While staying on Mayne Island, we tried to kayak every day, mostly launching from a boat launch near Horton Bay.    From that shoreline there are a number of routes.    The conditions (tides, channel currents, winds, etc.) will dictate the best route.    On this particular day the tide was out and the channel flow was strong, but manageable so a route around Curlew Island was chosen.

The channel flows run between the islands but the winds mostly come in from the southwest.

My route was a tour around Horton Bay, a protected anchorage area.

From the southern end of Horton Bay, Robson Channel and Georgeson Channel allows kayakers access to Samuel Island, Lizard Island, Saturna Island, and Navy Channel when the channel flows are not too strong from south to north.

From the east side of Curlew Island, there is some interesting paddling along the shores of Samuel Island and this wind-and-water-carved sandstone block resembles a seal or even a walrus.

On a day with light winds, there were many shorelines to explore, seabirds and seals to watch, and beautiful views.

Horton Bay Anchorage

Georgeson Channel

between Curlew and Mayne

sheep on Samuel Island

the north end of Samuel Island

Georgia Strait had calm winds and flat seas.

The area has very good kayaking opportunities and is highly recommended.