With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore the San Juan Islands are a superb kayak destination. Harking back to an earlier time when the islands were used by the native Lummi and Swinomish tribes as summer fishing camps, we traverse the waters as they did, using the wind and currents to aid us as we explore these beautiful islands.
Experience the fun of sea kayaking and camping on a remote island accessible only by boat! The pristine waters of the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands are host to over 85 resident orca whales. Other treasured wildlife sightings may include minke whales, harbor and Dall's porpoises, seals, river otter and a variety of different birdlife ranging from auklets to herons. The region also boasts the second largest bald eagle breeding population in the continental United States.
Sea Kayak Trip Schedule
An Outdoor Odysseys guide will meet you in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Our van will take the group, which generally averages from 6-8 participants, (maximum of 12), to our put-in site on the west side of San Juan Island.
After stowing all camping and personal gear, we'll have a thorough orientation covering the fitting of the boat, paddling technique, safety and boat handling. We won't get on the water until everybody feels comfortable about paddling. On our first day we'll work our way northward kayaking along the picturesque west side of San Juan Island. We'll keep a sharp eye out for whales as we're in prime orca habitat. We'll have spectacular views of the Olympic Mountain range to the south and Vancouver Island to the west. After paddling for a couple of hours along the rocky, convoluted shores of San Juan Island and Henry Island we'll stop for lunch.
After we cross Spieden Channel we'll be paddling among forested, rocky islands including Spieden, Goose and John. Our destination for the night is Reid Harbor and Stuart Island, which is only accessible by boat. The campsite is nestled in a clump of red barked Madronas, Cedar and Douglas fir trees. After camp is set up, you can relax while your guides prepare the evening meal. Life doesn't get much better when you're sitting at a scenic, secluded waterfront campsite supping on a glass of wine and eating superbly prepared food after a hearty day of paddling.
On our second day we'll do "le grand" circumnavigation around Stuart Island passing by many smaller uninhabited islands. We'll kayak past the abandoned Coast Guard lighthouse on the north side of Stuart and glide past numerous birds including great blue herons, cormorants and bald eagles. We'll return to our campsite on Stuart for another tastefully prepared dinner. After dinner you'll have the option of participating on an evening "bioluminescence" paddle.
Our third day will be spent retracing our route back to our put-in site. We're in prime whale territory again so our chances of seeing the J, K and L pod of resident orca whales increases. We should arrive at our take-out between 2 and 4 PM.
Our van will pick us up and take our group back to Friday Harbor. You'll have an hour or more to poke around town before boarding the ferry to Anacortes. Or, if you are spending the night, head back to your hotel or B & B for a well deserved shower and dinner on the town. Friday Harbor has a number of nice restaurants on the island that serve everything from classic Northwest fare to Thai food.
