St. Margarets Bay Sailing: 3-Hour Island Anchoring Adventure

Three hours of sailing, swimming and island exploration in Nova Scotia

A 3-hour private sailing charter through St. Margarets Bay in Nova Scotia, departing from Shining Waters Marina, where you can take the helm, trim sails or sit back while the boat navigates the coastline, then anchor near a scenic island for a swim or shore exploration. Groups stay under 12 guests. All safety equipment is provided, and a live English-speaking guide leads the experience.

The experience

You depart from Shining Waters Marina and head into St. Margarets Bay under sail. The choice is yours: take the helm and trim the sails yourself, or settle on deck and let the wind and water do the work while you watch the rugged Nova Scotia coastline pass. The boat handles up to 12 people, so families and small groups travel together without the noise and schedule of a larger tour boat.

Midway through the 3 hours, the boat anchors near one of the bay's islands. From there, you can wade ashore to explore the rocky shoreline, jump into the clear Atlantic for a swim, or stay on deck in the quiet and let the day settle around you. There's no fixed itinerary for this part. It's built around what the group wants to do and the conditions on the water that day.

All necessary safety equipment comes with the charter. A live guide in English is there throughout, and the boat welcomes service animals. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The experience suits all fitness levels, so whether you're looking for hands-on sailing or a gentler float on the water, the pace adjusts to the group.

What’s included

• All necessary safety equipment.
• a live guide in English throughout the 3-hour sail.
• private charter for your group of up to 12 guests.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30 and 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (8 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by J Farwell Sailing Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private charter, so your group sails alone and sets its own pace: ideal if you want to try steering the boat yourself or prefer a quieter, more flexible day on the water than a scheduled group tour offers. The island anchoring stop gives you a real break from sailing, whether you swim or explore, rather than a quick photo stop.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 15 years); Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3).

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 actually sail the boat myself, or do I just watch?

You can take the helm and trim the sails if you want to. That's part of the adventure. If you'd rather sit back and enjoy the ride, that works too. There's no pressure either way.

What happens when you anchor near the island?

The boat stops near a scenic island partway through the 3 hours, giving you time to swim in the Atlantic, wade ashore and explore, or simply relax on deck. The group decides together how to spend that time.

What's included in the price?

All necessary safety equipment is provided. You bring your own food and drinks, or you can purchase items onboard if available.

How many people can go on one charter?

The boat takes up to 12 guests on a private charter, so you're not mixed with strangers: your group sails together.