Gourmet Moonlight Kayak Lures Adventurous Paddlers
March 2007
HALFMOON BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: If paddling your kayak by moonlight to a sumptuous dinner on a remote island sounds too idyllic to be true, think again. At Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, on BC’s Sunshine Coast, the two-night Moonlight Paddle on Halfmoon Bay will lure those with an adventurous spirit and a love of romance. From stargazing under clear skies, to a shore-side gourmet dinner, brushing up your paddling has never been so exotic. Rockwater Secret Cove Resort has teamed up with kayak experts, Halfmoon Sea Kayaks, to offer this unforgettable experience.
Upon checking in at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, 40 minutes’ drive along BC’s Sunshine Coast, guests have time to explore their Tenthouse Suite, perched among the Arbutus trees on a rocky peninsula, overlooking the Malaspina Strait. After lunch on the sun deck, paddlers head to the beach to get oriented with their kayak equipment. As the sun goes down, the kayakers set off for a remote island, escorted by a certified guide who explains the secret underwater life of this marine park. Sightings of otters, seals, eagles, and porpoises are not uncommon.
As twilight falls, the kayaks are beached and guests have time to stroll along the beach or consult the star chart to identify for the first constellations of the night. Meanwhile, Rockwater Resort’s Executive Chef, Steven Ewing, is cooking up a storm al fresco, using the freshest seafood and local west coast ingredients. Accompanied by a glass of BC wine, this is wilderness gourmet food at its best.
The paddle back under the moonlight is nothing short of magical, as the kayaks glide silently through the glassy water. To provide additional light, paddlers can don headlamps and attach glow sticks to their kayaks. Back at the Resort, guests enjoy a complimentary nightcap under the stars, or on the deck of their Tenthouse Suite.
Next day, guests are spoiled for choice. Those keen to kayak some more might explore the waters of Secret Cove and Smuggler’s Cove Marine Park or simply savour the ocean view from the sundeck off their Tenthouse Suite. There might even be time before dinner to book a rejuvenating massage at the Spa Without Walls.
The Moonlight Paddle is suitable for paddlers of all levels and runs during the full moon from May to September. The Package features two nights’ accommodation in a Tenthouse Suite, two breakfasts, one lunch, guided kayaking and a three-course candle lit dinner with wine on a remote beach, complimentary night cap, as well as a gift to take home. The package costs $429CDN per person plus taxes, based on double occupancy.
The Moonlight Paddle can be booked during these full moon dates:
- May 1 and 2
- May 31 and June 1
- June 29 and 30
- July 29 and 30
- August 28 and 29
- September 26 and 27
