Sea Kayak Rentals on Cortes Island

Explore the stunning coastline, sheltered passages, and wilderness waters of Cortes Island and the surrounding Discovery Islands with our self-guided sea kayak rentals. Whether you’re planning a short day paddle or an extended multi-day expedition into Desolation Sound, we can match kayaks to your trip. 

Sea kayak rentals are available only to paddlers with prior sea kayak experience and the ability to perform self-rescue. This ensures you’re prepared for the challenges of coastal paddling and ocean conditions typical of this region. 

Prefer additional support or instruction before heading out on your own? We also offer guided kayak & SUP tours.

Why Rent a Kayak on Cortes Island

Coastal exploration: Paddle varied coastal routes with dramatic scenery and marine life.

Flexible day trips: Launch from several locations on Cortes Island for coastal day trips.

Expedition access: Cortes Island is an exceptional gateway to Desolation Sound and extended overnight trips through the Discovery Islands.

Trip-ready equipment: A range of touring sea kayaks in different sizes and configurations to match your planned route.

Our Sea Kayak Fleet

We maintain a fleet of touring sea kayaks designed for the variable conditions of coastal British Columbia.

Fiberglass Expedition Kayaks
Our fiberglass fleet includes high-performance touring kayaks from respected BC manufacturers Nimbus and Seaward. These boats are designed for efficiency and multi-day expedition travel, offering superior cargo capacity and performance for extended trips into Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands.

Durable Polyethylene Touring Kayaks
Stable, hard-wearing polyethylene sea kayaks are ideal for coastal day trips and shorter outings. These boats are well-suited for shoreline exploration and paddlers carrying lighter loads.

Kayak selection depends on your planned route, trip duration, paddler size, experience level, and availability. 

Rental Details and Pricing

  • Daily Rate:
    $75/day     for single sea kayaks
    $95/day for double (tandem) sea kayaks

  • Delivery to Launch Site: Our location is not on the water, so we provide free delivery to your selected launch site on Cortes Island.

  • Pick-Up & Drop-Off: By appointment only. Requires proper roof racks. A discount is applied when kayaks are picked up and returned directly from our storage location (rate depends on kayak type and rental duration).

  • Rental Days: Calculated per calendar day. Partial-day use is considered a full day.

  • Booking: Advanced booking required.

  • All rentals are self-guided, giving you freedom to plan your own route and timing.

What’s Included

Each sea kayak rental includes:

  • Touring sea kayak ((single or double, see Our Sea Kayak Fleet above for details)

  • Paddle and spare paddle

  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

  • Spray skirt

  • Pump, paddle float and throw bag

  • Pre-departure safety orientation & basic route guidance

Note: Dry bags, marine charts/maps, and camping equipment are not included.

Where You Can Paddle

Sea kayaking from Cortes Island gives you access to a wide variety of coastal waterways — from sheltered bays, a calm lagoon and quiet passages to longer routes around the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. 

Visit our Trip Planning page for detailed information on launch sites, tides, campsites, and local considerations.

Experience and Safety Expectations

  • Experience required: Prior sea kayak experience and the ability to perform a self-rescue are mandatory for all rentals.

  • Must be comfortable in open water and prepared for wind, current, and changing conditions.

  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by a qualified adult paddler.

  • All guests must sign a liability waiver prior to the start of the rental.

  • Pre-departure orientation: Provides a brief introduction to boat handling and basic safety. This orientation is not a substitute for experience, professional instruction, or personal responsibility on the water.

What to Bring

To make the most of your sea kayak rental, we recommend bringing:

  • Quick-dry paddling clothing appropriate to the weather

  • Sturdy water shoes or sandals (not flip flops)

  • Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

  • Water and snacks

  • Waterproof communication device (cell phone or VHF)

  • Marine charts or navigation tools

  • First aid kit

For multi-day trips, additional camping and safety gear is required. See our Trip Planning page for additional information.

Booking Your Kayak Rental

Availability is limited. Advance reservations are required. Contact us to secure your kayak and plan your Cortes Island adventure.

Reserve your Kayak

For full details on age requirements, cancellations, safety policies and other terms, please see our Rentals Policies page.

Guided and Custom Options

Prefer additional support or instruction before heading out on your own? We also offer:

  • Guided kayak and SUP tours

  • Custom experiences with more detailed safety and paddling instruction, route guidance, or tailored trips

These options are ideal for paddlers who want extra confidence, instruction, or a shared adventure.