Half-Day and Full Day Guided Kayak Tours
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Röming Newcastle Island / SaysutshunNewcastle Island is known as Saysutshun by the Snuneymuxw First Nation people and has a long and vibrant history. We paddle around the island and enjoy the dramatic sandstone shoreline with its honeycomb erosion patterns (Tafoni). Wildlife can be seen under water and above the water; sea stars, crabs, seals and Bald Eagles are commonly spotted during our tours. The island is riddled with Arbutus and Garry Oak trees; a unique ecosystem distinct to the east coast of Vancouver Island. A sandstone quarry and remnants of coal mining can be seen from your kayak. Thousands of Sand Dollars crawl on the sandy bottom of the 'gap' between Protection and Newcastle Island and can be easily spotted at low tide. During our paddle we have beautiful views on the Salish Sea, Gabriola Island and the Coastal Mountains in the background. This tour can be booked as a Half Day and Full Day Tour. A Full Day Tour may also include the Departure Bay area and beautiful Jessie Island with its cave-like shoreline and/or a loop around Protection Island. This tour is popular with people of all ages including young families.
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Röming Pirate's CoveLocated between Gabriola en Valdez Island is De Courcy Island; this Gulf Island is well known for its natural beauty. We paddle along sandstone formations carved by wind and water into magical shapes and the honeycomb erosion patterns called Tafoni. We begin our tour in Cedar-by-the-Sea, south of Nanaimo, sneak through the 'hole in the wall' if the tide is right (see top photo) and have a break on the scenic beach of Pirate's Cove Marine Park. This cove on De Courcy Island is also known for the colourful character of Brother XII who created here the Aquarian Foundation in 1927, a self-sufficient cult independent of the outside world. Most of his followers were well-off people, like widows and former business men and they were 'chosen to save mankind; giving the theosophical and metaphysical Brother XII their life savings and complete control of their lives. Plenty of wildlife can be seen both under and above the water; seals and Bald Eagles are regularly spotted including sea-stars and crabs at low tide. Experience this scenic tour and book now!
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Röming Snake IslandSnake Island is an impressive small sandstone island and a rewarding 3 km paddle from Newcastle Island. It is a bird sanctuary for gulls and Cormorants; seals are almost always hang out here and in wintertime you may also see a number of California and/or Steller Sea-lions. The sandstone formations at low tide are something special including the ferries making their way to the two Nanaimo terminals. There is even a remote geocache on this island; for the avid geocacher a must to add to your list. After a rest on the pebble beach we make our way back to civilization. During our paddle we have beautiful views on the Salish Sea, Gabriola Island, Nanaimo and the Coastal Mountains. This tour can be booked as Full Day Tour and may include the Departure Bay area and beautiful Jessie Island with its cave-like shoreline depending on group size and abilities. Bring your camera and book your tour!
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Röming Five Finger IslandFive Finger Island is about a 3 km paddle from Newcastle Island like Snake Island but is completely different; the island is made of igneous rock instead and has a rugged look. We paddle through the Hudson Rock Ecological Reserve for some wildlife viewing; birds and seals can be seen year-round and in winter time you may spot a group of sea-lions barking at you. The tour also includes part of the Departure Bay area and beautiful Jessie Island with its cave-like shoreline. Depending on group size and abilities we may visit the beach of Piper's Lagoon before heading out on the wild Salish Sea.
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Röming Piper's LagoonAlong the beautiful shores of North Nanaimo two parks are worth seeing: Piper's Lagoon and Neck Point. We strongly encourage you to visit these parks on foot but they are also worth seeing from the water! We paddle through the Departure Bay area and watch beautiful Jessie Island with its cave-like shoreline before following the Nanaimo shoreline to Piper's Lagoon. We land on the sandy beach to stretch the legs and we may be able to paddle into the lagoon at high tide. The picturesque shacks on the nearby islands are worth seeing. Wildlife like seals and Bald Eagles are almost always hanging around so bring your camera or go for a swim.
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