Gulf Island Kayaking
Gulf Island Kayaking
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About
Founded in 1985, Gulf Island Kayaking is a family owned and operated tour and rental company offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day guided kayak adventures as well as quality kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bikes for hire out of Montague Harbour Marina on Galiano Island. Join our knowledgeable guides for an unforgettable kayaking experience exploring the wave-sculpted sandstone cliffs and diverse intertidal life along Galiano's undeveloped coast. Paddle with eagles, seals, otters and more!
Gulf Island Kayaking
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
97 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
6
Average
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Terrible
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Emily F
1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Friends
My friend and I recently rented a double kayak from Gulf Island Kayaking for an overnight trip on nearby Wallace Island. The kayak was in great condition and perfect for the excursion.
By far the biggest plus was the amazing insider knowledge given to us by Ben. He told us about the best route to get there and special places to spot wildlife (including baby seals!) on the island. Our trip was made significantly better because we followed his advice. We were also able to book a shuttle to get to and from the ferry terminal, which was incredibly helpful. We would recommend Gulf Island Kayaking to anyone visiting Galiano Island and hope to come back soon. Thank you!
By far the biggest plus was the amazing insider knowledge given to us by Ben. He told us about the best route to get there and special places to spot wildlife (including baby seals!) on the island. Our trip was made significantly better because we followed his advice. We were also able to book a shuttle to get to and from the ferry terminal, which was incredibly helpful. We would recommend Gulf Island Kayaking to anyone visiting Galiano Island and hope to come back soon. Thank you!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shayna
Vancouver, Canada11 contributions
Jun. 2022
We had such a lovely time! Christina was our guide and she was amazing; she's super friendly and kind and had lots of good stories and information to share. She was also extremely helpful on the phone before we even arrived, offering ideas for hikes and restaurants etc. as it was our first time on the island. We felt very welcomed!
We kayaked around Parker Island and saw a bald eagle, two deer climbing up the rocky face of the island, spider crabs hugging onto the kelp bed and loads of starfish and baby herring. The trip was a good match for our skill level; we were able to contribute to the planning of it so it wasn't too hard or too easy. Definitely a big highlight of our vacation!
We kayaked around Parker Island and saw a bald eagle, two deer climbing up the rocky face of the island, spider crabs hugging onto the kelp bed and loads of starfish and baby herring. The trip was a good match for our skill level; we were able to contribute to the planning of it so it wasn't too hard or too easy. Definitely a big highlight of our vacation!
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wander753148
Sidney, Canada6 contributions
Jun. 2021
Recently, we had the opportunity to travel within our BC Health Region(think Covid), to Galiano Island. While we were there, we booked an excellent four hour guided kayak tour with Gulf Island Kayaking at Montague Harbour. We had an amazing paddle with our very skilled and knowledgeable guide, Anastasia.
Being on the water, you are able to access areas that you would not be able to explore on foot, and this helps you fully appreciate the impressive geological features of Galiano Island. We gained a whole new perspective on the sandstone cliffs along the shoreline as Anastasia pointed out all the plant life that clings to these massive cliffs.
Anastasia was always quick to bring our attention to any wildlife or birds she spotted during our paddle. We were impressed to see our first mink in the wild, running over the rocks. During the tour, you also have the opportunity to paddle across to smaller islands and to see the beautiful midden beaches.
At all times, we were comfortable in our double kayak, and felt entirely safe as we paddled across areas of open water.
We would highly recommend booking a kayak tour with Gulf Island Kayaking, and we want to especially thank Anastasia for such a memorable, educational, and exhilarating adventure.
Being on the water, you are able to access areas that you would not be able to explore on foot, and this helps you fully appreciate the impressive geological features of Galiano Island. We gained a whole new perspective on the sandstone cliffs along the shoreline as Anastasia pointed out all the plant life that clings to these massive cliffs.
Anastasia was always quick to bring our attention to any wildlife or birds she spotted during our paddle. We were impressed to see our first mink in the wild, running over the rocks. During the tour, you also have the opportunity to paddle across to smaller islands and to see the beautiful midden beaches.
At all times, we were comfortable in our double kayak, and felt entirely safe as we paddled across areas of open water.
We would highly recommend booking a kayak tour with Gulf Island Kayaking, and we want to especially thank Anastasia for such a memorable, educational, and exhilarating adventure.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JaneP1751
Vancouver, Canada19 contributions
Jul. 2020
On a recent camping trip to Montague Harbour we decided to rent kayaks for 2-3 hours. We are experienced kayakers so didn't need a guide to go with us. Kayaks were in good shape but we asked to switch the half skirts they gave us for full spray skirts. Would recommend the full spray skirts. The company is easy to work with and the employees were super helpful. We have rented kayaks with this company before and they were excellent then as well.
One small suggestion - put out signage along the road going into the campsite at Montague Harbour so visitors know you are open to the public.
One small suggestion - put out signage along the road going into the campsite at Montague Harbour so visitors know you are open to the public.
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen L
3 contributions
Jul. 2020 • Couples
This was our first time kayaking in a long time.We rented a double kayak. Ben was our instructor and he gave us a full lesson on the deck.He was so patient with my hundreds of questions and I felt confident for our 3 hour tour. The scenery was beautiful and we saw eagles,seals and a sea otter.I would definitely come back again.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ollie L
Parnell, New Zealand28 contributions
Oct. 2019 • Couples
A group of us did a 3 day/2 night trip with Chessy around some of the Gulf Islands. I cannot recommend this enough to anyone considering it. He did the best job of being our tour guide and nothing was too much of a hassle !! We visited a number of the smaller islands, places you wouldn’t normally see if you weren’t on a kayak. 10/10 from us Chessy !!
Written October 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne W
Cricklade, UK31 contributions
Sep. 2019 • Couples
A self guided day tour, very good quality kit, first rate safety briefing and advice from Chessi. Terrific day out thank you
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deidre O
Clifton, CO2 contributions
Sep. 2019
Chessi was knowledgeable about the area, having been brought up in the islands. He shared lots of great info about the wildlife, geology and history of the area, and was very helpful with the kayaks and getting organized. Great tour and a very good value.
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magpie
1 contribution
Aug. 2019 • Friends
Very helpful, thoughtful and knowledgeable staff. I live on Galiano and I love going on tours with Gulf Island Kayaking.
Written September 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe M
1 contribution
Aug. 2019
We're a family of five (two adults, kids 11, 13, 15). We booked a 4 hour guided tour with two double kayaks and a single. The team at Gulf Island Kayaks gave us helpful and professional advice about booking (4 hours sometimes too much for younger paddlers to go solo), as we were all novices. Katrina gave us a a good briefing and an excellent tour: she was helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable. The area is perfect for the novice kayaker, with plenty of interesting geological features, as well as seals. We had such a great time that we decided to go back for a further kayak on our own two days later. We booked boats for 09:30 for four hours, and it was fairly windy - enough to send us back to the marina after an hour. Skylar was so helpful: she took my details and agreed to call us later when the wind dropped, or to give us a partial refund if it didn't. The wind did drop, so we went out for a further three hours from 16:30 to 19:30 - so flexible, and they trusted us to return the boats while the office was closed. What a great operation. Couldn't recommend more highly.
Written August 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
traveller 0648
13 contributions
How can I book an evening kayak bioluminescence tour?
Gulf_Island_Kayaking
Galiano Island, Canada
Thanks for your interest in our 2.5hr Bioluminescence Night Tour! To make a reservation, please call our office at 250-539-2442. During the summer, we are open daily from 9am to 5pm, and 9-6 on weekends. We look forward to hearing from you!
Carol E
Little Rock, AR8 contributions
Hi, Carol. What would you like to know about this attraction? Is this a tour? How much would it be for two adults?
Gulf_Island_Kayaking
Galiano Island, Canada
Hi Carol,
We offer guided kayak tours and self-guided kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals. Our guided day tours vary in price from $60/person for a 3hr Early Bird morning paddle to $95/person for a 6hr Experience Galiano full day paddle. You can find all our tour and rental rates on our website.
Please get in touch by phone or email if you have further questions, or would like to reserve.
We hope to hear from you soon!
All the best,
Chessi