Exploring the stunning sea caves of St. Martins in Saint John, New Brunswick is a must-do activity for adventure seekers. This guided kayaking tour takes visitors through the dramatic geological formations carved by the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. With experienced guides, you’ll paddle past majestic bald eagles and curious seals, enjoying the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day excursion, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
About Your Stay
- A guided kayaking tour exploring the St. Martins Sea Caves in the Bay of Fundy, offering a unique opportunity to experience the world’s highest tides.
- The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long, with options for a full-day tour with lunch or a 3-day expedition.
- Knowledgeable guides provide natural and cultural history interpretation, and the chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and porpoises.
- The tour includes essential equipment, such as kayaking gear, flotation devices, and dry bags, with a minimum age requirement of 10 or 12 years, depending on the tour.
- The tour has earned a 4.8/5 rating based on 18 reviews, with customers praising the friendly and informative instructors, as well as the stunning scenery.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The guided kayaking tour of St. Martins Sea Caves in the Bay of Fundy offers an exciting adventure. The tour is priced at Kč 1,638 per person and features flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later.
Customers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Tour durations range from 2.5 hours to explore the sea caves, 5 hours to discover the Fundy Isles or Fundy Biosphere with lunch, or a 3-day expedition.
The tour highlights include paddling through the world’s highest tides, exploring the stunning Fundy coastline, and spotting wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and porpoises.
Looking for more options in New Brunswick? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Tour Highlights
Paddle the world’s highest tides and explore the Fundy Coastline‘s captivating geology and diverse marine ecosystem on this guided kayaking tour.
Expect to spot iconic Canadian wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and porpoises. Your knowledgeable guides will provide natural and cultural history interpretation, enhancing your understanding of this UNESCO Fundy Biosphere.
Key highlights include:
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Kayaking through the awe-inspiring St. Martins Sea Caves
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Visiting a private beach along the Fundy Coastline
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Learning about the region’s unique geological formations
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Observing the thriving marine life of the Bay of Fundy
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Gaining insights from expert guides on the area’s natural and cultural heritage
Itinerary Details
Participants gather at the Bay of Fundy Adventures shop for a safety briefing and to receive their kayaking gear.
After the preparation, they launch from St. Martins Harbor and paddle towards the stunning sea caves. Along the way, they’ll explore the Fundy coastline and its diverse marine ecosystem.
Launching from St. Martins Harbor, they paddle towards the stunning sea caves and explore the Fundy coastline’s diverse marine ecosystem.
The group stops at a private beach for a break before continuing their journey. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guides provide commentary on the natural and cultural history of the region.
Finally, they return to the harbor, having experienced the world-famous tides of the Bay of Fundy.
Inclusions and Requirements
Kayakers receive essential equipment for their tour, including a kayaking gear set, a flotation device, and dry bags if needed.
The outfitters also provide:
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Lunch for the full-day option
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Accommodation for the 3-day expedition
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A minimum age requirement of 10 years for the half-day tour and 12 years for the full-day tour
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Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
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The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Based on 18 reviews, the guided kayaking tour of the St. Martins Sea Caves earns an impressive 4.8/5 rating.
Customers praise the friendly and informative instructors, the stunning scenery, and the excellent way to explore the area. Reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise in navigating the high currents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
The tour is recommended for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, though not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Exploring the Sea Caves
The towering limestone sea caves of St. Martins offer a truly captivating kayaking experience.
The towering limestone sea caves of St. Martins offer a truly captivating kayaking experience.
As paddlers glide through the darkened chambers, they’ll be in awe of the natural wonders that surround them:
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Intricate rock formations sculpted by the powerful tides
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Vibrant marine life, including seals, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds
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Echoes of crashing waves that reverberate through the cavernous spaces
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Mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the cave walls
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A sense of adventure and exploration in this UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere
This is a chance to take in the dramatic geology and ecology of the Bay of Fundy.
Experiencing the Fundy Tides
As kayakers navigate the St. Martins Sea Caves, they experience the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy firsthand. The region is known for having the world’s highest tides, with a staggering vertical range of up to 12 meters (39 feet). This natural phenomenon creates powerful currents that kayakers must carefully manage.
| Tide Range | Extreme Low Tide | Extreme High Tide |
| — | — | — |
| Maximum | -1 m (-3 ft) | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Typical | 3 m (10 ft) | 8 m (26 ft) |
Guides provide essential safety briefings and navigation assistance, ensuring kayakers can enjoy the thrill of the tides while staying secure. This unique experience offers an unparalleled window into the dynamic forces shaping the Bay of Fundy’s coastline.
Wildlife Sightings Along the Coast
Kayakers on the guided tour often spot a variety of wildlife along the Fundy coastline.
Common sightings include:
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Bald eagles soaring overhead, their distinct white heads and tails easily recognized.
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Seals lounging on the rocky outcrops, curious onlookers that occasionally dive back into the churning waters.
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Schools of porpoises breaking the surface, their sleek bodies cutting through the waves.
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Seabirds like gulls and cormorants, gliding effortlessly on the ocean breezes.
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Occasionally, the lucky few may even catch a glimpse of whales in the distance, their powerful tails slapping the water as they feed.
Questions About Your Stay
Is There an Age Limit for the Kayak Tour?
The minimum age for the kayak tour is 10 years old for the half-day option and 12 years old for the full-day option. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I Bring My Own Kayaking Equipment?
No, participants can’t bring their own kayaking equipment. The tour provides all necessary gear, including kayaks, flotation devices, and dry bags. This ensures equipment safety and consistency for the group.
What if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?
If the weather’s bad, you can reschedule for another day. The tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you’ll get a full refund if you can’t go due to inclement conditions.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it requires navigating in and out of kayaks. The company notes it’s not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Can I Combine the Kayak Tour With Other Activities in the Area?
Yes, the kayak tour can be combined with other activities in the area. The tour offers flexible booking options, including a 5-hour tour with lunch that explores the Fundy Isles or Fundy Biosphere. This allows visitors to combine the kayaking experience with other sightseeing.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Saint John kayaking tour offers a chance to explore the stunning sea caves and coastline of the Bay of Fundy. Paddling through the world’s highest tides, you’ll encounter iconic wildlife and witness the breathtaking geological formations. With knowledgeable guides, flexible durations, and free cancellation, this is a memorable adventure for all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of Saint John’s coastline.
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