Do I need previous sailing or SUP experience?

No. The weekend is beginner-friendly with hands-on instruction; guides teach basic sailing, navigation, and SUP technique.

Where do we meet and how do we get to Pender Island?

Meet at Swartz Bay. Part of the group sails aboard Silver Sea Star while the other ferries or transfers to Pender to join SUP outings; groups swap activities on Day Two.

What age is allowed on the trip?

Participants must be at least 16 years old to join this trip.

What’s included in the price?

The listed price covers instruction, sailing time aboard Silver Sea Star, SUP gear, and one waterfront overnight at OrcaView Lodge; check booking details for food and transport specifics.

Is this trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

This trip requires boarding small boats and stepping on and off paddleboards; it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility limitations—contact the operator to discuss accommodations.

What wildlife might we see?

Regular sightings include harbour seals, great blue herons, and bald eagles; porpoises and transient whales are occasional visitors.

Sail and Stand-Up Paddle the Southern Gulf Islands: 2-Day Pender Island Adventure

On a brisk morning at Swartz Bay, the Southern Gulf Islands feel like a different coast: low sandstone cliffs drop into clear, cold water that glitters under the wind. The SUP n Sail weekend starts here, where Faro Sailing and South Island SUP run a 2-day, 1-night loop between Victoria and Pender Island that blends hands-on sailing aboard Silver Sea Star — a 37‑foot sloop — with guided stand-up paddleboarding along sandstone shorelines and hidden beaches.

Meet at Swartz Bay, split into two small groups (maximum ten people), and spend Day One switching between sail-handling lessons onboard and paddling coastal coves. Expect practical navigation instruction — reading currents, setting sail, docking — paired with SUP basics: stroke technique, balance, and beach landings. Arrive on Pender Island and settle into OrcaView Lodge, a waterfront property where rooms are separate and the tide plays the front lawn. If conditions cooperate you might witness faint bioluminescence after dark; otherwise the evening offers quiet shoreline walks and seafood-scented air.

Day Two reverses roles so every participant gets full exposure to both disciplines. The itinerary is built around learning and low-impact exploration: approach rocky points to peek into tide pools, paddle past eelgrass beds that shelter juvenile fish, and sail between islands where marine mammals and seabirds are common. Harbour seals, great blue herons, and bald eagles are regularly seen; porpoises and transient whales are occasional visitors.

What makes this trip special is the combination of small-group instruction and the Gulf Islands’ geology: the islands' sandstone and glacially scoured bedrock create sheltered coves, long point beaches, and clear channels ideal for both sailing and SUP. The experience feels deliberately local — run by Faro Sailing and South Island SUP — and it pairs practical sea skills with comfortable lodging at OrcaView Lodge. It’s beginner-friendly but active: participants should be comfortable stepping on and off boats and moving on uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces.

The Southern Gulf Islands sit within the cultural and ecological context of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, established in 2003 to protect these coastal ecosystems. Bookings depart from Swartz Bay, run roughly 38 hours, and are priced from $950 per person plus GST and fees. For travelers based in Victoria this is an accessible weekend to learn two watercraft skills, chase hidden beaches, and leave the mainland behind without going far. Trip price includes instruction, sailing time aboard Silver Sea Star, SUP gear, and the waterfront overnight at OrcaView Lodge; food and additional transport may be specified at booking. Participants aged 16 and up are welcome. Reserve early for summer weekends—the combination of sheltered channels, warm afternoons, and low-traffic coves make this a popular local escape. Bring curiosity, sea-legs, and good cheer.

About South Island SUP

South Island SUP is a Victoria, British Columbia paddleboarding company that offers guided tours, lessons, rentals, and certified courses. The business focuses on safe, accessible paddling experiences for participants of all skill levels. Operating in Greater Victoria and nearby lakes and coastal areas, South Island SUP leads outings such as Thetis Lake SUP, bioluminescence paddles, sunrise tours, and Willows Beach rentals.

Instructors include Paddle Canada–certified coaches who teach both introductory skills and advanced touring techniques. Instruction emphasizes safety, self-rescue, navigation, and efficient stroke mechanics. Paddle Canada SUP Touring courses and Level 1/Level 2 skills programs are available to build confidence for ocean and coastal paddling.

South Island SUP supplies high-quality boards, carbon paddles, personal flotation devices, and basic gear for guided tours and rentals. Private and custom events are offered, including team-building sessions for groups up to 50, youth programs, family outings, and special occasion paddles. The business provides delivery to Willows Beach and other launch points for added convenience.

Tours highlight local wildlife, swimming spots, and scenic views. Seasonal experiences include evening bioluminescence tours during warm months and early-morning sunrise paddles with optional gourmet breakfast add-ons. Safety briefings, on-water supervision, and small instructor-to-participant ratios are standard practice to ensure an enjoyable experience.

South Island SUP is positioned as a reliable choice for visitors and locals seeking guided paddleboarding, skill development, and group outings in the Victoria region. Bookings can be made online or by phone, and all participants receive a pre-trip safety briefing, gear orientation, and experienced local guidance.