Premier Listings for Sandy Island Marine Park

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is located just off the northwest tip of Denman Island in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia.

At spring low tide the 33-hectare Sandy Island is connected to Longbeak Point on Denman Island by an exposed sand bank.

There are several places around the northern straits where an open canoe is just as handy as a sea kayak to reach one of the many Marine Provincial parks located in the north and south Gulf Islands.

You can paddle from Denman Island to nearby Sandy Island. Paddling distance from Denman’s ferry dock to Sandy Island is about 6 miles (10 km). As you make your way you may well be accompanied by seals, dolphins, or loons. Tall blue herons stand posted like sentries on the rocky outcroppings exposed at low tide.

Kayaks and canoes are particularly suited to exploring the surrounding shoreline and are an excellent way to take in the extraordinary scenery of the islands. This marine park is ideal for day trips and overnight camping.

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park offers rustic campsites set in a wonderful grove of Douglas-fir trees. There is no drinking water and pit toilets are the only facilities within the park. Fires are not permitted in the park.

Of course, you could also undertake to walk to Sandy Island from Longbeak point at low tide, planning your return trip carefully – unless you plan to be left high and dry on idyllic Sandy Island for a high tide or six.

Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park is located off the northwest tip of Denman Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Access to Sandy Island is by private boat only, from boat launch sites at Deep Bay, Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Union Bay on Vancouver Island, or from the boat ramp next to the ferry terminal at Denman Island. Temporary anchorage can be found off the west end of the island or at nearby Henry Bay. The nearest all-weather anchorage is at Comox, four miles away. BC Ferries serves Denman Island from Buckley Bay, between Parksville and Courtenay.

Nearby Regions & Towns

Park Notices

Premier Listings

Photo of Classic Yacht Charters
Classic Yacht Charters
101 – 5170 Dunster Road Nanaimo BC V9T 6M4 Home Phone: 250-668-2220Visit Website

Biographical Info

Craving a change from the ‘everyday’? Dreaming of running away to sea? Welcome aboard our historical ‘Mission Ship’. Design your private voyage into BC’s coastal playground. Indulge your interests: fishing, clamming, rowing, kayaking, whale watching… Cruise in comfort and safety with our Coast Guard licensed Captain and crew. Discover how your chef turns meal times into taste extravaganzas.

Return to top.
Photo of Genoa Bay Marina
Genoa Bay Marina
Unit #1 5100 Genoa Bay Road Genoa Bay Duncan BC V9L 5Y8 Home Phone: 250-746-7621Home Fax: 250-746-7621Work Phone: 1-800-572-6481Visit Website

Biographical Info

Genoa Bay Marina offers lush tree-lined shores, towering vistas, and sheltered moorage. Our prices are affordable, and our services include Transient and Permanent Moorage, a General and Marine Store, Car and Video/DVD rental, Laundry, Showers and Washrooms, Fax service, Postal services, Internet and email access, and the Genoa Bay Cafe. Shipwright and Mechanical services are also available.

Return to top.