Dinghy Dock Pub & Floating Restaurant

We expected it to be busy as we had to wait to confirm our spot on the short ferry ride over. Staff were very friendly and helpful and we sat out on the family section where the kids can fish through the dock. It seemed a little bit of a gimic but while we were there a little girl did catch a fish.It was a lovely evening, we enjoyed the private boats coming in to get their own dinner and just a nice setting.I saw one review just before writing this complaining of slow service, have to say, we really didn't notice how quick the service was. The place was busy, it was Sunday evening prior to BC day, and the staff were excellent.Went for a quick wander onto the island between dinner and the return ferry and it was pretty cool. Wife even suggested it as a place to move to. Not so sure.

Going to the Dinghy is an experience in itself. If you are out boating they have a number of large slips that will take boats up to about 30' and many places to tie up your tender.If you just want to check it out from land you need to take the Protection Island ferry across from the Nanaimo Harbour downtown, they have a waiting area on the first dock.It does cost $9 for adults and $6 for kids so if you are going for a meal is does make it more expensive, but again it is an experience.

We had fish and chips for lunch. The ferry runs hourly throughout the day and takes approx. 15 minutes to cross from Nanaimo Harbour to the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. The ferry can carry approx. 34 per trip and is cheap. The pub is on a floating dock so you are moving with the water whilst eating. The staff were excellent and attentive, the food was great, constant supply of iced water to drink from arrival to leaving. Excellent scenery with a passing Seal, family of Sea Otters, and Heron.Well worth a visit

Really enjoyed the short ferry trip over ($9 return, per person), and arrival at the restaurant couldn't be easier - boat arrives, you are literally 10' from the entrance. Ferry/water taxi runs every hour or so; a bit more often, when busy. Had fish n' chips (of course!), and a caesar, both were good. Waitress was a highlight, she was super friendly and attentive! Do be aware that the entire restaurant is floating, so you will feel some motion. It's not radical, but on the outer decks it's quite noticeable, in case you're sensitive to these things... Beautiful place to sit and have a drink/meal, there are boats moored all around...spectacular!

A beautiful day on the waterfront in Nanaimo tour all the little shops wander amongst the boats and then a short ferry to Protection Island to a great floating restaurant on the Water. Food and service we both good.Prawns Linquine were excellent.