Can I bring a kayak trailer on a ferry?

Yes, you can bring a kayak trailer on a ferry, but you must book it in advance and it is treated as a special item. Most ferry operators allow kayaks and canoes on board, and some permit trailers specifically for recreational purposes. However, trailers often require telephone reservations, are subject to strict size and weight limits, and may only be allowed on certain routes. Always contact the ferry operator directly before you travel.

  • United States: Washington State Ferries charge the motorcycle rate for bicycles towing a kayak or canoe. No extra fee if the combined length is under 22 feet. BC Ferries requires advance booking for trailers and has specific length and height limits.
  • Canada: BC Ferries allows kayaks on board but requires a reservation. Trailers and over-height vehicles must be declared at booking. If your reserved length or height differs at check-in, your booking may not be honored.
  • Europe: Dutch operator Rederij Doeksen allows kayaks for €19.62 and permits trailers for recreational use only on the Vlieland route. CalMac in Scotland carries kayaks free of charge and will ask you to remove roof-mounted items if space is limited.
  • Gulf Region: Most Gulf ferries do not have published kayak trailer policies. Contact the ferry operator in advance for approval.
  • Turkey: Istanbul ferries allow bicycles and kayaks on a limited basis. Trailers are not commonly permitted. Check with the operator before booking.
  • Asia-Pacific: SeaLink in Australia limits kayaks to 2.7 meters and 22 kilograms, with a maximum of two kayaks per ferry. Trailers are not mentioned and likely require special approval.

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Detailed Answer

Why Kayak Trailers Are Treated as Special Items

Ferry operators classify kayaks and canoes as special luggage because they are large, awkward to stow, and take up space on the vehicle deck. A kayak trailer adds another layer of complexity. Trailers can be difficult to maneuver on and off the vessel, and they take up valuable deck space. For these reasons, most ferry companies require advance booking and may restrict trailers to specific routes or times.

By Region and Ferry Operator

United States

Washington State Ferries charge the motorcycle rate for bicycles towing a kayak or canoe. This rate includes the fare for the walk-on passenger with the bicycle and the kayak being towed. There are no added fees for kayaks as long as the total length of the vehicle and its attachments is under 22 feet. Kayaks and canoes should be loaded first. Propane tanks are allowed if they contain less than 100 pounds. Gasoline for camp stoves is permitted in red-colored containers in good condition.

BC Ferries requires advance booking for all vehicles, including trailers. If your reserved vehicle length differs by more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) at check-in, your booking will not be honored. If your vehicle is more than 20 feet long and over 9 feet wide, you must call to book.

Canada

BC Ferries has specific rules for over-height vehicles and trailers. You must declare your vehicle height and length at the time of booking. If the reserved height differs at check-in, your booking will not be honored. Kayaks carried on roof racks may require removal if space is limited on the vehicle deck.

Europe

Rederij Doeksen in the Netherlands allows kayaks, canoes, and SUPs larger than 140x60x50 cm for a fee of €19.62. Trailers are permitted for recreational purposes only on the Vlieland route. You can only book a trailer by telephone. A trailer without a pulling vehicle must weigh no more than 750 kg and measure no more than 2.00 meters wide and 2.60 meters high. A trailer that requires a license plate can only be booked in combination with a car and requires a T-exemption from the municipality of Vlieland.

CalMac Ferries in Scotland carries kayaks, canoes, surfboards, and paddleboards free of charge. If you are a foot passenger or a vehicle passenger with a roof rack, you must let CalMac know when booking. If your kayak is mounted on your vehicle, you may be asked to remove it from the roof bracket if space is limited. The crew will indicate where to stow it on the vehicle deck.

Moby Lines in Italy requires kayaks and canoes to be booked when you buy your ticket if they are not carried on the roof or rear of the vehicle. The overall length and height of your vehicle, including any kayak or trailer, must be measured and booked in the correct category.

Gulf Region

Most ferry operators in the Gulf region do not have published policies for kayak trailers. Ferry services in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are primarily designed for passengers and standard vehicles. If you need to transport a kayak trailer, contact the ferry operator directly well in advance to request approval.

Turkey

Istanbul ferries allow bicycles and kayaks on a limited basis, but trailers are not commonly permitted. Check with the specific ferry operator before booking. Space on vehicle ferries is limited, and special items may require additional fees.

Asia-Pacific

SeaLink in Australia, which operates ferries to Rottnest Island, limits kayaks to 2.7 meters in length and 22 kilograms in weight. A maximum of two kayaks per ferry is allowed, and they must be pre-booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Kayaks exceeding these restrictions cannot be carried. Trailers are not mentioned in the policy and likely require special approval.

How to Book a Kayak Trailer

Follow these steps to book a kayak trailer on a ferry:

  • Contact the ferry operator directly. Most companies require telephone reservations for trailers and special items.
  • Provide exact dimensions. Measure the total length, width, and height of your vehicle and trailer combined.
  • Declare the weight. Some operators have weight limits for trailers without their own license plates.
  • Ask about route restrictions. Some ferries only allow trailers on certain routes or at certain times.
  • Confirm stowage arrangements. Ask whether you will need to remove the kayak from the trailer or roof rack during the crossing.
  • Arrive early. Special items often require extra time for loading and securement.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I took my kayak on a CalMac ferry in Scotland. It was free, but I had to lift it onto the vehicle deck myself. The crew showed me where to stow it. No trailer, just the kayak on my roof rack." UK traveler, forum post

"I booked a trailer on the Rederij Doeksen ferry to Vlieland. I had to call to make the reservation. They measured my trailer at the dock and charged me the special item fee. Everything went smoothly because I booked ahead." Netherlands traveler, travel review

"BC Ferries would not honor my booking because my vehicle height was different from what I reserved. I had to wait for the next sailing. Always measure your vehicle with the kayak and trailer attached before booking." Canada traveler, forum post

"SeaLink only allows two kayaks per ferry to Rottnest Island. I booked mine weeks in advance. The kayak had to be under 2.7 meters and 22 kilograms. My trailer stayed on the mainland." Australia traveler, Reddit

Pro Tips

  • Book your kayak trailer by telephone well in advance. Online booking systems often do not accommodate trailers
  • Measure the total length, width, and height of your vehicle and trailer before booking
  • Ask about weight limits for trailers without license plates
  • Confirm whether trailers are allowed on your specific route
  • Be prepared to remove your kayak from the trailer or roof rack if space is limited
  • Arrive early at the terminal to allow time for loading and securement
  • Check the dangerous goods rules if you are carrying fuel canisters or propane
  • Keep a copy of your booking confirmation with you at the terminal

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

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