Jet Ski Tour Vancouver to Bowen Island: Ride the Howe Sound
Pilot your own jet ski across open water to an island stop
A 4-hour jet ski tour from Vancouver's Granville Island takes you across the Howe Sound Fjord to Bowen Island, where you operate your own machine through designated routes. You'll ride past the Tantalus Mountain range and seal colonies, stop at Lighthouse Park to spot dolphins and bald eagles, and finish with a drink of your choice at Snug Cove before returning to False Creek.
Step-by-step itinerary
Jet Ski Tour Exploring Howe Sound
- Meet at Granville Island storefront
- Complete boating license and safety briefing
- Start journey in False Creek waters
- Pass by Downtown Vancouver into English Bay
- Drive by Stanley Park from the water
- Drive by Horseshoe Bay and view ferries
- Stop at lighthouse park for photos and wildlife
- Explore surrounding waters and look for wildlife
- Stop at Bowen Island's Snug Cove for refreshments
- Explore Bowen Island's shops and restaurants
- Explore Islands, Seal Colonies, and Coastal Rain Forests
- Finish journey back in False Creek waters
- Bowen Island 1h
- Stanley Park 10m
- False Creek 15m
- Granville Island 15m
- Downtown Vancouver 5m
What’s included
- Jet ski, lifejacket and safety equipment.
- one-day boater's license and training course.
- local guide.
- your choice of beer, wine, coffee, smoothie or ice cream at Bowen Island.
- optional wetsuit.
Times
Next departure: 1 May 2027
1 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by Vancouver Water Adventures
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You meet at the Granville Island storefront an hour before departure for a safety briefing, equipment fitting and a quick boater's license training course: no prior license needed. The operator supplies the jet ski, lifejacket and all safety gear. Wetsuits are available if you want one. Once you're suited up, you head out into False Creek and into English Bay, passing Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park from the water before entering the Howe Sound.
The route follows the Howe Sound Fjord, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you ride alongside the Tantalus Mountain range and explore the islands and seal colonies. You'll stop at Lighthouse Park, where dolphins and bald eagles often appear, then continue to Bowen Island's Snug Cove. There you tie up and walk ashore to grab a beer, wine, coffee, smoothie or ice cream (your choice is included), and browse the shops and restaurants. The return trip takes you past Horseshoe Bay and the coastal temperate rain forest before you head back through False Creek to the starting point.
The 4-hour window includes the safety briefing and license training, so plan to arrive early. You'll be on the water for the bulk of that time, riding at your own pace through designated areas. The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and wear something other than jeans. The wetsuits help with both warmth and safety. A $12 collision coverage fee and $1,000 damage deductible are collected at check-in and released when you return the machine.
Is this one for you?Anyone 16 and up with a valid ID can operate the machine: no prior boating experience required. The 4-hour window includes an hour for briefing and licensing, so the actual ride time is shorter. Book this if you want to cover the fjord and islands without committing to a full day on the water.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I drive the jet ski if I'm under 18?
Anyone 16 or 17 can drive with a valid driver's license, but must be accompanied by an adult on the same or a separate machine. Anyone 18 and older needs only a valid government-issued photo ID.
What wildlife might I see on the Howe Sound?
Dolphins and bald eagles are often spotted at Lighthouse Park. Seal colonies live in the islands throughout the fjord, and you'll pass through areas where coastal temperate rain forest meets the water.
Do I need my own boater's license?
No. The operator provides a one-day boater's license and runs a training course during your check-in, which happens an hour before the tour departs.
What drink options are included at Bowen Island?
Beer and wine are included if you're 19 or older. If you're under 19, you can choose from fresh juice, a smoothie, ice cream or coffee instead.
What should I wear on the jet ski?
Swimsuits are recommended, and wetsuits are provided. Jeans are not permitted on the machines. Bring layers for the ride, as you'll be on the water for several hours and weather can change.
Jet Ski Tour Vancouver to Bowen Island: Ride the Howe Sound
4h · EN
from CA$ 489 per person
≈ US$ 355 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.