The pervasive presence of the sea makes the Îles de la Madeleine a perfect paradise for devotees of all kinds of water sports. The many lagoons and protected bodies of water make ideal, safe playgrounds for water sports competitions and the enjoyment of activities like windsurfing or kitesurfing.

No visit to the Islands would be complete without at least one trip on the sea. The wide variety of different excursions being offered makes it possible for anyone to explore the seascapes, shores and cliffs of the archipelago. Whether you choose a boat tour, a zodiac tour, a sailboat ride or a kayak excursion on the Water Trail, experienced professionals will guide you safely while sharing their knowledge and their passion for the sea. If you like, you can also put on scuba gear and explore the endless wonders of the marine environment on the sea floor around the Îles de la Madeleine. You can even go snorkelling with the seals !

For those who prefer to take it easy, your choice of beaches is limitless. Somewhere along our 300 km of sandy shore, you are sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to take the kids, a place to have fun with your friends or a long lonely stretch of beach for meditation, you are sure to find a beach that exactly suits your needs.

Boat and Zodiac Excursions

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Many different operators offer boat and zodiac tours. This is one of the easiest ways to explore the grottoes and the cliffs, to observe bird colonies, dive with the seals, go fishing, or learn more about the sea-faring history of the Madelinots. You might also choose to go for a ride in the lagoon at Havre-aux-Maisons, or to take a trip to Entry Island, Île Brion, Corps Mort or Bird Rock (Rocher-aux-Oiseaux).

Kayak :

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On the archipelago two kinds of kayak are available: the sea kayak and the surf kayak. The sea kayak is a pleasant way to explore the shores, cliffs and lagoons. The surf kayak allows you to play with the sea and waves by combining the comfort of a kayak and the excitement of surfing. For any open-sea excursion we strongly recommend you take a guided tour. Our experienced guides will show you the natural beauty of the islands in complete comfort safety.

For safety reasons (sea currents, strong winds, fog banks, rapid changes in weather conditions), we strongly suggest that visitors who have their own kayaking equipment take advantage of tours offered by local expert guides so that they can enjoy their favourite sport in complete safety at low rates. Rental of equipment without guides is only available in some of the lagoons.

Consult the Water Trail section to locate public launch sites, plan your itinerary, download the Water Trail maps and much more.

Windsurfing and Kite-Surfing:

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The Îles de la Madeleine are a true paradise for wind sports. The constant wind in the archipelago make the Islands a must for wind sports enthusiasts. It is true, however, that the combination of wind strength and water temperature essential for these sports is at its best from the end of August to the beginning of October. The number and variety of sites and the wind velocity will keep windsurfers and kitesurfers happy.

Visit our Windsurfing and Kitesurfing section for more details.

Diving and Equipment Rental:

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Diving provides extraordinarily profound experiences for those who are interested in exploring the riches of the underwater world. The rocky sea floor around the Islands is home to a great diversity of marine flora and fauna, especially certain well-known sites like Cape Alwright, la Pierre de l'Église or the White Horse. There are many places, like Corps Mort or Île Brion, where you can observe seals while snorkelling. Because the archipelago is generally oriented in an east-west direction, most of the sites available to divers are relatively well protected from the prevailing winds.

It is also possible to rent diving equipment, as long as you are a qualified diver. Snorkelling equipment is also available for rent.

Pull on a wetsuit and explore sea caves:

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For nature lovers, the outdoor activity centres offer a wide range of recreational activities and provide all the equipment necessary to have fun in the great outdoors. They offer accommodations, restaurant services, guided tours and more, and are a great place to meet visitors of all categories. Whether you are with your family or with a group of friends, the outdoor activities centres offer packages that will more than satisfy your expectations.

Sailing and pleasure boating:

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There are three marinas on the Islands where boaters will find all the usual services for sailboats and other types of pleasure craft: the marina in Cap-aux-Meules, the one in Havre-Aubert and the one in Havre-aux-Maisons. Please note that the latter is accessible only to small craft and to craft without masts, as its entrance is spanned by a low bridge.

These are very well protected marinas with berths for visiting sailors looking for a pleasant place to stop. Fishing ports such as those in Pointe-Basse in Havre-aux-Maisons, Grande-Entrée, Grosse-Île, Étang-du-Nord, l'Anse-à-la-Cabane and Entry Island are also excellent places to stop, but do not offer a complete range of services. These ports are also very busy during the summer because they are used by boats working in many sectors of the fishery.

Beaches:

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The fine beaches of the Îles de la Madeleine have always been a major drawing card for summer tourists, making the Islands one of the foremost tourist destinations in Quebec.

The beaches around the archipelago are easy to get to. It is wonderful to stretch out on the warm sand, let the sun caress your skin and the wind whisper in your ears. The sigh of the waves is an irresistible invitation to swim. You might choose to go for a long solitary walk along the beach with only the birds for company. A sure-fire way to recharge your batteries! You can get together with your family to create a sand castle, collect shells or harvest clams in the recommended areas or just sit and meditate while you gaze on the sea whose gift is to renew the person who contemplates it.

On some beaches, it can be very dangerous to go swimming on windy days even if you are a good swimmer. Waves are often the sign of strong currents along the coast. On windy days, bathe only on beaches with a lifeguard or stay out of the water entirely. For more information, contact the Tourist Information Office.

At the end of August and in Septembeer, the water temperature in the bays and lagoons can reach 17°C to 21°C. That means you can enjoy swimming until the end of September!

Wind can be a major factor in your enjoyment of a day by the sea, so it is always a good idea to choose a sheltered beach. Because the dunes are a fragile ecosystem essential to the natural equilibrium of the littoral milieu, vehicle traffic is forbidden on the beaches and the dunes. Be careful ! Parking (or any form of obstruction) is also forbidden on the cycle path which parallels the roads.

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