vancouver water tours

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City & Waterfall Tour

June - September

3 Hour Tour

City & Nature Tour

May - September

1.5 Hour Tour

City & Harbour Tour

Vancouver Waterfront Sightseeing Adventures

Explore Vancouver’s spectacular harbour front!

Soak in the unparalleled views of Vancouver’s breathtaking coastline aboard one of our zodiac-style vessels – the fastest and most exciting way to see the City from the sea!

May – September

June – September

The Experience

Your trip starts with a relaxing cruise along Vancouver’s Inner Harbour then soars up to 55 km/h as you cross through the Burrard Inlet. Along the way you’ll enjoy the sights of Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park. Tours are 90 – 180min in length and depart daily from Granville Island.

Our Zodiac boats get you low to the water and close to the action. For more intimate adventures in Vancouver, our Zodiacs can also be booked for private tours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation policy.

Need to cancel or reschedule – no problem! Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your adventure’s departure to reschedule or to cancel (and receive a full refund), no questions asked.

• For independent travel bookings of 9 passengers or less: 48 hours before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be completed within a 48-hour window. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
• For groups of 10-19: 14 days before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 14 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price based on the reserved number of passengers, or the final number in attendance, whichever is greater. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within a 14-day window.
• For Groups 20+: 21 days before scheduled departure; partial or whole cancellations made within 21 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within the 21-day window.
• For wholesale, travel trade, and 3rd party bookings, the cancellation and amendment policy can differ. Please refer to your booking contract for details.

ARE ZODIAC ADVENTURES SAFE?

Yes, all of our captains and boats are certified by Transport Canada. Zodiacs move fast but are very stable, especially in the usually calm waters of Vancouver’s Inner Harbor and Burrard Inlet.

WILL WE SEE WHALES ON SEA VANCOUVER?

No, this is a city sightseeing adventure and it DOES NOT include whale watching. Vancouver, however, is home to a variety of birds and sea mammals and we may occasionally see dolphins, harbor seals, bald eagles, and other sea birds during adventures.

DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION?

Reservations are definitely recommended. Adventures often sell out and we don’t want you to be disappointed.

DO TOURS RUN IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER?

Tours operate rain or shine! Safety is our priority and, in extreme weather conditions or high winds, adventures may be cancelled at the discretion of our qualified crew. We will be in touch should this be the case.

What People are Saying

Territorial Acknowledgement

Sea Vancouver would like to acknowledge that the land and waters we operate on is located on the shared, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The historical relationships with the land and waters continue to this day.

Vancouver Water Adventures

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Vancouver Water Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Nuevos requisitos de visa para ciudadanos mexicano (New visa requirements information for Mexican passport holders)

• Meetings & Conventions
• Travel Trade

Vancouver Water Adventures

• 1812 Boatlift Lane
• Granville Island
• Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y2
• Phone: 604.736.5155

We are Vancouver’s Water Adventure Enthusiasts and invite you to join us on the Pacific Ocean!

Our top quality equipment for Tours and Rentals include: Jetskis, Zodiac Tour Boats, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards, hosting the ultimate way to enjoy a unique day around Vancouver’s pristine shoreline. Join a guided tour such as the Granite Falls Boat Tour venturing up the Indian Arm, past Deep Cove to see Waterfalls and Wildlife, hop on one of our Seadoo GTIs with speeds reaching 100km/h where the exploration is endless for the thrill seeker or our Smooth Classic Kayak Tour paddling up False Creek through the city sights and floating homes! 

We have 2 locations: Our flagship on  Granville Island , and a paddling center on Kitsilano Beach .

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• Year Opened: 2009

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JETSKI TO BOWEN ISLAND TOUR

CHECK AVAILABILITY

OCEAN IS YOURS TOUR

BOWEN ISLAND DINNER TOUR

THE ULTIMATE DAY TOUR

VANCOUVER SEADOO RENTALS

PRIVATE TOUR

SMOOTH CLASSIC KAYAK TOUR

KAYAK & COFFEE TOUR

EVENING CRUISE KAYAK TOUR

HOWE SOUND KAYAK DAY TOUR

KAYAK RENTALS

KAYAK LESSONS

PADDLE CLUB

EQUIPMENT STORAGE

CALL TO BOOK

PADDLEBOARD RENTALS

PADDLEBOARD LESSONS

HOWE SOUND & BOWEN ISLAND BOAT TOUR

GRANITE FALLS TOUR

CITY & SEALS TOUR

BOWEN ISLAND DINNER & SIGHTS TOUR

BOWEN ISLAND DINNER & FIREWORKS TOUR

• Private Tours

Smooth Classic Kayak Tour

Smooth Classic Kayak - Tour Details

Single Kayak $79 plus tax

Double Kayak $109 plus tax 

Departure Times

11:00 am (Wed-Sun)

Meeting/End Location

Granville Island, 1812 Boatlift Lane Open in Google Maps

• Must be at least 10 years old
• Any paddlers under the age of 16 must be in the front of a double kayak with someone who is at least 19 years of age in the back

Highlights :

• Relaxing 2.5-hour kayak tour with unobstructed views of Granville Island, the Olympic Village, Science World, BC Place stadium, plus dozens of Vancouver’s must-see sites.
• Discover interesting stories, local history, and geological facts from your friendly guide
• Spot Vancouver’s wildlife and Vancouver in an entirely new way
• Smooth water and ideal conditions for all levels of paddling experience

What’s Included 

• Professional Guide
• Lifejackets (mandatory)
• Your choice of a sit-on-top kayak or single/double touring kayak

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities for your guide

Important Notes

• Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in and get set up. 

What to Bring 

• Sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen, a towel and water 
• Some of our guests also choose to bring a change of clothes

Cancellation Policy 

• Cancel up to 1 hour before with Trip Protection
• Tours Run Rain or Shine

Tour Minimum

We require a minimum of 2 kayaks booked in order to confirm and send out this tour. Tour minimum may be met by bookings from multiple groups.

• Instant Confirmation
• Email & Mobile Tickets Accepted

Important...

Smooth classic kayak - tour overview.

We call it the ‘Smooth Classic’ for a reason… After a quick orientation at our headquarters on Granville Island, you’ll set off into False Creek, one of the most protected waterways in all of Vancouver! Marvel at the stunning architecture, beautiful marinas, and towering bridges as you glide silently through the water. With a friendly local guide to lead the way, share stories and point out the sites, there’s nothing to do except take a deep breath, relax, and soak it all in. The gentle lapping of water… The playful harbor seals that pop up for a quick hello… The simple serenity of getting away from crowds and cars… Join us for a morning on the water and you’ll quickly see why this has been our best-selling kayak tour for years!

Iconic Sites Without The Crowds

Leave the traffic behind for up close and unobstructed views of Granville Island, the Olympic Village, Science World, BC Place stadium, plus dozens of Vancouver’s must-see sites.

Relaxing & Easy Pace

Much like the easy-going harbor seals, you’ll meet along the way, you’ll be able to slow down, take in the sights, and save the adrenaline rush for another day.

Interesting History & Local Stories 

Your experienced and friendly guide will not only offer paddling tips, but also tell stories, share fun facts, and help you uncover Vancouver’s remarkable history from a brand new perspective

Perfect for All Skill Levels

On only calm and protected waterways, this 2.5-hour Vancouver kayak tour is perfect for friends, families, and couples – even if some of your group is paddling for the first time.

Go Solo or Double Up

Whether you choose a single kayak or want to partner up in a double, our touring kayaks offer superb stability, comfortable back support, and plenty of room to stow and strap your gear.

Why Vancouver Water Adventures

The lowest price. period..

Book directly on Vancouverwateradventures.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours and rentals. Find it cheaper? We’ll refund the difference!

Flexible Cancellations

Cancel up to 1 hour before with Trip Protection for a FULL refund. We know that plans can change, that’s why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the watersports industry.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Fun & Amazing Kayaking Experience! …While the weather wasn’t perfect, the kayaking was. From the moment we stepped in, right until the end – our guides were amazing. As first-time kayakers we were rather apprehensive, but they quelled our fears and within a short time… we were almost like pros! …Highly recommend this tour 🙂

Awesome!! It was our first time in a Kayak and it was excellent thanks to the staff. They were so friendly and helpful-equipment was excellent too.best place in Vancouver if you want to try any water activity.prices are the best👍

My boyfriend and I did the double kayak tour and had an awesome experience. Alex was a great tour guide, was very knowledgeable of the area and shared some of the history of Vancouver with us. I would recommend this tour to beginners as well as those with kayaking experience – it was a great way to learn more about the city!

I went on a guided kayaking tour with this company last week, and it was a great experience. We effortlessly glided through calm morning waters, while our tour guide pointed out various landmarks and told fun tales. I had such a great time that I am going back for stand-up paddle boarding next time! =)

A Brand You Can Trust

Certificate of Excellence – 2013 – 2020

TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 – 2022

Winner Travel and Hospitality award 2021

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Frequently asked questions

What if it is raining.

We run tours rain or shine, unless the conditions are dangerous. Vancouver is known for its sunny skies from June through September.

Will it be wavy or rough on the water?

By sticking to only calm and protected waterways, we very rarely encounter rough water or wavy conditions.

Will I get wet?

It’s common to get a bit wet from small splashes and drips from your kayak paddle. If you’re in a sit-on-top kayak, you may also end up sitting in a small amount of water. 

What should I wear?

You are welcome to wear whatever you feel comfortable in! We recommend dressing in layers, avoiding cotton/denim if possible, and wearing clothing that lets you move freely. Workout clothes are usually a great option!

What is the difference between the kayak options?

Our kayaks come in two basic styles: Sit-on-top kayaks and Sit-inside kayaks. (both are available as singles or doubles) Sit-on-tops are a great choice for new or nervous paddlers as  they're stable, easy to get in and out of and there is no feeling of confinement. 

Do the Sit-On-Top and the Sit-Inside kayaks cost the same?

Yes, depending on availability, you’re welcome to choose the style of kayak you prefer for your tour.

Is there parking available?

Paid parking is available throughout Granville Island near our office. There’s lots of space but on the weekends it can fill up, so plan to arrive a little early. Want to skip the hassle? You can easily catch a 10-15 min Uber or taxi from any hotel downtown!

Here are our suggestions for paid parking on Granville Island: 

Old Bridge Indoor Parkade 

Anderson Street Parking Lot

Granville Island Parking Lot

When do I need to arrive for my Kayak Tour?

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure.

Can I do the Classic Smooth Kayak Tour if I’ve never kayaked before?

Yes! The smooth, protected waterways make this a beginner friendly tour and our skilled paddling guides will go over kayaking techniques before the tour begins.

Are there shower facilities available?

We don’t have showers, though we do have change rooms available for our guests

Are bathrooms available?

There are no bathrooms on the boat! That being said, there is a bathroom available at our office you can use before and after the tour.

Where can I store my things?

We have cubbies in our office as well as small paid lockers for valuables such as wallets, passports and phones.

Do I need to wear a life jacket?

YES! We have comfortable, slim-design inflatable life jackets for all of our guests to wear.

What if I need to change my booking?

If you need to change or modify your booking, simply call us at (604) 736-5155

What is your cancellation policy?

If you acquired the Trip Protection for your booking during checkout, you can cancel up to 1 hour before departure time for a full refund. Otherwise, the following policy applies: i ) 100% refund for bookings cancelled more than 7 days before your booking time. ii) 50% refund for bookings cancelled between 3 and 7 days before your booking time. iii) Bookings cancelled less than 3 days before your booking time have no refund.

What if I need to cancel for a large group?

For groups larger than 6 we require 7 days notice for a full cancellation without Trip Protection

How old do I have to be to sign a waiver?

You must be 19 years of age or older to sign your waiver. Anyone under 19 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver for them.

Should I tip my tour guide?

If you feel your tour captain has provided a great experience, gratuities are encouraged— and welcomed—at the end of your tour. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your ticket price is a good rule of thumb. 

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.

What if I still have questions?

We’re here to help! Simply call us at (604) 736-5155 if you have any additional questions or concerns.

How To Find Us

1812 Boatlift Ln, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y2

Parking Options

Single kayak.

$79 plus tax

Double Kayak

$109 plus tax

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