Colvos Passage is a tidal strait in Puget Sound, located between the west side of Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. It is a saltwater passage with significant tidal currents that generally ebb, or flow, to the north. The current is slack during Puget Sound flood tides, making south-to-north trips the most common direction for paddlers to take advantage of the current. One-way trips with a shuttle are feasible, as are out-and-back paddles from a single launch. Several public access points serve paddlers along its length. On the southern end, launches are available from Gig Harbor and Sunrise Beach, north of Gig Harbor. Mid-passage access is found at Olalla, which has a boat ramp at Olalla Bay, and Anderson Point County Park offers water access just north of Olalla. On the northern end, a narrow public access point exists on Sebring Road, just north of the Southworth Ferry Terminal. This Sebring Road site is primarily useful for paddlers arriving via the ferry without a vehicle, as parking is very limited.

The passage is exposed to Puget Sound conditions, with potential for waves up to three feet and wind that can be utilized by kayakers with sails. The area experiences significant commercial and recreational boat traffic, including ferries, which requires constant awareness. Paddlers should be prepared for boat wakes. Suitable for sea kayaking, the passage is considered a Sea Kayak II/III difficulty and can be paddled year-round. Proper immersion clothing, a personal flotation device, and standard sea kayaking safety gear are required. Parking at popular launch sites like Olalla Bay can be challenging, especially on weekends. Facilities for paddlers vary by location. Lisabeula Park on Vashon Island offers a pit toilet and is a designated lunch stop with a primitive Washington Water Trails camping spot. Sunrise Beach has toilets located up the hill from the road end. The Olalla Bay Market, accessible at mid to high tides, provides an opportunity for food and drink.

The paddling experience offers expansive views of Vashon Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the Tacoma skyline. The water is generally clean and supports a variety of marine wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, river otters, and seals. A common day trip route involves paddling approximately 8.5 miles from Lisabeula Park on Vashon Island north to the Vashon Ferry Dock. Another popular route is a 10.5-nautical-mile loop launching from Olalla Bay, paddling south along the Kitsap shoreline to Sunrise Park, crossing to Vashon Island, and returning north along the island's coast.