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563 Arbutus Drive, Mayne
Island, BC |
Sea Kayak with us and Experience the Magnificent Scenery and Wildlife of the Mayne Island area. We provide top of the line equipment, quality instruction and certified local guides.
Click here for our Sea Kayaking/Accommodation Packages.
Blue Vista Sea Kayaking has something for the beginner to experienced paddler year round!
Our guests tell us over and over again how their Sea Kayaking experience was the highlight of their Gulf Islands visit!
We are just steps away from the islands most popular launch site at beautiful Bennett Bay and the recently announced Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
We offer:
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| Instructional Programs for Adults, Families, Children and Groups |
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At Blue Vista, it's more than just a rental kayak...
We provide you with:
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top of the line fiberglass and rotomolded polyethylene (plastic) kayaks from "Current Designs". |
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paddle and spare, spray skirt, life jacket (PFD), whistle, 15m throw line, pump, paddle float |
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our exclusive kayak route map and waterproof nautical chart |
| waterproof camera case (Also available is a limited selection of dry bags, boots, and gloves) |
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route recommendations and route planning assistance from experienced staff |
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transportation & "on time" pick-up to/from 6 different launch sites (our main launch site is beautiful Bennett Bay ) |
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a safety orientation including local tide, current & weather information |
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assistance with kayak adjustments and launching |
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and for beginners or those needing a little refresher we provide a mini lesson on the beach including entry/exit, launching/landing, paddling techniques, rudder operation, foot peddle adjustment and self rescue procedures. |
Our Fleet:
We renew many of our boats annually to provide you with the most up-to-date models available. Our summer season fleet includes:
| The "Pachena", a stable fiberglass Kayak with an extra large cockpit for ease of entry and exit |
| The new "Whistler", the plastic version of the Pachena with bow and stern storage hatches. Great for the novice to intermediate paddler. |
| The Solstice GT, the standard in high quality fiberglass touring kayaks. |
| The Solstice GTSHV , a sleek and fast version from the famous Solstice line.(fiberglass). For intermediate to experienced paddlers. |
| The "Storm", a versatile and efficient performer. The plastic version of the Solstice |
| The stable and responsive "Crosswind" double (plastic). |
| The "Libra XT" . Includes centre hatch with third centre seat for a small child. (fiberglass) |
| The "Breeze", a smaller, yet stable and responsive plastic kayak that is suitable for all paddlers but popular with children, youth and women. |
| The 17' Old Town Tripper Canoe |
Our kayaks feature foot controlled rudder steering, water tight hatches, and deck rigging.
Rental Rates (Blue Vista Guests receive 10% off public rates):
| Fiberglass | Plastic | ||||
| Rental Period | Single | Double | Single | Double | Canoe |
| 2 hrs (min) | $32 | $53 | $25 | $45 | $25 |
| 4 hrs | $43 | $63 | $35 | $55 | $35 |
| 8 hrs | $53 | $73 | $45 | $65 | $45 |
| 24 hrs | $58 | $83 | $50 | $75 | $50 |
| 2 days | $90 | $125 | $70 | $105 | |
| 3 days | $120 | $170 | $95 | $145 | |
| 4 days | $135 | $215 | $105 | $180 | |
| 5 days | $160 | $260 | $125 | $215 |
Note: PST and GST not included
Get the most out of your sea kayaking experience. Take a guided tour! Guided tours are safe, fun and informative and no previous kayaking experience is required. We take you to some of the most scenic spots and /or best wildlife viewing in the area.
At Blue Vista, it's more than just a guided tour...
Our tours include:
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our "top of the line" equipment |
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friendly, experienced local guides trained and certified by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC |
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small groups - maximum 1 : 5 guide to participant ratio |
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safe routes to the most scenic areas and/or best wildlife viewing |
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interesting local history and nature interpretation provided by our knowledgeable guides |
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inter-tidal, bird and mammal ID charts and "underwater view finder" |
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waterproof camera case (Also available is a limited selection of dry bags, boots, |
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assistance with kayak adjustments and launching |
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a nutritious and delicious lunch on half day tours |
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and instruction too! For beginners or those needing a little refresher we provide a mini lesson on the beach including entry/exit, launching/landing, paddling techniques, rudder operation, foot peddle adjustment |
We schedule tours daily in the summer season and on demand the remainder of the year.
National
Park Discover Tour 2.5 hrs
$45 plus tax ($40 Blue Vista Guests)
Evening
(Sunset) Tour 2 hrs
$40 plus tax ($36 Blue Vista Guests)
Participants often experience calm
seas, abundant wildlife and spectacular sunsets.
National
Park Explorer
4 hrs $75 plus tax ($67.50 Blue Vista
Guests)
For the slightly more adventurous,
this tour explores nearby islets of the Gulf Island National Park and
includes a rest stop and our nutricous and delicous lunch at Winter Cove
on Saturna Island.
Custom Tours Call to arrange your custom guided day tour!
Kayaking is a great way to experience the Gulf Islands. Anyone can learn the basics needed for paddling on protected waters in an hour or two, and, despite what most people think, kayaks are remarkably stable crafts.
The Blue Vista specializes in group instruction/guiding (1 to 5 people) for adults, families, and children who wish to experience sea kayaking in a fun, non-threatening environment and benefit from the experience of a local instructor/guide. We use stable kayaks and hold our programs in protected waters.
Intro to Sea Kayaking 2 hrs $40 plus tax
A fun introduction to Sea Kayaking followed by a short tour.
Rescue Clinic 2 hours $40 plus tax
Learn and practice basic assisted and self-rescue techniques. You will obtain the skill confidence to get back into your kayak if you tip. A must have for kayakers venturing out on their own. Wet suits required
Basic Navigation Clinic 2 hours $40 plus tax
Learn how to select routes and safely navigate using marine weather forecasts, tide and current tables. Classroom session.
Private Instruction $35 per hour
We offer private instruction for adults
Kayaking for Kids 3.75 hours $40
A fun introduction to sea kayaking in three 75 minute sessions. Participants learn introductory kayaking skills through games and activities. In the last session, participants have the option to practice wet exits and rescue techniques. Sessions are held in protected water and safety is emphasized. A new level 2 program is available for previous participants. Programs run weekly in July and August. Call for session dates and time. (Children 8-12); (Youth 13-15)
We can provide your group with accommodation, kayaks and all the gear, instruction, transportation, local route information and an experienced local guide to take you to the best kayaking routes in the area. We can supply it all or just a much as you need. Call us at 1-877-535-2424 to arrange for your group sea kayak experience. Group rates are available!
Accommodation/ Sea Kayaking Packages
"Discover" Sea Kayaking Package
This package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation for 2 in a cozy cottage of your choice
- 2.5 hour National Park "Discover" Kayak Tour for 2
- Additional 2 hrs of kayak rental for 2 including transportation to launch sites.
- Orientation to marine wildlife viewing
- Assistance with route selection and day trip planning so you get to the best kayaking locations.
- Complimentary ferry pick-up and drop-off for walk-on ferry passengers
Package Rates:
Starting from $268.50 for 2 (Based on Spring /Fall Rates)National Park "Explorer Package
This package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation for 2 in a cozy cottage of your choice
- 4 hour National Park "Explorer" Tour for 2 (includes lunch)
- Additional 4 hrs of kayak rental for 2 including transportation to launch sites.
- Orientation to marine wildlife viewing
- Assistance with route selection and day trip planning so you get to the best kayaking locations.
- Complimentary ferry pick-up and drop-off for walk-on ferry passengers
Package Rates: Starting from $3
32.50 for 2 (Based on Spring /Fall Rates)Kayak Rental Package
This package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation for 2 in a cozy cottage of your choice
- up to 8 hours of kayak rental for 2 over 2 days including transportation to launch sites
- Orientation to marine wildlife viewing
- Assistance with route selection and day trip planning so you get to the best kayaking locations.
- Complimentary ferry pick-up and drop-off for walk-on ferry passengers
Package Rates: Starting from $2
47.00 for 2 (Based on Spring /Fall Rates)
Every kayak in our fleet is put up for sale at the end of the season to make room for the latest models. Our kayaks are used only one or 2 seasons so are in great shape. Reserve your kayak in advance!
Route Selection and
Information
The Mayne Island region has some of the best Kayaking in the Southern Gulf Islands. We can help you plan a leisurely paddle in the Bay to an overnight Kayak camping trip. See What to see and where to go.
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Launching and Landing
The Blue Vista Resort is a short distance from 2 launching and landing sites on the usually calm waters of beautiful Bennett Bay. Bennett Bay offers great access to Campbell Bay, the Belle Chain, Saturna island, and Cabbage and Tumbo Islands. At least 5 additional launch/landing sites are available on the Island giving you access to Navy Channel, Straight of Georgia, Active Pass, Galiano, Pender, Prevost and Salt Spring Islands. We can transport up to ten kayaks to the launching/landing site of your choice.
Here is just a sampling of what's available in the Mayne Island region.
| Visit new Southern Gulf Island National Park sites including Bennett Bay/Campbell Point, Belle Chain Islets, Winter Cove, Tumbo and Cabbage Islands. |
| View magnificent rock formations in Campbell Bay and Curlew Island |
| View the Sea Lions of the Belle Chain Oct -May |
| Circumnavigate Samuel Island via Winter Cove and Boat Passage |
| Paddle the sunny shores along Navy Channel or down the exposed coast of the Straight of Georgia with views of Mt Baker and the coast mountains in the distance |
| Watch bald eagles, sea birds, seals, and Sea lions, and Otters in their natural habitat and if you're lucky, you might see a pod of Orca whales. |
Call us at 250-539-2463 or toll free at 1-877-535-2424 for reservations.
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