“I just returned from a FANTASTIC trip with Outdoor Odysseys. The trip exceeded my expectations in every possible way. Sarah, our guide, was so knowledgeable and informative. She was incredibly warm, welcoming, fun, laid back, and patient…the perfect type of personality for guiding. Plus, to top it all off, her cooking was out of this world (healthy, fresh and filling). I would highly recommend Outdoor Odysseys to all my friends and family.” Trip Advisor 2011 – 4 day
Our three-quarter sea kayak circumnavigation of San Juan Island affords participants a chance to camp and kayak amongst the many islands that “ring” San Juan Island. You’ll have opportunities to see Orca whales and other large marine mammals and kayak among numerous small, uninhabited islands. With sublime views of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains this trip is a Northwest classic!
Of course, our paddling itinerary is helped immeasurably by our great tasting camp cuisine. After a day of kayaking, our smoked salmon pesto fettuccine, with organically grown salad greens, washed down with a glass of bottled wine and topped off with freshly baked Dutch oven fudge brownies is pretty darn hard to beat!
Our “Killer Cuisine” – Brie and cracker appetizers, bottled wines, smoked salmon pesto linguine, organic salad mix and a freshly made Dutch oven apple/pear crisp.Click the cover of our new cook book (at right) to get a sneak peak at our famous camp cuisine.
Price: $759 per person
Dates…
June: 17-20, 24-27
July: 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-August 1
August: 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29
September: 2-5, 9-12
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“This was the second time my husband and I had been on a trip with Outdoor Odysseys. We also kayaked in Baja with them about 8 years ago. We chose to go with them on our trip to the Pacific Northwest because our Baja trip had been so fantastic.We were lucky to have had a very cohesive and friendly group of 8 adults. Our guide Tom was personable and knowledgable about the area but most of all a marvelous cook! The wine flowed freely and was delicious at the end of a day of exploring and kayaking. The group had a great time chatting around the fire in the evening and watching the marvelous sunsets.” Trip Advisor 2010 4 day tour
Duration: 4 day | Length: 40 miles | Season: June – September
Dutch oven birthday cake on our 4 day.
We depart from San Juan County Park after a thorough on-land orientation and paddle talk by our naturalist guides. We won’t get on the water until everybody feels comfortable with kayaking. On our first day we’re in prime orca whale habitat as we paddle north up to Stuart Island and our camp for the night.
After setting up our tents at the waters’ edge you can take a break as your guides whip up some great tasting sustenance. Your first day’s dinner is capped off with an artfully prepared apple/pear cobbler – courtesy of the cast iron Dutch ovens we use.
The next morning you’ll wake up to the smell of freshly brewed gourmet coffee and teas and our justly famous cinnamon swirl French toast. When everybody is suitably ‘fueled up’ we circumnavigate Stuart Island keeping a sharp eye peeled for orca whales and the occasional bald eagle or osprey.
On day three we break camp and point the noses of our stable double kayaks towards Jones Island, one of the jewels of the San Juans. Enroute we paddle along Spieden and Sentinel Islands stopping for lunch at a beautiful little cove on the east side of San Juan Island. As Jones is small, we’ll set up camp at one of the numerous delightful waterfront sites that ring the island. Guests usually hike around the island while the guides prepare your last night’s dinner.
On our last day we depart from Jones and kayak past picturesque Yellow Island, which is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. We work our way down San Juan Channel stopping at Turn Island for our final lunch and take out. We typically get back into Friday Harbor between 2-4 PM.
“I went on a 4 day trip with a bunch of strangers and I had zero kayaking experience. Needless to say, I was a little nervous.
And yet it was awesome! So beautiful, so fun, and so interesting. Also, the food was fantastic! Sarah was an amazing guide. Super chill, super easy going. I would go again in a heartbeat.” Trip Advisor 2011 Day
Sarah is a native Washingtonian and graduate of WWU in environmental education. Were tickled to have her back for her 5th season of guiding for OO. Here is one of my all time favorite client quotes: “I especially liked Sarah’s ‘Jedi master skill handling’ of the 12 year old boy on our trip.” She is seasoned traveled, independent and has a great sense of humor. Ask Sarah about the winter she and two friends bought a sailboat in LA and sailed down the coast and into the Sea of Cortez.
Travel: Coming from Seattle? Most guests drive from Seattle to Anacortes & then take the ferry to San Juan Island.
Meeting Place & Time, Day 1: Meet at 8:30 AM in downtown Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Gather at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal on the waterfront by the big tree / traffic circle off to your right as you get off the ferry.
A bit of wine at our waterfront campsite and good friends makes for great memories.
Return Place & Time, Day 4: Friday Harbor ferry terminal, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Lodging: There are three B&B’s (Bird Rock Hotel, Tucker House, and Harrison House) within a short walking distance of the ferry terminal. Check out our lodging page for suggested accommodations info.
Luggage: We’ll store any luggage/gear you don’t want to take on our trip.
Gear You Will Need: Water bottle, sunglasses and/or hat, sunscreen, appropriate kayak clothing & footwear (preferably not cotton or denim – quick-dry, synthetic and/or athletic clkothing works best; extra layers are always recommended; Chacos, Tevas or Crocs are good choices for paddling; an extra pair of shoes for camp, sleeping bag & pad.
Outdoor Odysseys Will Provide: Sea kayaks, all related kayaking gear, tent, large & small dry bags, tasteful cuisine, transportation between Friday Harbor and our launch location; (sleeping bag & pad available for rent).
Age Requirements: Since our kayak tours are held in a region with variable weather, tidal, and current conditions, we cannot for safety reasons take young children on trips. Our recommended minimum age is 12 years for any kayak tours in the San Juan Islands. If you have questions or concerns regarding trips with children under the age of 12, please contact us directly for more information.
Cancellations: Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.
© Copyright 2013 Outdoor Odysseys | Kayaking the San Juans for 24 years.
