Questions? Call 800-677-0877
Tofino Expeditions Logo

Celebrating 35 Years of Award Winning Sea Kayaking Tours

Clear water sea kayaking tour

Discover Your Next Adventure

For over thirty-five years, Tofino Expeditions has operated inspired sea kayaking tours in Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia, Canada. We also offer deluxe sea kayak adventures in diverse and exotic locations, including the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, the Costa Verde of Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and the Fjords and Outer Coast of Norway.

Since 2011, we have offered an extensive range of Italy sea kayaking tours, including the canals of Venice, the Italian Lake District, the Islands and Silver Coast of Tuscany, Sardinia, Genoa, Cinque Terre, and the Italian RivieraSicily, as well as a new Two Seas - Kayaking Italy Coast to Coast trip that includes Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche.

Sicily kayaking tour kayakers
Sicily Kayaking
View
Haida Gwaii Kayaking Tour Morning Approach to Burnaby Narrows Gwaii Haanas Park
Haida Gwaii Kayaking Trips
View
Italy Kayaking Tours - Gandria Lago Lugano and the Swiss Italian Alps
Kayaking the Italian Lake District
View
Italy Kayaking tour on the Adriatic coast of Marche
Two Seas: Kayaking Italy Coast to Coast
View
Sea Kayaking Tuscany Tour Elba Clear water
Tuscany Kayaking Adventure
View
Kayaking Wild Sardinia
Kayaking Wild Sardinia
View
Outside Travel Awards - Winning Trip Cinque Terre Kayaking Tour Italy
Kayaking Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera
View
National Geographic 50 Tours of a Lifetime - Winning Trip Kayaking tour of the Ecuadorian Amazon Yasuni National Park
Amazon Kayaking Trip
View
National Geographic 50 Tours of a Lifetime - Winning Trip Venice Kayaking Trip View of St. Marks Square
Kayaking Venice and the Laguna
View
Sea kayaking tour Croatia paddling to village house.
Croatia Kayaking and the Dalmatian Coast
View
Galapagos kayaking with blue footed boobies.
Galapagos Kayaking Adventure
View
National Geographic Traveler 50 Tours of a Lifetime - Winning Trip Brazil Costa Verde Kayaking Tour in Saco de Mamangua
Brazil Sea Kayaking – The Costa Verde
View
Norway Kayaking Tour
View
Find Your Favorite Destination
Haida Gwaii
View
Italy sea kayaking tour group arrives in Vernnazza, Cinque Terre, Italy
Italy Kayaking Trips
View
Amazon kayaking trip afternoon light
Amazon
View
Norway
View
Galapagos
View
Sea kayaking tour Croatia paddling to village house.
Croatia
View
Brazil
View
Baja Kayaking Trips
View

Testimonial

 Italy kayaking tour paddlers in Sicily

Tofino Expeditions provides the opportunity to kayak in some of the most stunningly beautiful waters around the world. Locations that we wouldn’t or couldn’t access on our own. By virtue of the fact that we are in kayaks we are able to get far from the usual travel crowds and experience each of these special places in a unique and personal way. You are not a passenger on a Tofino Expeditions trip, you are a participant. Just imagine, what more magical way could there be to see Venice, a floating city, than by kayak? What better way to be absorbed by the Amazon than to float silently down its waters in a kayak listening to the sounds of tropical birds and bugs? There is also a nice balance of water and land activities. If there are “must see” attractions and cultural experiences on land you get to enjoy those as well. Needless to say, food and drink are abundant, local and delicious.

The groups are small with just around 10 participants with two guides usually. We have met the most interesting people, shared stories of our lives and adventures and made new friends. The guides are local with vast knowledge of the area that you are seeing and they add another level of depth to the experience. They also demonstrate and provide education on kayaking skills so that even an inexperienced kayaker is able to feel confident and safe on the water!

We are experienced kayakers and know the incredible amount of work that goes into planning and outfitting an expedition so we have great appreciation for the way that Grant has everything set up to create a unique and adventurous yet comfortable and carefree trip. So the Italian Lakes will be our fifth trip with Grant, but not our last!

Peg Gerlock & Phil Johnson, WA

National Geographic Award

Best Outfitters on Earth - National Geographic

Tofino Expeditions was the highest rated sea kayaking adventure travel company in a National Geographic Adventure survey of international outfitters based on:

  • Quality of Service
  • Education
  • Sustainability
  • Spirit of Adventure
Sicily kayaking tour kayakers
Sicily Kayaking

Sicily, the largest Island in the Mediterranean Sea, was at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia and was ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, among others. This mix of influences is visible in its architecture, language, and traditions. Starting in the city of Catania, our Sicily kayaking trip explores the eastern portion of the Island, including Taormina and its ancient Greek theatre and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, the Cyclops Riviera famous for its picturesque fishing villages and Cyclops Islands, Syracuse and Ortigia famous for its rich Greek history and beautiful architecture, and the Baroque gem of Noto, and a volcanologist led tour of Mount Etna. Our paddling routes are diverse and ply the crystal clear blue waters, stopping at secluded coves and ancient villages. Sicily has been called "God's Kitchen," and ashore, we delve into the rich bounty of Sicilian cuisine and wine. Timed for the best weather, kayaking Sicily is a spectacular shoulder season European adventure. Explore our Sicily Kayaking Itinerary.

Grant Thompson, Founder, Tofino Expeditions
Grant Thompson, Founder – Tofino Expeditions

About Tofino Expeditions

Tofino Expeditions was founded in 1988 as a single-fleet sea kayaking tour company in the small fishing town of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. It has grown into one of the top-ranked international sea kayak outfitters and remains a family-owned and operated company. We are committed to wilderness ethics and the quality of our adventures.

Since 2011, we have offered an unrivaled program of sea kayak tours in Italy that combine paddling adventures with rich experiences of Italian culture and cuisine, which include Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, Kayaking Wild Sardinia, Kayaking the Italian Lake District, Kayaking Sicily Kayaking, Kayaking Tuscany,  Kayaking Venice and the Laguna and our newest Italy trip Two Seas - Italy Coast to Coast.  

We also offer a special off-the-beaten-track kayaking tour on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The vast majority of our trips in North America and overseas include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

All of our journeys reflect our values of authenticity and sustainability. They are crafted to feature the very best of each destination while providing a unique perspective on both place and culture.

We are passionate about serving utterly delicious meals prepared with the very best local ingredients, emphasizing locally sourced foods. Our trips include a satisfyingly diverse range of activities and experiences.

We guarantee that you will return from a vacation with us relaxed and rejuvenated.