for good reason, and starting with experienced people around you is the single smartest decision a new paddler can make. Everything after that gets to be about wonder.

Before You Arrive

Parking
Please park at the diagonal parking across the road from the community hall, about a five-minute walk to our dock (not on the concrete dock, pub, or café parking). We appreciate your cooperation, as this keeps access clear for everyone, including emergency vehicles.

Height and weight
When you book, we ask for your approximate height and weight. This is so we can make sure we have a kayak and PFD (personal floatation device, similar to a life jacket) that fits you properly and suits your needs. It is required information that helps us prepare the right setup for you.

The waiver
FareHarbor links a waiver to complete electronically before your tour or course. If completed ahead of time, we have this part out of the way. If you booked via a different pathway, or did not manage to complete it online, we will take care of it on arrival. It takes a few minutes.

What to leave behind
We have limited space on the dock for non-valuable items while you are on the water (i.e., your street shoes). Leave anything you do not need in your vehicle and bring what is on the “What to bring” list.

Mind your step
As you enter our dock area, please watch your footing and rough wood surfaces of dock floor and shed walls. Please wear shoes.

Let us know in advance
If you have specific concerns, fears, physical considerations, or questions before you arrive, please reach out. The more we know ahead of time, the better we can prepare your experience. There is nothing you could tell us that would surprise us.

What to Bring and Wear

Everything you need for paddling is provided: kayak, paddle, PFD (personal flotation device), etc., and sprayskirt if you choose to use one. What you bring is about your own comfort on the water.

What to wear:

• Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants (no tank tops for hygiene reasons, at minimum wear a t-shirt under our PFDs)
• Kayaking-suitable shoes: feet and legs will get wet if your tour includes a beach stop (most two-hour tours do not, longer tours often do), if your shoes are too bulky, they may not work for paddling
• Windbreaker or paddling jacket (highly recommended for windy, cooler, or rainy days)
• Sun hat or cap with a retainer
• Sunglasses with a retainer
• Sunscreen

What to bring:

• Water bottle (with clip if possible)
• Snack if needed for longer tours
• Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
• Extra dry clothes for after
• Any personal medications, including seasickness medication if relevant

One important note: anything you bring onto the water may get wet. Plan accordingly and leave valuables behind.

Before You Get on the Water

Fitting your kayak and PFD
When you arrive, we fit you into your kayak and your personal flotation device. A PFD must be worn on the water at all times. It is required by Transport Canada to carry and by us to wear. We make sure yours fits correctly before you leave the dock. You will be in a single or tandem kayak, most likely we will have discussed this beforehand.

Safety gear
Before launching, we walk you through the safety equipment required by Transport Canada: your PFD (personal floatation device), whistle, paddle, throw rope (buoyant heaving line), and bilge pump.

The sprayskirt
Paddle Canada Skills course participants wear a sprayskirt which is provided. It fits around your cockpit and keeps water out of your boat. Tour guests are welcome to use one too. Just let us know. We will show you how to fit it and how to release it quickly if needed.

Communication signals
On the water, we communicate clearly and simply. We aim to stay fairly close together on the water so we can see and hear one another. We use additional signals at times, especially if wind and waves make verbal communication harder.

One whistle blast from your guide means pay attention. We may be gathering the group, pointing out something of interest, or flagging a boat or wake approaching.

Three whistle blasts mean a capsize has occurred. If anyone goes in the water, blow three times. Stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. This helps us control the situation. Keep away from any hazard and let us take the lead. That said, capsizes are unlikely.

       
A paddle held upright (vertical) means come to your guide.

A paddle held horizontally means stop and hold your position. If there is wind or current, paddle to stay where you are without drifting.

Most of the time we are close enough for regular conversation. If you find yourself farther away than feels comfortable, work your way back toward the group.

Tell us what this tour is about for you – whether to focus on scenic rock formations, wildlife, technique, or a calm and sheltered route. Within the conditions and the group’s ability, we aim to deliver the experience you are looking for.

Go / No Go
In addition to monitoring forecasted weather patterns ahead of time, before we launch, we review the weather, wind, and sea state. If conditions are unsuitable for the group, we do not go, or when possible we choose a different route that is appropriate. Safety is our priority.

Your First Moments on the Water

We launch from our dock. Before you push off, we demonstrate how to get into the kayak, the basic strokes: forward paddling and turning. You will find that basic paddling is intuitive. Most people are moving confidently within the first few minutes.

We offer tips on efficiency. Small adjustments to posture and stroke make a real difference. Sea kayaking is not about strength. It is about technique, and using your whole body rather than just your arms. Even your legs play a role.

Once you are on the water, your guide will point out an area to wait in while everyone else gets on the water. 

On the Water with Your Guide

We stay together as a group, keeping roughly one to three kayak lengths between boats. This is enough space to paddle comfortably while staying close enough to communicate and look out for each other. 2-4 people in a group is typical.

We make sure everyone gets familiar with their boat and how to move forward, stop, and turn. We move at a comfortable pace. Your guide reads the conditions, the group, and the surroundings continuously. If you need to temporarily increase your pace, your guide will let you know.

Enjoy your time on the water. Pay attention to the wonder around you.

We invite you to communicate with us. If you get tired, want more tips on technique, feel anxious or uncertain at any point, get our attention. Your safety and comfort are our priority from the moment you arrive to the moment you return to the dock.

The guide carries a towline and VHF radio for emergency use.

Returning to the Dock

When we return to our dock, we will direct you one by one to get back onto the dock and let you know where to place your gear. It is a small space, and we want to make sure nobody trips over a paddle or gets in each other’s way.

You may have sea legs at this point and feel a little wobbly on the dock. Take your time and take a seat if needed. There is no rush.

If we were able to take photos of you on the water, we love to share them with you by AirDrop for iPhone users or via a download link.

Before you leave, make sure you have all of your belongings from PFD pockets, hatches, and the dock.

In Case of an Unplanned Capsize

Capsizing on a guided tour is extremely rare. We fit you in a stable, beginner-appropriate boat, we assess conditions before every launch, and we keep the group together throughout.

If you capsize, release the sprayskirt (if wearing one), slide out of the boat, and regulate your breathing, focus on staying calm. Ideally stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. It helps us assist you more quickly.

Blow three whistle blasts if the group or guide is unaware. Your guide will be with you quickly and direct you through the steps to get you back in your boat. We have several techniques for assisted re-entry and we use the one that suits the situation. We carry a VHF radio and we do not venture far from shore, which means help is always close if we need it.

The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. It is cold. This is one of the reasons we take the precaution we take, and why dressing appropriately matters. Getting wet is not a disaster when you are prepared for it.

Wildlife and Wonder

This is where the other dimension opens fully.

When we encounter wildlife around Saturna Island we ask you to slow down, stay calm, and become an observer. Seals, river otters, seabirds, the occasional bald eagle overhead. Most of the wildlife in these waters is shy. Fast movement and loud noises will send them away. Stillness brings them closer.

There is something special about drifting along and a seal pops its head out of the water to check you out, or watching an otter go about its business a few metres from your bow. These moments are not guaranteed, but they can happen.

A note about resting seals and sea lions
If we see seals or sea lions resting on rocks, we let them be. They use rocks to absorb warmth and regulate body temperature throughout the day. We aim to give them enough space to do this undisturbed. They startle easily and sometimes unavoidably; our aim is always to observe from a distance and let them rest.

If an animal does come close while we are on the water, stay calm. Follow your guide’s lead at all times. We do not feed wildlife and we do not encourage animals to approach.

A note about whales
One of the questions we hear most often is: when are the whales coming? Saturna Island is one of the best places in BC to watch whales from shore, particularly at East Point.

On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, there are specific rules we follow. The most important one is to keep our distance and give them space. Whales are typically travelling, resting, or hunting and they are not interested in us. We observe quietly and stay with our group. You can read more about the rules for kayaking near whales on our kayaking near killer whales page.

A note about sharks
We have not spotted any sharks in our paddling area.

Not a Beginner — But It Has Been a While?

With enough notice, we can arrange for you to paddle in a tandem kayak with a guide. This gives you the support and confidence to get back into paddling and enjoy the special moments on the water. Reach out and let us know your situation and we will make it work.

The Paddle Canada Basic Skills Course — A Different Kind of First Day

If you are interested in developing real paddling skills rather than a guided tour, the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course is a full day dedicated to that.

Over eight hours, you build a solid skill set including forward and turning strokes, bracing, and essential safety skills and knowledge. You will practice re-entry after a capsize and learn how to assist another paddler back into their boat. Course participants wear a sprayskirt, which is provided. We include use of a sea kayak and all safety gear with our Basic and Level 1 Courses at no extra cost.

This course does not focus on sightseeing or exploring. It is designed to build confidence and sound decision-making on the water. It is the foundation for everything that comes after. If you have paddled a few times before, Level 1 may be more appropriate for you. Reach out if you are unclear which course is right for you.

The Door That Opens

Most people do not expect how their first guided paddle will feel. The ocean has become a place they know how to enter. A recent guest said it felt like being in a movie.

If you are ready to experience it for yourself, we would love to take you out.

Our guided tours that are suitable for first-time paddlers include the Scenic Saturna by Sea Kayak three-hour tour, the Sunset Golden Hour two-hour evening paddle, and the Sea Star Watch Paddle two-hour tour focused on the remarkable intertidal life of Saturna’s rocky shores. All are suitable for beginners and all include everything you need.

Book a guided tour Learn more about the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course

Your Questions Answered Before You Go

Physical Ability and Fitness

Am I strong enough or fit enough to kayak? You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy sea kayaking. We keep the pace to suit everyone in the group and we teach you techniques that makes kayaking a whole-body movement rather than just an arm workout. If you can sit comfortably and move your torso, you can paddle.

What if I cannot keep up with the group? When you book, let us know if this is a concern. We keep a pace to suit everyone in the group, and, where needed, we can match you with a guide in a tandem kayak for more efficiency and confidence.

I have a bad back, a bad shoulder, or limited mobility. Can I still paddle? Please reach out before booking and tell us about your specific challenges. The details help us find a suitable solution. Kayaking techniques works with the larger muscle groups and the whole body, which means many people with physical limitations paddle comfortably once they find the right movement. We want to make it work for you if we can.

I am concerned about my size. Can I still kayak? We ask all customers to provide their approximate height and weight when booking so we can make sure we have a suitable kayak and PFD ready for you. Once we have your measurements, we can give you a clear answer.

What if I get tired halfway through? We check in regularly throughout every tour and encourage open communication about how everyone is doing. Let us know if you feel tired or pain while paddling. We will adjust the tour accordingly. The guide also carries a towline for emergency use.

Safety and Capsizing

Will I tip over? We fit you in a kayak that is appropriate for a beginner, stable, and not easily tipped. Capsizing on a guided tour is rare.

I am not a strong swimmer. Is that a problem? No. You will be wearing a correctly fitted PFD at all times on the water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to paddle with us safely.

What happens if I capsize and cannot get back in on my own? We will get you back in your boat. We use several assisted re-entry techniques and choose whichever suits the situation. We also carry a VHF radio should we need outside assistance in an emergency situation. Before you launch, we walk you through the basics of re-entry.

Is the water cold? Yes. The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. This is why we have safety checks, why we dress appropriately, and why we do not take unnecessary risks with conditions or routes. Getting wet when you are prepared for it is manageable.

Practical Comfort

What if I need to use the bathroom? Right next to our kayaking dock is a BC Ferries waiting area with two bathrooms, accessible most of the time. We recommend visiting just before launch. Tours with a beach break may include a beach with an outhouse. For other nature breaks in the field, they are just that. We carry toilet tissue and a trowel for the group and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What if I get seasick or motion sick? If you tend to get seasick on boats, it is worth taking medication before your tour as a precaution. In our experience, kayaking affects people differently from larger vessels and many people who feel unwell on ferries or powerboats are perfectly comfortable in a kayak. That said, everyone is different. We carry a first aid kit, but please bring any personal medications with you.

Can I wear glasses? Yes. We recommend using a retainer so they stay secure on the water. Salt water splashes may require a clean after the paddle. For capsize practices during the Basic Skills course, we can hold your glasses while you get wet with intent, or a suitable retainer will do the job.

What if it rains? Heavy rain may be a reason to reschedule. Light rain is not a safety concern and can be a beautifully immersive experience on the water. We are a small business and if we can accommodate a reschedule to make your first time on the water more comfortable, we will always try our best.

Wildlife and Environment

Will we see whales? Saturna Island is known as one of BC’s premier whale-watching destinations, particularly from the shore at East Point. On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, we follow a set of rules: keep our distance, stay quiet, give them space, and raft as a group if safe to do so.

Are there sharks? We have not encountered any sharks you might be thinking of in our paddling area. Strictly speaking, dogfish are a type of shark. They are small and they prey on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. If you fish in the waters surrounding Saturna Island, you may catch dogfish before anything else.

What if a seal or sea lion gets too close? We have not experienced aggressive behaviour from marine mammals in our area. We do not encourage wildlife to interact or approach, and we do not feed animals. If something does come close, stay calm, look to your guide, and consider whether there may be a young animal nearby that it is protecting. Follow your guide’s lead.

Anxiety and Control

What if I panic on the water? Let us know before launching if you have concerns or traumatic experiences with watersports. If you need to speak with us as we go, get our attention. If we see that you are struggling, we will come to you. There is no situation on the water that we have not encountered before, and your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

What if I fall behind or get separated from the group? We aim to keep everyone together throughout. If you fall behind without anyone noticing, use your whistle if verbal communication is ineffective and until you have our attention.

What if the weather changes while we are out? We monitor weather and conditions continuously as we paddle and always have a plan B in mind. If conditions change in a way that affects safety, we will adjust our route or return to the dock. Your safety is always the priority.

Have a question that is not answered here? Visit our FAQ page or get in touch and we are happy to hear from you before you book.