Written by Gina Woods

Nanaimo attracts sailors from around the world to explore its unique shorelines, beautiful islands, and abundant marine life. It’s the perfect mix of natural landscapes and urban amenities that will make you want to drop anchor and stay awhile. 

Looking for things to do while cruising in the area? Check out our guide on the top things to do while sailing in Nanaimo so that you can enjoy the best of both the land and the sea while visiting. 

Watch for Local Wildlife 

Nanaimo is a place where marine wildlife thrive! From marine mammals seen from the bow of your boat to sea birds flying above the mast, you are almost guaranteed a wildlife sighting while sailing the rich and bio-diverse waters of the Salish Sea.

Look for harbour seals, sea lions, resident orcas and humpback whales year-round, but expect to see more whales in the spring and summer. Transient orcas and migratory humpbacks cruise up and down the coastline in search of feeding grounds during the months of April – October, but peak viewing is in the warmest months of July and August. 

Look to the skies to spot bald eagles, oystercatchers, cormorants, great blue herons and gulls flying overhead. 

Go for a Day Sail 

Make a day of it out at sea! Take advantage of the time you have moving from one beautiful anchorage to another by hoisting the sails and going for a day sail. 

Circumnavigate Snake Island, Five Finger Island and Hudson Rocks for a beautiful day sail and enjoy the wind in your sails with views of Nanaimo’s dramatic coastline. 

Navigate through Dodd Narrows to sail along the coastline of the small community of Cedar and Round Island, across to Link Island and DeCourcey Island with their sandstone coastlines, and the mysterious and hidden Pirate’s Cove. Make sure to time your sail with a slack tide as the currents through the narrows are strong. And watch for sea lions and whales that also use the narrows for passage as well as fishing! 

Join the Local Sailing Community in a Regatta 

If you have a bit of a competitive streak and want to join the vibrant local sail racing community, then time your visit with the annual SIN (Snake Island Nanaimo) Regatta hosted by the Nanaimo Yacht Club. The races are held over two days in June with a dockside BBQ and party held at the Yacht Club for members and racers. It’s a fun event that brings local sailors together. 

You can register to enter on the Nanaimo Yacht Club website. 

Visit Hidden Gems 

Visit some of Nanaimo’s best hidden gems that make the area so unique. 

Try a unique dining experience at The Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. As Canada’s only registered floating pub, this pub was literally made for boaters! Bring your dinghy over, tie up, and head inside or to the patio for dinner with fabulous sunset views over Nanaimo. 

Malaspina Galleries on Gabriola Island is a natural wonder best experienced at low tide, when an eroded limestone cave, resembling a rip curl, emerges from the shoreline. Marvel at the work of wind and waves over thousands of years that shaped this long, natural cave. To get to the galleries from your boat, drop anchor in nearby Taylor Bay and take your dinghy to shore to access the short trail that leads to the cave. 

The Best Swimming Spots 

Twin Beaches: Drop anchor in either Taylor Bay or Pilot Bay on Gabriola Island and paddle ashore to visit the Twin Beaches of Gabriola Sands Provincial Park. Soft white sand beaches and aquamarine shallow waters make these a personal favourite with their “tropical” West Coast vibes! 

Departure Bay Beach: Drop anchor just off Departure Bay Beach and swim or paddle to shore for a local favourite swimming spot. Join the other families and couples enjoying the view of the bay with a picnic or walk up to Drip Coffee Social for coffee and a snack. 

Saysutshun: Tie up to the dock at Saysutshun Island and simply walk the shoreline trail until you find a beach that suits your fancy for a swim! There are many to choose from and each one has a different view and shoreline. Not all the beaches are named, but my personal favourites are the beaches around Roga Beach on the west side of the island. 

Go Fishing or Crabbing 

Nanaimo is known for having an abundance of salmon around the small islands offshore. For the best fishing, sail near Five Finger Island and Hudson Rocks and drop a line in the water. Just ensure you have a proper saltwater fishing licence and know the rules and regulations regarding size and limits. 

For crab, drop a trap in either Departure Bay or near Gallows Point on Protection Island for your best chance to catch a tasty crustacean dinner! 

Explore the Shoreline in Your Kayak or Dinghy

Once you have dropped anchor in the anchorage of your choice, go exploring the shoreline. The best kayaking can be found along the coast of Saysutshun Island. The channel between Nanaimo and Saysutshun Island offers good protection and has a beautiful sandstone shoreline where river otters and raccoons can be seen scampering around looking for a shellfish dinner. 

If you are anchored in Departure Bay, kayak around Jesse Island at the entrance to the bay and the Brandon Islands. Between the two, there are tiny islets where harbour seals haul out to bask in the sun.

With unique shorelines, beautiful islands and abundant marine life, Nanaimo promises to provide you with the perfect sailing excursions and adventures for your sailing getaway.