moderate
5–6 hours
Good physical fitness is needed to maintain steady paddling speed and handle ocean conditions.
Paddle along Saturna Island’s dramatic south shore with Kayaking Skills. This 11-nautical-mile trip offers striking cliffs, tafoni rock formations, and vibrant intertidal marine life in a 5-6 hour sea kayak journey.
You need to keep around 2.5 knots (5 km/h) for at least an hour—practice pacing before the trip.
Check tide charts beforehand, as the intertidal marine life is best visible at low tide.
Coastal weather can shift quickly; opt for moisture-wicking and windproof clothing.
Capture marine life and cliff formations, but protect your gear from spray.
Saturna Island has a long history with the Coast Salish peoples, who used its shores for fishing and seasonal gathering.
Kayaking Skills promotes low-impact paddling practices to protect the fragile intertidal ecosystems and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Critical for safety on open water and required on all sea kayaking trips.
Keeps you dry from waves and splashes while paddling along the rocky shore.
Protects your gear, snacks, and electronics from water exposure.
Recommended in cooler seasons to stay warm if you get wet or during colder air temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific