Kayaking in Blue Rocks: Seals, Sunshine and Saltwater Bliss
Three years ago, I tried river tubing for the first time – and I couldn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the summer. That one adventure taught me something important: I wanted to try more new things and stop letting the fear of the unknown hold me back.
So, when my summer trip to Nova Scotia came around, one thing was certain – I was finally going to try kayaking. I’d seen people gliding through Norway’s fjords before and thought it looked almost meditative: the rhythmic dip of the paddle, the quiet embrace of nature, and the closeness to the water.
Why Blue Rocks?
Blue Rocks is often called one of the best and most beautiful kayaking spots in the world – and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Protected by countless little islands, the waters are usually calm and crystal-clear. Add in the picturesque fishing shacks, colorful buoys, and the smell of fresh sea air, and you’ve got a paddler’s paradise.
We decided to go for our first-ever kayak experience with a guided tour from a well-reviewed local company: Pleasant Paddling. They ticked all the boxes – years of experience, top-notch equipment, knowledgeable guides, and hundreds of glowing reviews.
💡 Blue Rocks – Quick Guide
📍 Location: Just 10 minutes from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
🏝 Famous For: Calm, protected waters dotted with tiny islands, fishing huts & abundant wildlife
🚣♀️ Best For: Kayaking, photography, and seal spotting
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall, mornings are usually calmer
🎟 Tours: Several local operators, including Pleasant Paddling, offer guided trips from 2 to 4 hours
🧢 What to Bring: Water-resistant shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure!
🐾 Wildlife: Seals, seabirds, and the occasional porpoise
Booking the “Paddle to the Seals” Tour
Feeling bold, we went all in and chose their four-hour tour, charmingly called Paddle to the Seals. Yes, we wanted to see seals! When booking, we could choose between single or double kayaks. We opted for singles to get the full kayaking experience. Double kayaks are more stable and generally faster. However, the person in the front often ends up feeling like a “passenger,” as the one in the back sets the pace and does most of the steering.
We booked online, signed the waiver, and received a confirmation email. It contained tips like wear waterproof shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
🚣♀️ Getting Ready to Kayak
Here’s what to keep in mind before you hit the water in Blue Rocks:
👟 Footwear: Waterproof sandals or water shoes are best – you will get wet
🧢 Headgear: A cap or hat to protect you from the sun (or drizzle)
🧴 Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the reflection off the water can be intense
💧 Hydration: Bring a water bottle – paddling is a workout!
📱 Waterproof bag: Keep your phone and valuables safe (many outfitters provide these)
🧥 Layers: Coastal weather can change quickly; pack a light windbreaker.
The next morning, we set off. A short 15-minute drive brought us from Lunenburg to Blue Rocks and the launch site for our adventure.
Getting Ready to Paddle
Once we’d checked in, we were given waterproof bags for our phones. Our kayaks were already waiting by the water’s edge. Our guide, Lukas, introduced himself with a friendly smile, gave us a quick safety briefing, and explained the basics of paddling technique.
Right away, he pronounced my first name perfectly – something that doesn’t happen too often when I’m abroad. I must have looked a little surprised, because he laughed and explained that he has German family. Mystery solved.
The sea kayaks were impressively stable, equipped with foot pedals for steering and plenty of space for comfort. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of coordinating the pedal steering with the paddle strokes. But once I did, there was no stopping me.
Out on the Water
The next two hours were pure magic. We paddled through the sheltered inlets, past little islands, and out toward the seal colony. The water was calm and clear, shimmering in the sunlight.
It was the perfect day: sunny, warm, and almost windless. Every dip of the paddle felt meditative, the only sounds being the gentle splash of water and the calls of seabirds. Then came the highlight – a curious seal popped up a few meters away. It watched us for a moment, and then, with a loud snort, surfaced right behind my kayak. Moments like these make you feel like part of the ocean’s vast ecosystem.It was truly magical!
Island Break
After a while, we pulled up to a tiny island for a snack break. Lukas unpacked pastries and apples while joking, “You can use the facilitrees,” pointing toward the surrounding woods. We laughed, stretched our legs, and enjoyed the peaceful setting before getting back in our kayaks.
The Way Back
On the return trip, the wind had picked up slightly. We stayed close to the shore and paddled between islands for shelter. As much fun as I was having, my arms were definitely starting to feel those four hours of paddling. Pulling myself out of the kayak at the end required one last burst of effort – but I made it.
Tired, a little sore, but absolutely exhilarated, we headed back to Lunenburg for a well-earned lunch, already making plans to go kayaking again. Blue Rocks had completely won me over.
