Explore the Coastline from Granville Island

Vancouver’s coastline is one of the most breathtaking in the world, where city skylines meet ancient rainforest and snow-capped mountains descend straight into the Pacific. The best way to see it all is from the water. Sea Vancouver, departing from Granville Island, offers high-speed Zodiac adventures that reveal the city’s hidden inlets, vibrant marine life, and unique perspective that can only be appreciated at sea level.

From the moment you board, the experience feels different from a standard sightseeing tour. The Zodiac’s open-air design and powerful engines make it possible to cover much of Vancouver’s waterfront in a single trip, while still allowing time to pause for wildlife or photograph the dramatic skyline. Each journey begins from Granville Island’s bustling marina, where market stalls and local artists set the tone for an authentic West Coast day out.

As you glide beneath the Granville Street Bridge, False Creek opens before you with its floating homes and public art displays. A little farther west, English Bay reveals paddleboarders, sailboats, and the golden curve of Sunset Beach. Beyond Stanley Park, the coastline changes character. Towering cliffs and evergreen forests give way to rocky points that shelter seals, cormorants, and the occasional bald eagle.

The waters around Stanley Park are home to harbour seals year-round. They are curious by nature and often pop their heads above the surface to watch passing boats, earning them the nickname “the dogs of the sea.”

Each Sea Vancouver captain is both a skilled mariner and a storyteller. Guests learn about the city’s maritime heritage, from Indigenous trade routes to the development of False Creek’s industrial past. It is a history best understood from the water, where sawmills once stood and where salmon still migrate each year.

No matter the season, the view of the North Shore Mountains from the water is unforgettable. On clear days, Mount Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress appear close enough to touch. In the evenings, the city lights reflect across the harbour like a second skyline. For visitors seeking adventure, Sea Vancouver’s boat tours combine the excitement of speed with the serenity of nature. It is the ultimate way to explore Vancouver’s coastline in style and comfort!