Victoria Kayak Tours with Kelp Reef Adventures
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic physical fitness required; suitable for beginners with some upper body strength to paddle comfortably.
Overview
Paddle through Victoria’s Inner Harbour with Kelp Reef Adventures on a guided two-hour kayak tour that brings you face-to-face with harbour seals, river otters, and coastal birds. Learn paddling basics, enjoy all gear provided, and experience this vibrant marine environment from the water.
Two Hour Kayak Tour
2 Hours • Ages 7+
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About This Adventure
Experience the beauty of Victoria's coastline on a guided two-hour kayak tour. Encounter playful harbour seals, river otters, and majestic birds while exploring hidden coves and the Inner Harbour. With all gear provided and a safety briefing included, this adventure offers a unique perspective of nature and wildlife.
This tour will have chance encounters with Harbour seals, river otters, and many types of shore birds.
Duration
2 Hours
About
Paddle with us outside the harbour and along the coastline to see harbour seal rookeries or explore the hidden coves and protected waters of the Inner Harbour. Tour Victoria from a new perspective and have chance encounters with harbour seals, river otters, great blue herons, bald eagles and many species of migrating seabirds.
The two hour guided kayak tour travels less distance than our three hour tour. Depending on the wind, we may venture out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca or explore Victoria’s Inner harbour. We’ll have chance encounters with Harbour seals, river otters, and many types of shore birds.
We provide all the necessary gear, including lifejackets and spray skirts, plus paddling jackets, gloves, and drinking water. Just bring your camera and we will lend you a dry bag.
Our floating location at Fisherman’s Wharf is a short walk from downtown, 1 Dallas Rd. There are float homes to explore, restaurants, ice cream and water taxis.
New to Kayaking?
- We include a safety briefing and lesson with every tour. We’ll show you how to use the kayak safety equipment, how to paddle and steer the kayak and how to get safely across a busy harbour.
What to Wear
- Light layers like a tshirt or long sleeve shirt under our jackets is fine, we generate heat as we paddle. Any footwear is great because on our Jet Dock you won’t get your feet wet!
Adventure Tips
Wear layered clothing
Dress in light layers and bring a waterproof jacket to adjust for temperature changes on the water.
Bring a waterproof camera or case
Wildlife encounters happen frequently, so keeping cameras dry while paddling is a must to capture memories.
Arrive early for check-in
Fisherman’s Wharf can be busy; early arrival ensures time to get fitted with gear and hear the safety briefing without rush.
Stay aware of harbor traffic
The Inner Harbour sees boats and water taxis; following guide instructions is critical for safety near marine traffic.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbour seals
- River otters
History
Victoria’s Inner Harbour was historically a hub for indigenous fishing and later played a central role in the city’s maritime trade.
Conservation
Kelp Reef Adventures promotes low-impact paddling to protect fragile marine habitats and encourages guests to respect wildlife distances.
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Adventure Hotspots in Victoria
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Paddling jacket
Keeps you dry and warm during cool, wet weather paddling.
spring specific
Waterproof camera case
Protects your camera from splashes while capturing wildlife moments.
Sun hat
Provides protection from strong sun during open water paddling.
summer specific
Non-slip water shoes
Offers grip on wet surfaces at launch points and comfort during the tour.