Discover the magical glow of bioluminescence on a guided night row with Quinque. Perfect for nature lovers and night owls, this water adventure turns the darkness into a sparkling spectacle.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; paddling is gentle.
Wildlife
History
The bay was designated a protected natural reserve in 1985, helping preserve its unique ecosystem.
Conservation
The tour operators promote eco-friendly practices, including minimal disturbance and respectful wildlife observation.
Traditional Oar & Sail
Discover the magical glow of bioluminescence on a guided night row with Quinque. Perfect for nature lovers and night owls, this water adventure turns the darkness into a sparkling spectacle.
Traditional Oar & Sail is a small, Duncan, British Columbia–based operator offering guided sailing and rowing excursions on the Salish Sea. The company runs hands-on trips aboard two traditional boats, Quinque and Noten‘Lux (Lux), designed for intimate group experiences. Daily daytime excursions depart at 10am and 4pm and are suitable for all ages, with group capacities varying by vessel.
Onboard Quinque, guests can join a guided sailing and rowing excursion that emphasizes participation; that trip accommodates up to three people and focuses on close, personal time on the water. Noten‘Lux hosts a two‑hour sailing and rowing excursion that welcomes groups of up to four and departs daily at 10am and 4pm.
After-dark offerings include guided night rowing aboard Quinque and Lux. These one‑hour night trips invite participants to experience bioluminescence and nighttime wildlife; operator descriptions mention searching for elusive "fairies" and "Yahoo birds" during the outing. Night rowing trips accommodate up to four people.
Traditional Oar & Sail emphasizes safety, small groups, and a guided, educational approach to traditional sail-and-oar boating. All trips are guided, hands-on, and presented as suitable for families and small groups. The operator’s schedule and vessel capacities are provided with each trip description, enabling visitors to choose between daytime sailing and shorter nighttime rowing excursions.
Location
Duncan, BC
Based in Duncan, British Columbia
Daily Departures
10am & 4pm
Daytime sailing departures daily
Capacity
3–4 guests
Small-group, hands-on excursions
Trip Types
Sailing & Night Rowing
Day sailing and bioluminescence night trips
Choose Quinque or Lux — book daytime departures or night excursions for an unforgettable guided outing.
Bring a headlamp or low-light gear
Minimize light pollution to fully enjoy the bioluminescence and see the beautiful glow.
Dress warmly and prepare for water
Evenings can be cooler; wear layered clothing and consider waterproof gear for comfort.
Stay quiet and avoid bright lights
Reduce noise and avoid using bright lights to enhance the bioluminescence experience.
Book in advance for a small group experience
Limited spots make early reservations important for this unique adventure.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Keep comfortable and dry during the evening excursions.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Headlamp or Low-Light Flashlight
Help see without disrupting the bioluminescent light show.
Quick-Drying Clothing
Stay comfortable even if splashed or damp.
Camera with Low-Light Capabilities
Capture the magical glow without disturbing the scene.