Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures on Grand Manan Island

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I was paddling my kayak in the vast Bay of Fundy staring over the horizon at Grand Manan Island when I decided I wanted to do a sea kayaking trip there. I was paddling the Bold Coast of Maine at the time, riding the speedy current, and dreaming about a sea kayaking adventure on Grand Manan Island. The Bold Coast sea kayak journey definitely demands you pay attention. I like to live in the present. However, there’s always the draw of a new area to explore by kayak. So I dropped the idea into my personal bucket list and refocused on the epic paddle in front of me.

Where is Grand Manan Island?

Grand Manan, New Brunswick is the largest island in the Fundy Islands, sitting prominently between Maine and Nova Scotia in the Bay of Fundy. First Nations tribes, the Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot, first visited. They used the island they called ‘Mananook’ for fishing and as a sacred burial place. Now, the fishing and lobstering industries and tourism predominate. The natural beauty of the island draws outdoor enthusiasts.

I have kayaked a dozen times in the Bay of Fundy. I’ve learned ultimate respect for its relentless tidal currents, freezing cold water, dense fog banks, and changing weather conditions. For these reasons, the area around Grand Manan is littered with shipwrecks. I didn’t want to join them. Therefore, when I planned my sea kayaking adventure to Grand Manan Island, I decided to use the expertise of a local outfitter.

Sea Kayaking Outfitter for Grand Manan Island

Adventure High has been on Grand Manan Island for 33 years. It is the oldest sea kayaking company on the east coast of Canada according to owner Kevin Sampson. The outfitting business offers a variety of kayaking tours all over the island. In addition, kayaking trips in icy Antarctica to the tropical waters of the Bahamas are run by Adventure High.

Day, evening and multi-day sea kayaking trips on Grand Manan are offered. I chose the most popular trip, the half-day tour around North Head. There is also a full-day Island Hopper tour that ventures out among some of the remote offshore islands. The multi-day trips base camp on Ross or Wood Island. From there, they explore the gorgeous bays and coves of the east coast of Grand Manan.

Grand Manan Island Sea Kayaking Trip

The trip started at Stanley Beach at low tide. After carrying the boats down the beach, Brady, the guide, covered how to paddle and adjust the kayaks. Since the trip is geared to all experience levels, Brady quickly got everyone ready to paddle.

The ocean was glassy calm as we headed out. The company uses very stable double kayaks which are surprisingly fast in gliding along. Brady set a slow pace to give folks a chance to adjust to the kayaks and get to know other people in the paddling party.

We stopped by a herring weir to hear information on this important fishery industry on Grand Manan. Native Americans originally designed herring weirs to catch the schools of fast silver fish that swim along the coast. Modern weirs use a similar design with a circular fence made out of long poles stuck into the bottom. Seine nets line the enclosure. Schools of herring swim at night along the coast and run into the leading fence that draws them into the weir. They can’t escape so they swim in circles in the weir until harvested.

Brady noted that the only animal that can get out of the weir is a seal. And sure enough, we saw a seal in the weir lounging after his breakfast.

Swallowtail Lighthouse

The Grand Manan archipelago has many lighthouses onshore and on surrounding ledges to protect the fishing and shipping fleet. The Swallowtail Lighthouse was the first lighthouse on the island dating from 1860. We paddled around North Head to see this iconic lighthouse from the water. We looked for whales at the point. Grand Manan Island waters are frequented by whales including the rare and endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. I had seen a Minke whale from land at the lighthouse the day before so we knew there were whales in the area. However, we didn’t see any on the sea kayak trip.

Wildlife of Grand Manan

We did, however, see lots of other wildlife. Several Bald Eagles perched nearby on the rocky shore. Curious Grey Seals popped their heads up to check us out. Both Grey Seals and Harbour Seals frequent the area. Grey Seals have a horse-head-shaped profile while Harbour Seals look like the classic circus seals. I flippantly call them the ugly seals and the cute seals to distinguish them.

It’s also possible to encounter porpoises in the waters around Grand Manan Island. While we didn’t see them on the trip, Harbour Porpoises are quite common. They love to swim around your kayak as if to say, “play with me”. I’ve also seen Atlantic White-sided Dolphins while sea kayaking in the Bay of Fundy. You never know what you will see while paddling so constantly scan the water while you are out there.

The rockweed at low tide was covered with crabs. We caught a few to have for lunch after the trip. Some of the folks on the trip got their first experience with holding crabs. By the way, steamed and dipped in butter, they were yummy.

Hole in the Wall was the last site we paddled by before taking out at Whale Cove. The huge stone arch appeared as we rounded Fish Head point. While you can hike down to the Hole in the Wall, seeing it from the water gives a marvelous perspective of this sculpted rock feature. The emerald color of the water contrasted with the blue sky through the arch was gorgeous.

Gear for Sea Kayaking on Grand Manan Island

The ocean around Grand Manan is notoriously cold therefore dressing for chilly conditions is important in sea kayaking there. Good layers of synthetics and wind protection are key. This long-sleeved tech shirt is a great base layer. Add an insulating layer and a wind jacket for the perfect layering system.

The sea kayaking company provides a small dry bag for your extras. They use NRS Tuff Sacks which are my personal favorites.

I wrote a whole post on sea kayaking gear. As you get into sea kayaking, having the proper gear will make you more comfortable and safer.

Accommodations for Sea Kayaking on Grand Manan Island

Adventure High rents several cottages to visitors to Grand Manan. Check out their cabins with ocean views. They also have the Compass Rose Heritage Inn. The charming buildings of the Compass Rose have a storied past dating to the early 1900s. These seaside accommodations are convenient to everything on Grand Manan. Wake up at the Compass Ross for an excellent breakfast while watching the life of this quaint fishing village.

Wrap Up of Sea Kayaking on Grand Manan Island

Grand Manan has a laid-back island culture and fabulous scenery and wildlife. To see it from the water is special. Don’t miss a chance to get out in a boat around the island. Besides sea kayaking, there are whale watch and wildlife viewing boat trips available.

If sea kayaking is the way you want to get on the water, then definitely go with Adventure High. Adventure High has chosen excellent routes with potential for wildlife sightings and learning more about the island and its people. I enjoyed the one-way paddle for the chance to see more scenery. Kevin picked us up at the end for the 5-minute trip back to our cars.

Our guide Brady was knowledgeable, personable, and an excellent kayaking teacher. The pace was leisurely. Beginning kayakers enjoyed the trip. For experienced sea kayakers, there is plenty to see but don’t expect to be challenged by long paddling distances.

For independent sea kayakers, it’s easy to transport your boats on your car on the ferry. There are many islands on the east side to safely explore. Launch beaches abound. Be mindful of the world’s highest tides and strong currents in the Bay of Fundy. But definitely, put sea kayaking off Grand Manan on your bucket list.

The sea kayaking trip was sponsored by Adventure High. My opinions are my honest assessment of the experience.