Bowen Island is a tourist destination with no hotels. Popular B&B’s, inns, and houses to rent are often reserved several months in advance. For listings see: Bowen Online

Additional information on overnight paddling tips can be found here. Please read this document.

Water and electronics don’t mix. Consider investing in a camera housing, Pelican case, or dry bag. At the least, cell phones should be carried in a plastic ziplock bag.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your reservation please review the full cancellation policy and contact us to help you make the changes.

During holidays and summer weekends, parking in Snug Cove is scarce. There’s lots to do within walking distance of the ferry dock, including Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, if you choose not to drive.

If they are older than 2 and weigh less than 50 pounds, youngsters can ride in a specially designed seat in the centre hatch of a double kayak with adults paddling. Children aged 6 to 12 can paddle kids’ single kayaks with accompanying family members.

As we say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Flip flops, boots, and jeans are not recommended for kayaking. Select quick drying blends, synthetics and wool depending on weather, and wear water shoes, or flexible soled canvas or nylon shoes. Also a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended – even on cloudy days.

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking staff are trained in Wilderness First Aid. The island has emergency responders, ambulance, and helicopter service. There is a pharmacy and several resident doctors on the island.

Shika and Lime & Moon Pie Company are located in the Bowen Island Marina by the kayak shop; both serve food, desserts and beverages during the kayak season. Cafes, restaurants, and a pub are all a short walk from the Bowen Island Marina.

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking welcomes all cultures and languages. Lessons and tours are conducted in English. Add a pin to the world map inside our office to let us know where you are from.

We accept Canadian currency and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). There is an ATM machine near the General Store on Trunk Road. American dollars may be used at face value, there will be no adjustment for the exchange rate.

Dogs are permitted with their own fitted pet life jackets.

Our number one priority is your safety. Please follow our policies and the advice given by guides and dock staff, this information is designed to protect you and to ensure that you have a positive experience.

There is some storage space in the kayak shop for backpacks and tote bags while you are out on the water.

Bowen Island is a destination because of its many hiking trails and picturesque beaches. Galleries, shops, restaurants, and B&Bs. Check out Artisan Square  and the Bowen Island Arts Council’s news update to learn what’s going on in the arts community.  

There are public washrooms located just to the left as you exit the ferry in Snug Cove. We have private outdoor booths at the shop for changing into dry clothes or putting on a bathing suit.

According to a popular saying in British Columbia,” There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” We expect rain and celebrate sunshine. If the wind is blowing above 6 or 7 knots, we reserve the right to postpone launching boats until the seas are calmer.

Bowen is home to Bald Eagles, Snowy Egrets, Blue Herons and many other species of bird. Please don’t feed the birds or other wildlife (seals, seagulls, otters, etc.). Bears rarely make it to Bowen, but the island is rife with deer, so take care when driving. Orcas, Humpbacks and dolphin are spotted along the coast, so keep your eyes peeled.

Please see Rentals section under “Kayaks” or “Paddle Boards” for a more complete list.
Sunglasses, hats and rain or wind  breakers are recommended.
Jeans, cotton shirts and flip flops are NOT recommended.