Question 1

How do I reserve a sea kayak?

Accepted Answer

Use the reservation system on the Reserve page to check availability and confirm your dates.

Question 2

Do you rent single and double sea kayaks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have 12 single sea kayaks and 6 double sea kayaks suitable for self-guided Broken Group trips.

Question 3

What is included with a kayak reservation?

Accepted Answer

Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD / lifejacket, Spray skirt, Bilge pump, Paddle float, Emergency kit. Final included gear list is confirmed before launch.

Question 4

What rental durations are available?

Accepted Answer

4 hours, 8 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 1 week.

Question 5

Where do I launch from?

Accepted Answer

Woods End Landing on the Bamfield waterfront. Covered staging, dock access, and the Liar's Bench gathering area are on site.

Question 6

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — parking and waterfront staging can be coordinated as part of your launch plan.

Question 7

What time should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Arrival timing is set with your reservation and depends on tides and weather for your launch day.

Question 8

Can you arrange a boat shuttle into the islands?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate with Barkley Sounder for paddler and kayak transport. Final timing is subject to weather, marine conditions, operator availability, route, capacity, and safety judgment.

Question 9

Can boat transport be changed or cancelled because of conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Final timing is subject to weather, marine conditions, operator availability, route, capacity, and safety judgment.

Question 10

Do I need a Parks Canada camping permit?

Accepted Answer

Broken Group Adventures does not issue, sell, or include Parks Canada camping permits. Overnight paddlers are responsible for obtaining their own official Parks Canada Broken Group Islands backcountry camping permits before launch. Kayak rental confirmation does not guarantee campsite availability or park access.

Question 11

Do you sell or issue permits?

Accepted Answer

No. Permits are obtained directly through Parks Canada.

Question 12

Are these self-guided sea kayak rentals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These are self-guided coastal paddling rentals. We provide kayaks and shore-side launch support, not on-water guiding.

Question 13

What experience is expected?

Accepted Answer

Minimum experience policy: The Broken Group is an exposed coastal environment with currents, swell, and cold water. Paddlers are expected to have prior open-water sea kayak experience, practiced self-rescue, navigation skills, and comfort with cold-water immersion. Broken Group Adventures may decline reservations if a group does not appear ready for the conditions.

Question 14

What if the weather turns?

Accepted Answer

Weather policy: Marine weather on the west coast of Vancouver Island can shift quickly. Paddlers are responsible for reviewing marine forecasts, tides, and sea state before launching, and hold the final go/no-go decision for their group. Broken Group Adventures may recommend delaying or rerouting based on conditions, but the final call rests with each group.

Question 15

Cancellation

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policy: Notify Broken Group Adventures by email or phone as soon as your plans change. Refund eligibility depends on how far in advance the cancellation is received relative to the scheduled start time of the reservation. (1) 7 or more days before scheduled start time: may be refunded, less payment processing fees. (2) 72 hours to 7 days before scheduled start time: may be eligible for a date change or partial credit, subject to availability. (3) Less than 72 hours before scheduled start time, late arrivals, and no-shows: not refundable. Separate accommodations, boat transport, provision packs, and other third-party services may have their own cancellation rules.

Question 16

No-show

Accepted Answer

No-show policy: If you do not arrive for your scheduled pickup window and have not contacted us, your reservation is treated as a no-show. No-shows are not refundable, and the reservation may be released to other paddlers. If you are running late or your plans have changed, contact us as soon as possible.

Question 17

Late return

Accepted Answer

Late return policy: Kayaks must be returned by the agreed return time. Late returns may be charged an additional rental period at the posted rate. If you anticipate being late — for any reason, including weather — contact us as soon as it is safe to do so.

Question 18

Damage deposit

Accepted Answer

Damage deposit policy: A $250 damage deposit is required per reservation and is held during the rental period. Normal wear is expected and is not charged. Significant damage, loss of equipment, or unreturned gear may be charged against the deposit, with any remaining balance refunded after inspection.

Question 19

Cleaning

Accepted Answer

Cleaning policy: Kayaks and gear should be returned reasonably rinsed and free of trash, food, and excessive sand. Excessive cleaning required to return equipment to rentable condition may incur a cleaning fee.

Question 20

Minimum age

Accepted Answer

Minimum age policy: The renter on a sea kayak reservation must be at least 19 years old. Minors paddling within a group are welcome but require a parent or guardian to be present, sign the waiver on their behalf where applicable, and accept responsibility for the minor on the water.

Question 21

Group leader

Accepted Answer

Group leader policy: Each kayak reservation has one designated group leader. The group leader is responsible for sharing the waiver link with every required paddler, confirming each waiver is completed before arrival, submitting the launch float plan, and serving as the primary point of contact between the group and Broken Group Adventures.

Question 22

Can I stay at Woods End the night before or after?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add a Woods End stay through our accommodations reservation system before or after your paddle.

Frequently asked questions

Reservations

Launch & Logistics

Boat Transport

Permits

Safety

Policies

Stays

Ready to plan your launch?