Four Day San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Trip

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Why choose Outdoor Odysseys for your 4 day San Juan Island kayak trip?

Our paddle route on several days puts us in prime orca whale territory not to mention dall’s porpoise, harbor seals and a myriad of other wildlife.

We take great pleasure in creating quality camp cuisine. After a day of kayaking relax with a glass of bottled wine and some brie and crackers while your guides whip up a meal of smoked salmon pesto fettuccine, garlic bread, organically grown salad greens, topped off with a Dutch oven apple/pear crisp.

Our camping trips are all-inclusive. Not all outfitters include tastefully prepared lunches, real maple syrup, bottled wines, organic produce and complimentary dry bags as an integral part of their tours.

Due to our reputation and 23 years of experience we are able to attract guide naturalists that are NW natives, older (average age is 29) and capable of holding their own in spirited talks around the campfire - as opposed to many local guides that are hired right out of college.

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!

Sea Kayak Trip Schedule

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.

kayaking in whale habitat 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.

dutch oven kayak cooking 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.

Quick "Trip Facts"

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 traffic circle.

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 (preferrably not cotton or denim - quick-dry, synthetic and/or athletic layes work best, and extra layers are always recommended; Chacos, Tevas, Crocs and water socks are great footwise for paddling, and extra tennis shoes for camp), sleeping bag & pad*.

Outdoor Odysseys Will Provide: Sea kayaks, all related kayaking gear, tent, large & small drybags, 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.

K.E.L.P. (Kayak Education Leadership Program)

In an effort to maintain respectful and responsible use of the watersofthe San Juan Islands, we uphold the K.E.L.P. (Kayak Education Leadership Program) pledge. As such, Outdoor Odysseys strives to provide an educational and enjoyable paddling experience while adhering to the laws pertaining to the Southern Resident Killer Whales.

When in the presence of Orcas, we maintain a 100-yard distance, move out of their path, and group our kayaks near shore to allow our marine neighbors the "right-of-way".

Our guides, and our guests, pledge to do their part to minimize our disturbance to all marine wildlife within the San Juan Marine Stewardship Area.

For more information on K.E.L.P. and efforts to protect marine wildlife in the San Juan Islands, please visit the Whale Museum online and learn what you can do to be a responsible kayaker.

To learn more about other San Juan Island kayaking trips and
to reserve your space on an Outdoor Odysseys Sea Kayak Trip, it's easy!
Either sign up online or call us at 800-647-4621.