Guided Kayak Tours
Evening Tours
Sunset & Bioluminescence Tours
Sunset Tours: 7:30pm May- July at Mansons and the Gorge
Bioluminescence Tours: 8pm July- September at Mansons and the Gorge
Our guided evening tours launch from Mansons Lagoon and the Gorge at 7:30pm (sunset) and 8pm (bioluminescence). Our certified, naturalist guides will lead you on an evening tour of the surrounding bays, lagoon, and islets.
On our sunset tours, we will watch the sun fall behind the mountains, and the sky light up with the yellow, pink and orange hues of summer sunsets. As we float along the coastlines, we will watch and listen for the biodiverse wildlife of the islands. We will see birds, seals, jellyfish, intertidal life and more!
On our bioluminescence tours, after the sun falls, we will begin to see the first lights of the bioluminescent phytoplankton, which make the water beneath us glow. As we paddle into the night, the lights of these tiny organisms get brighter! We will paddle through the stars of the sea with the starry night above.
The itinerary for this kayaking tour is weather dependent. This is a great paddle for all levels of kayaking experience. This tour is family friendly and beginners are welcome! Sunset Tours run from May- Mid July, then during mid July, when the evenings get darker, these tours transition into the bioluminescence tours from 8-11pm for the rest of the summer. Near the end of August Bioluminescence tours start at 7:30pm (check your reservation email!) due to the earlier sunset times.
Day Tours
Mansons Lagoon Pictograph & Desolation Sound Tours
Join us for an afternoon of stunning paddling, wildlife and adventure! These tours launch from Mansons Landing Provincial Park and the Hollyhock beach. On our afternoon kayaking adventures our certified naturalist guides will lead you on an afternoon exploration of the surrounding bays, islands, and calm waters. Weather depending, there may be an opportunity to kayak to a water access lake, and hike in for a freshwater swim! Midway through the paddle we will stop for a snack and swim break at a sheltered beach. As we kayak along the coastline of Cortes, we will observe the incredible biodiversity the intertidal ecosystem has to offer. We may even be able to see some pictographs or petroglyphs, created by the Coast Salish indigenous peoples. It is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon! All levels of kayaking experience welcome.
Kayaking Skills Lessons
Our certified guides offer lessons, private paddling and rescue sessions. We can teach the basic strokes, draw strokes, turning techniques, edging, T-rescues, cowboy rescues, and rolling. We can offer these lessons from your home or any beach launch location on Cortes. We supply wetsuits, booties, and the other equipment needed for lessons! Contact us to book. Lessons $50/ per person per hour.
