Preparing Outdoor Odysseys gourmet camp food

Family 3-Day Kayak and Camping Tour

$649.00 - 799.00

Per person

Duration: 3 Days

Season: Leaves Tuesdays, June - August

Cost includes 7 meals, taxes, and fees. Available any Tues-Thursday in June, July, and August - or for any three days for a private group of 5 or more paddlers.

Kayaking the San Juan Islands with Outdoor Odysseys

Join Outdoor Odysseys on a spectacular sea kayaking adventure in the San Juan Islands, geared specifically towards families with children, in a tradition of excellence born from a nearly two-decade partnership with REI Adventures.

Building off some of our most popular overnight sea kayak and camping trips, we pick your family up any Tuesday in June, July, or August in Friday Harbor and launch from San Juan Island into the heart of the Salish Sea. Over three days you'll paddle protected coves and open channels, encountering the beautiful and unique marine and bird life of this vast national park system, all while taking in sweeping views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Your exact route unfolds day by day — shaped by the weather, the tides, and the wildlife — guiding you toward some of the region's gorgeous boat-access-only island camps. On land, enjoy time exploring the shoreline, camping under open sky, and fueling your journey with stellar, 3-course camp cuisine prepared by your tour guide. We hope to see you on your next San Juan Island kayak tour!

Group Option: Traveling with other families or a larger group of 5 or more? Reach out to us to turn this into a private tour!

Your Next Adventure Awaits Whether you’re a returning explorer or setting out for your first paddle, trust us to guide you through the natural wonders of the San Juans. Easily accessible for travelers coming from Seattle for whale watching and equally rewarding for adventurers arriving from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Outdoor Odysseys continues to offer unforgettable experiences. As we step into our 39th season under the passionate leadership of Tom Murphy, Outdoor Odysseys remains committed to the spirit of adventure that defines every journey with us. Curious to learn more about the rich history and thrilling experiences at Outdoor Odysseys? Visit our blog for an in-depth look at our journey from the early days with REI Adventures to the present.

Start

Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal 8:30 AM

End

Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal 1:30-4:30 PM

Price Includes

All meals
Kayaking instruction and guiding
Tour naration
Kayaking gear
Dry Bags: 10L to carry and 30L for packing
Tent
Transportation to and from launch site

You Provide

15-20% gratuity for your guide(s)
Water bottle
Sunglasses and/or hat
Sunscreen
Headlight or flashlight
Extra layers
Sleeping bag & pad (rentals available, add "rental" when booking online or contact us directly)

MORE INFO ›

Family 3-Day Kayak and Camping Tour Itinerary

Example Day 1

Your Outdoor Odysseys guide(s) will meet you in town and shuttle the group to our launch site. After packing all camping and personal gear into the kayaks, we'll run a thorough orientation covering boat fitting, paddling technique, safety, and boat handling until everyone is comfortable. Then we'll head out, keeping a sharp eye out for whales, birds, and other wildlife chasing the salmon runs. After paddling along rocky, tidally rich coastlines, we'll stop for a long lunch prepared by your guide and chef. Refueled, we'll make our crossing toward that night's camp.

Our destination will be any one of a number of camps reachable only by water, with sites nestled in a forest of red-barked madrona, cedar, and Douglas fir. Once camp is set up, you can relax while your guide prepares a three-course dinner. Life doesn't get much better than sitting at a quiet campsite, sipping a glass of wine and enjoying gourmet appetizers after a wonderful day of paddling.

Example Day 2

On our second day we'll set out to explore the surrounding waters, passing uninhabited islands and staying in prime wildlife habitat. We'll paddle past dramatic shorlines, take in sweeping mountain views on the horizon, and share the coastline with resting harbor seals and nesting bald eagles. Balance your time on the water with an afternoon hike or relax at camp while your guide prepares another gourmet meal. Finish your evening by the campfire and under the light of the stars, or see the “stars in the water” on a guided bioluminescence kayak tour as an optional add on package.

Example Day 3

The adventure is far from over on the last day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up camp and begint he paddle home, maximizing our time on the water and our chances of spotting wildlife. We'll savor one last delicious lunch before completing our paddle and landing back on San Juan Island. From there we'll load up gear and paddlers and have you back to town between 3–4 PM to catch your ferry or continue your time in the islands.

Learn More

The OO crew couldn't have been more professional and prepared from the moment they picked us up at Friday Harbor through the launch and landing. It was beyond expectations and worth every penny.

Brian

If you’re looking for a fun and unforgettable kayak trip in the San Juan Islands, I highly recommend Outdoor Odyssey. Our 3-day trip was superb.

Shelly

I am not usually someone to pay for a guided tour, but this was absolutely worth it and a huge highlight during our time in the San Juan Islands. Our guide was awesome. We were a group kids, teens and adults (two families). We learned a lot about the island, and had a ball along the coast for our 7 mile day trip.

Seth K

The food was excellent. Organic as much as possible, fresh as much as possible, well prepared, and plenty of it.

Tim

This trip was one I will never forget. Outdoor Odysseys does such a great job on these kayak trips. Our guides were wonderful. The food was beyond belief...for anywhere, not just a kayaking trip.

DJW

This company has been around for a long time. They know how to treat people.

Cocoa

We were a group of four taking a full day kayak trip. I would highly recommend this tour group. We saw orcas, seals and bald eagles. The lunch that was prepared was vegetarian and delicious, and much enjoyed after several hours of kayaking.

Nina

From the first phone call to the last handshake, my experience with the Odyssey team was perfect. We all departed happy campers, passionate about our 3 day journey with team Odyssey!

Betty S

Just got back from an overnight camping trip with OO about a week ago, and after the time we had, I had to write a review. Overall, I would highly recommend this company and trip for anyone who wants a bit of a physical challenge with a lot of fun memories in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Stephanie M

Great kayaking, great guide, great food. I went on a 4-day kayak trip. We saw orcas on the first day only, but also saw seals, river otters, harbor porpoises, eagles, heron, and other wildlife. Can't over-recommend this trip.

Mizree P

What Sets Outdoor Odysseys Apart

Our Guides

Our Food Program

Giving Back

Guide Profile

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy graduated from Lawrence University with a biology degree in 2003. After graduation Tom spent a year and a half overseas. He traveled through India, worked for an NGO in Nepal, and taught elementary students science in the…

Chastanna Niemann

Peter Yacobellis

Peter, a lifelong New York City region resident, now lives full time on San Juan Island, helping to run Outdoor Odysseys. Peter has a long and storied career in government, tourism, and in corporate America. Peter has a graduate…

Laura Montanari

Born on the coastal islands of Georgia and raised in the marshes and swamps of the south, Laura has always maintained a deep connection to the ocean. Her earliest memories are paddling canoes through the Okefenokee Swamp with her…

Justin Niemann

The mangrove islands and Everglades of southwest Florida are Justin’s native habitat; but having guided here in the San Juans since 2020 – these shorelines feel like home as well. Justin has been around a little longer than most…

Eli Todaro

Eli Todaro grew up in Southeast Louisiana. Eli is a NOLS Wilderness First Responder alumni with specialties in swift water and high angle rescue. He has always had a great passion for the outdoors. Growing up hunting and fishing…

Caroline Seto

Caroline’s love for the outdoors took root early, backpacking through the forests of Virginia. It was there that she developed a deep respect for wildlife and the natural world—something that continues to guide her today. Caroline got her start…

Samantha Munson

Megan Anspach

Chris Gomez

Hannah Whellan

Eddie Mechling

Eddie Mechling is the newest addition to the Outdoor Odyssey team. A true naturalist, Eddie recently graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Business and Sustainability. Before moving to San Juan Island, she was an active member…

Maddie Hollister

Growing up in Seattle, Maddie Hollister gained a love for outdoor recreation and education attending a summer camp on Puget Sound, where she eventually became a lifeguard and outdoor educator. She studied marine biology and science communication at Quest…

Keith Dornan

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Keith has felt a strong westward pull his entire life. Keith’s love affair with the American west coast (South and North) began during his National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Semester in Baja, Mexico. Later he…

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