Since I began looking into kayaking on Victoria Harbour, I was excited to get out onto the water. While there were several options, from kayak rentals to guided tours, I decided on going through with this experience with Kelp Reef Adventures.

From the guide to the sights and knowledge of the area, I can only give a glowing recommendation for those looking for a similar adventure activity in Victoria, British Columbia.

This article will look at my experience, as well as commonly asked questions and tips for having your own memorable experience paddling on Victoria Harbour.

Let’s start with my personal experience, including the itinerary of kayaking through the harbor.

Overall, exploring Victoria harbor by kayak and gaining amazing local knowledge through my guide Austin, was an unforgettable 3-hour tour I can’t recommend highly enough.

 

My experience with kelp Reef Keef Adventures

My partner and I arrived at the floating dock at Fishermans Wharf at 8:45am, 15minutes before our scheduled tour time and met our local guide, Austin.

As with any adventure activity, a detailed safety chat was first. After all, Victoria Harbour is an active port that seaplanes and boats frequently take off and dock. Making sure you’re following the rules to not be caught in their path is important. 

Even if you’re a beginner kayaker, the tutorial before the tour starts is super helpful, even for a semi-experienced paddler.

Just after 9am, we paddled out of the protected at Fishermans Wharf and towards the Salish Sea that borders the USA.

Following the southern shore of the harbor, Austin talked about the rich history of the area around Fishermans Wharf and the colorful floating homes that line the water’s edge.

Soon enough it was time to cross the travel lanes for boats and planes. The harbor can stretch 100’s of meters at its widest, so no photography or water breaks were allowed for this short stretch. 

Once on the other side of the busy stretch safely it was time to explore the surrounding shorelines of the West Bay and Esquimalt.

Past Harrison Island and MacAulay Point Park the channel separating Canada and the United States opened up. This large stretch of water is home to whales, orcas and seals. 

By the time we reached Gillingham Islands, there were several seals resting until high tide returns and herons hunting over the small rocky island. 

The next stop was a very short paddle to a natural formation of kelp that almost covers the surface of the water while protecting the bay from rough swell. We even got lucky enough to see kelp crabs and they are much bigger than I imagined they would be!

As I learned more about the uses for kelp, from fertilizer to natural water bottles and a critical part of the aquatic eco-system, a seal pup played on a drifting log just behind us. Even got curious enough to poke up out of the surrounding kelp only a few meters away.

Giving these animals the space they need to be comfortable in their environment is important but they sure were lots of fun to watch, especially the pup!

Heading back into the harbor a river otter popped its head up for a split second before diving under the surface and disappearing. A short sighting, but memorable nonetheless.

After paddling through West Bay and passed Rainbow Park into Lime Bay where we slipped under the Victoria International Marina docks before crossing the busy traffic lane towards Laurel Point.

 

Kayaking Guided Tour FAQs

There are plenty of questions to be asked when it comes to booking a guided adventure through the busy Victoria Harbor. These are the questions I had when discovering what tour was best for me.

If you have any other questions that aren’t answered here, leave me a comment – I’ll find the best answer for you and update this post.

 

What do I need to bring for my guided kayak tour?

You won’t need to bring much for your tour – light clothes, raincoat, water and your camera is all you should need. Kelp Reef Adventures supplies you with dry bags for electronics and lifejackets.

 

Do I need to be an experienced paddler?

No, even a beginner can enjoy this 3-hour tour. Each lesson does include a brief safety introduction and how to paddle once you’re on the water. The main thing is to be aware of your surroundings and follow instructions from your guide.

 

What should I know about kayaking in Victora Harbour, BC?

It can be quite busy with all the air traffic and boats that use the traffic lanes to travel through the harbor. It can also be a little choppy with rougher weather, but the quality of kayaks used are great and should have nothing to worry about providing you follow your guide’s instructions.

 

What should I wear for my kayak tour?

Light and breathable clothes with a jacket in case you get rained on. A hat and sunglasses will also help keep the sun off you while out there with no shade.

 

Hiring a kayak vs guided tour?

In the end I think this does come down to personal preference. I typically find that when you go by yourself it’s more sightseeing and you miss out on a lot of interesting information than with a local company that cares about providing great tours.

 

How do I book my tour?

Booking online is the best way to reserve your spot on your Kelp Reef Adventure. Just click the “book now” button in the top right hand corner to be taken to their booking page.

 

Was the Kelp Reef Kayak Tour in Vicotria worth it?

Yes, the adventure was well worth it. Beautiful sights, local wildlife in their natural habitat and plenty of local knowledge of Victoria and the surrounding area was an unforgettable memory.

Looking to take a kayak tour through Victoria, BC and have questions? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown