We'll meet you in the morning at the ferry landing in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and take you to the San Juan County Park on the west side of San Juan Island. After a thorough dry land orientation covering paddling technique, safety and boat handling we'll get out on the water.
We'll kayak for about an hour and a half heading south along San Juan Island. Our trip is designed to provide guests with numerous "hands-on" opportunities to observe, study and learn more about the fascinating marine mammals and birds that range along the east side of Haro Strait. Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks provide the perfect means for exploring the myriad forms of sea life we encounter.
Sea kayaking and paddling on the west side of San Juan Island affords participants the best chance in the lower 48 states to observe Orca whales in their natural habitat. The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are host to over 80 resident Orca Whales. The resident J, K and L pods are found in the San Juan archipelago from May to October.
Lunch ingredients for our Mango Tempeh Wraps
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We stop for a lunch break at a beautiful little cove just south of Lime Kiln State Park that has outstanding views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. You'll also have the opportunity explore the tide pools for smaller marine life. After our break we'll continue paddling and exploring along the rocky shores of San Juan Island. After a sublime day on the water viewing the "wonders of the universe," we'll get you back to Friday Harbor in time for the 5:00 PM ferry to Anacortes, or for dinner on the town if you are staying overnight.
“Kaitlin and Tony were friendly, passionate and knowledgeable about the area. Their communication was awesome and they took a great interest in making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. There was never any pressure to get ready, go faster. Seeing whales was icing on the cake. The trip exceeded our expectations.”
Orca Whale Watching
The southern resident pods of Orca whales are found in the San Juans because the different species of salmon (their primary food source) during this time of year are schooling up in the Pacific Ocean and migrating through the straits between the south end of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The current tends to push the incoming salmon up against the west side of San Juan Island. The Orcas take advantage of this phenomenon to feed on the salmon among the numerous bays and inlets on the west side of the island.
Other treasured wildlife sightings found on the west side of San Juan Island may include Dall's Porpoises, harbor seals, river otter and a variety of different birdlife ranging from auklets to herons. The region also hosts one of the largest bald eagle breeding populations in the Continental United States.
Quick "Trip Facts"
Meeting Place & Time: Meet at 10:15 AM in downtown Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Gather just to the right of the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, near the traffic circle.
Return Place & Time: Friday Harbor ferry terminal, 4:30 - 5:00 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 that you don't want to take on the 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 layers work best, and extra layers are always recommended; Chacos, Tevas, Crocs and water socks are great footwise).
Outdoor Odysseys Will Provide: Sea kayaks, all related kayaking gear, a drybag to stow personal effects while on the water, transportation to and from Friday Harbor and our launch site, instruction and knowledgeable guiding, and a tasteful vegetarian lunch.
Age Requirements: Our kayak tours are held in a region with variable weather, tidal, and current conditions. Using our triple kayak we can take ONE CHILD under 12 years of age as long as there are two adults in the kayak. Generally,however, 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. 800-647-4621
Cancellations: Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for further information.
Weather: We do paddle rain or shine so make sure you bring appropriate clothing. (You'll find that you do generally stay warm and dry while paddling because it is an upper body sport, we supply you with life jacket and a waterproof spray skirt and your whole lower body is dry because we use decked kayaks.
