Adventuress Sea Kayaking
Adventuress Sea Kayaking
Adventuress Sea Kayaking
5
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Hello Adventurers! Come join us for some relaxation, fresh air & sunshine and exercise. Shake off the doldrums and immerse yourself in a quiet wilderness paddle. The scenery is spectacular here with mountain vistas, old growth rainforests, and our amazing wildlife. What better way to see all of this than to paddle the shores of beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada in a kayak. We will be opening soon for our multi-day adventures, so give us a shout or email if you want to be on the list. Day tours and sunset paddles start as low as $65/person and include instruction, kayak and gear, dry bags and a certified guide; no experience necessary. Double kayaks are available to paddle with a friend or a younger family member. Jan Kretz, the owner, is a certified kayak guide and Paddle Canada instructor and has a Passion for Paddling. Come join us!
Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Adventuress Sea 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.
Popular mentions
5.0
307 reviews
Excellent
282
Very good
18
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Foodiesatheart
Port Moody, Canada13 contributions
Jun 2020
We met Jan at Wall beach- she was very good at providing details of the boat, and safety instructions.
We paddled out and around Mistaken Island - she is very knowledgeable about the area, even about it's human and animal inhabitants!
It was a great experience with her- we felt totally comfortable and would highly recommend kayaking with her again. Next time we would do the even longer 1/2 day lunch trip!
Thanks Jan for a lovely morning out on the ocean!
We paddled out and around Mistaken Island - she is very knowledgeable about the area, even about it's human and animal inhabitants!
It was a great experience with her- we felt totally comfortable and would highly recommend kayaking with her again. Next time we would do the even longer 1/2 day lunch trip!
Thanks Jan for a lovely morning out on the ocean!
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You are more than welcome. I love getting out on the water, meeting new people, introducing them to our area and having that wilderness experience. I feel blessed to be able to do what I do and share it with others. We hope to paddle with you another time. Thanks for coming out with Adventuress.. it was a treat to meet you.
Jan
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren
1 contribution
May 2020
I really felt Jan was a great instructor and she explained things so well I didn't have many questions. We did a bit of a dry land intro and then got into the kayak and into the water. I felt very comfortable the entire time on land and on the water. Physical distancing was observed and I felt that Jan had everything under control when it came to cleaning the kayaks and gear. She was very kind and professional.
I basically had a private lesson and the day she picked was beautiful. This was such a godsend for the times we are living in right now. I recommend that anyone who is wanting to learn more about kayaking take this course first because it gives you a solid base. I am looking forward to taking more of her courses in the future.
I basically had a private lesson and the day she picked was beautiful. This was such a godsend for the times we are living in right now. I recommend that anyone who is wanting to learn more about kayaking take this course first because it gives you a solid base. I am looking forward to taking more of her courses in the future.
Written May 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Lauren for taking the time to write such a marvellous review!! It was a beautiful day; we are so lucky to live in such a wild and wonderful place. Kayaking and being out on the ocean is a welcoming respite from the challenging times we are experiencing right now. There is such a feeling of calm and expansion and taking a moment for ourselves to breathe in, be in the moment and experience peace. And there is more to come... the ocean and wildlife are waiting for us!
Written June 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randy A
2 contributions
Aug 2020
My Wife and I have been renting a double kayak for a number of years now from different places but have found Adventuress Sea Kayaking not far from our home and thought we would give them a try. I started by emailing Jan and she was so helpful and responded to my emails the same day.The service was great and laid back everything was ready for me when we picked up the kayak,payment was easy though E- transfer. We will most certainly be renting from them again.Randy & Sharon
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Randy & Sharon:
So glad that you had fun on your kayaking adventure. Thank you for taking good care of our kayak and gear while you were away on your multi-day paddling trip. We hope to see you again.
Jan
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Olga G
Parksville, Canada21 contributions
Mar 2021
Jan was able to accommodate our request on this pre-scheduled 2 hour intro to kayaking tour. my husband and I have just bought a second hand double kayak and we wanted to learn on our own equipment. Jan was on location in perfect timing, went over the basics on the shore, explained the difference in types of boats, the safety features of our boat and additional equipment. She made sure that we had all of required gear. It was very informative. We spent about two hours on the water drilling paddle strokes, going on a straight line and turning around. The weather cooperated and we were in perfect conditions to learn for the first time. The wind picked up a bit, but just to make it interesting enough for us. On the way back to shore we were able to ride the waves a bit if we timed our strokes right. It was fun! We used our own gear (wet suits, and footwear). We wore our own wet suits, with a wool layer, and dry tops, and were plenty warm on March 20th, 2021. Can't wait to go on a sunset tour!
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awww thanks for such a great review. It was fun to share Adventuress' Discover Kayaking lesson. So glad the weather and wind cooperated and that you had a good time. You both did really well ... especially in the "divorce" boat... your new double...lol.
See you tonight for the Sunset Paddle. Thanks again.
All the best,
Jan
Written March 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey S
Qualicum Beach, Canada4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
As a brand new member of the Nanaimo Paddlers kayak club, I learned about this 5 week course offered by Jan. Other members raved about it, some having taken it more than once. Well it was exactly as advertised...extremely well organized, jam packed with content and resources, and led by Jan with her extensive sea kayak experience and knowledge and awesome stories! Jan also very capably and seamlessly adapted the course to an online platform when the COVID19 pandemic threatened to derail the course after week 2. This was an awesome tribute to Jan’s ability to adapt on the fly to changing conditions, which is exactly what you want in a paddling instructor and guide!!
I had previously been on one 2 hour paddle with friends with Adventuress Kayaking. It was great and I plan to do more! Highly recommend!
I had previously been on one 2 hour paddle with friends with Adventuress Kayaking. It was great and I plan to do more! Highly recommend!
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much Tracey for such a rave review. I am so glad that you enjoyed the course and that you too were flexible enough to go from a face-to-face course and join us online. You worked hard and should be proud of yourself... lots to know in sea kayaking, my passion, and so much fun to share it with you.
We hope to see you out on some more tours this summer when we can once again get on the water. Til then, keep safe and well.
Written May 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
solosoul2017
Vancouver Island, Canada10 contributions
Jun 2021
Dear Jan,
Thank you for the detailed log. I have been mulling over the experience as a once in a lifetime gentle, supported and exceptional adventure. Over and above your recollections, I would like to add that the care and attention to lots of high quality, delicious meals was a total treat. Thank you for that. Your experience as a leader and a guide really shone through.
I also loved that while were were left to explore to our own capacities, there were watchful eyes to ensure we didn’t get in over our heads.
A totally unexpected treat was to be planted square in front of a packed tent and matt, with no instructions, and while I could have bailed and asked for help, I squatted on the ground in front of this technology and stayed with it until the tent was up and the mattress was full of air. I felt like a 3 year old with the excitement of this primitive achievement.
And finally, the mosquitoes came with a silver lining as I retreated early to my tent and had several hours of quiet sunset, changing shadows from the trees, with 360 view of the pleasure of solitude and fresh air. So lovely.
I carry fond memories of the easy conversations, spectacular scenery, a tiny floating entity on an ocean of islands and nature.
I am grateful for all of this.
Thank you for the detailed log. I have been mulling over the experience as a once in a lifetime gentle, supported and exceptional adventure. Over and above your recollections, I would like to add that the care and attention to lots of high quality, delicious meals was a total treat. Thank you for that. Your experience as a leader and a guide really shone through.
I also loved that while were were left to explore to our own capacities, there were watchful eyes to ensure we didn’t get in over our heads.
A totally unexpected treat was to be planted square in front of a packed tent and matt, with no instructions, and while I could have bailed and asked for help, I squatted on the ground in front of this technology and stayed with it until the tent was up and the mattress was full of air. I felt like a 3 year old with the excitement of this primitive achievement.
And finally, the mosquitoes came with a silver lining as I retreated early to my tent and had several hours of quiet sunset, changing shadows from the trees, with 360 view of the pleasure of solitude and fresh air. So lovely.
I carry fond memories of the easy conversations, spectacular scenery, a tiny floating entity on an ocean of islands and nature.
I am grateful for all of this.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to our Adventure of the Heart trip. So glad you could join us for this inaugural tour to support our Sister Mamas in Africa through OneLove Africa. You were such a delight on the trip and I enjoyed paddling beside you and talking of things beyond the ordinary. You are one special lady and I hope we can share more adventures in the future.
Much Love,
Jan
Written July 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
llemus007
1 contribution
Jun 2020
Equipment is well maintained, in great conditions and clean.
The meeting point is really easy to get to
The guide was amazing bringing to simple instructions, making you feel comfortable, she kept everyone together and safe.
The tour itself was incredible, the ocean was amazing, a little bit bumpy at some point so could make you sick, she helped us get distracted with the sunset!
Would do it again for sure!
The meeting point is really easy to get to
The guide was amazing bringing to simple instructions, making you feel comfortable, she kept everyone together and safe.
The tour itself was incredible, the ocean was amazing, a little bit bumpy at some point so could make you sick, she helped us get distracted with the sunset!
Would do it again for sure!
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice review. Sunset Paddles are one of my favourites.. no matter how many times I do them. It is a perfect way to end your day and be thankful that we live on the Island, in BC and Canada! Thanks for coming out... we hope we can paddle together another day.
Jan
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ren
2 contributions
Jul 2020
I have been so fortunate to have done many multi-day trips with Jan of Adventuress, including the Nutchatlitz inaugural trip this July. I also got a chance to take my Paddle Canada Level 1 with guide, Jeff.
In all cases, I have felt safe and confident with Adventuress' guides, have been provided with excellent gear and kayaks that are well cared for and in very good repair, have enjoyed really terrific camp food on the multi-day trips, and have learned a great deal about the kayaking, our region, the history, lore, and environment that I've been so lucky to visit.
I would highly recommend Adventuress, and I absolutely choose Adventuress first for my kayak adventures. In fact, a group of friends has already booked a 2021 adventure. Will also plan to do Paddle Canada Level 2 with them.
You couldn't support a better kayak outfitter and guide company.
In all cases, I have felt safe and confident with Adventuress' guides, have been provided with excellent gear and kayaks that are well cared for and in very good repair, have enjoyed really terrific camp food on the multi-day trips, and have learned a great deal about the kayaking, our region, the history, lore, and environment that I've been so lucky to visit.
I would highly recommend Adventuress, and I absolutely choose Adventuress first for my kayak adventures. In fact, a group of friends has already booked a 2021 adventure. Will also plan to do Paddle Canada Level 2 with them.
You couldn't support a better kayak outfitter and guide company.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and being such a loyal client of Adventuress. I love to spend time paddling with you and sharing our many adventures. You are so helpful and wanting to join in, I feel that I should pay you! But seriously, it was awesome to watch you come back from your "little bit of water" on the last day all excited and up for the challenge. You are one special lady and I am so glad that we can go and explore new territory next year.
Jan
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Inspire279798
Vernon, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2020
Can't say enough about what a great experience our 3.5 hour Mistaken Island tour was. From corresponding with Jan to our lovely knowledgeable guide Caroline, it was first rate. A great adventure with eagle and seal viewings.....so close, and overall beautiful scenery. We were so engaged in our adventure regrettably we didn't take any pictures.
Safety was also a high priority. As it was a windy day we used the tandem kayaks which enabled us to be more comfortable, (safe), and enjoyable in some choppier waters.....such fun.
On behalf of my friend and paddling partner we highly recommend a kayak tour with Adventuress. We are looking forward to signing up for a multi-day kayak tour next summer.
Safety was also a high priority. As it was a windy day we used the tandem kayaks which enabled us to be more comfortable, (safe), and enjoyable in some choppier waters.....such fun.
On behalf of my friend and paddling partner we highly recommend a kayak tour with Adventuress. We are looking forward to signing up for a multi-day kayak tour next summer.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a glorious review... we certainly appreciate it! This is year 18 for Adventuress and we make it a priority to hire certified, knowledgeable, personable and fun guides. A lot of thought and preparation has gone into these tours, the interpretation and our attention to detail. So glad you had a wonderful time and we hope to paddle with you another time. And yes, do join us for a multi-day adventure next year!
Jan
Written August 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane A
6 contributions
Aug 2020
I recently joined Jan and Jeff of Adventuress Sea Kayaking for the three day "Gulf Island Escape" kayak/camping trip. What a wonderful adventure! Although the first day of paddling was a bit outside of my comfort level - a bit windier than I'm used to and with a kayak loaded down with gear, I felt very safe in knowing that Jan and Jeff would come to my rescue if I ran into trouble. I was thrilled to see the soapstone carvings on the cliffs of Valdes Island that I had heard so much about, as well as the beautiful scenery throughout the trip. There were only six guests on the trip, which made it very safe in light of Covid-19, and we enjoyed much fun and laughter. The food was excellent and there was plenty of it. I highly recommend this company and look forward to doing another trip with them next summer!
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Diane:
So glad that you came on our Gulf Islands Escape trip. I particularly enjoyed my time paddling beside you and getting to know you a bit. That was just one of those perfect trips... awesome people, fun times, campfires, lots of laughs, beautiful scenery and calm conditions. We look forward to sharing another wilderness paddling adventure with you next year!
Yours in paddling,
Jan
Written September 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adventuress Sea Kayaking - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Adventuress Sea Kayaking Information
Excellent Reviews | 282 |
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Very Good Reviews | 18 |
Adventuress Sea Kayaking Photos | 225 |