Three Day "Eagles & Orcas" Sea Kayak Adventure Trip

• San Juan County Park Launch – All our trips launch from SJCP putting our guests in the heart of the “Best Orca Whale Habitat on the West Coast.”
• Our Cuisine Rocks! - Brie and crackers, smoked salmon pesto fettucine, organic salad greens, bottled wines and seasonal fruits dipped in a chocolate ganache - CAUTION: You may not lose any weight on this tour!  8-)
• Best Value - The small things: Dry bags and lunches included as standard (not all companies do), bottled wines & gourmet food = exceptional value.
• Award Winning Tours – In 2009 we were named one of the “200 Best Outfitters in the World” by National Geographic  Adventure Magazine.
• 23 Year History – We are the oldest and most experienced kayak company to launch from SJCP.
• Naturalist / Guides – Our seasoned, professional guides, (average age -29) willingly share their knowledge of the whales, bald eagles, harbor seals you may encounter.

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.

QuickTrip 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, at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

Return Place & Time, Day 3: Friday Harbor ferry terminal, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Lodging: There are three B&B's within a short walking distance of the ferry terminal. Check out our lodging page forsuggested accommodations info.

Luggage: We'll store any luggage/gear you don't want to take with you on your trip.

Gear You'll Need: Water bottle, sunglasses and/or hat, sunscreen, appropriate kayak and camp 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 for paddling, and extra tennis shoes for camp), sleeping bag & pad.

We Provide: Kayaks & all related 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.