Kayaking FAQs

We welcome all levels of kaykers on our trips and our guides are experts at instructing beginner paddlers. Our paddling pace tends to be quite leisurely throughout the day. Our intention is to travel no faster than the slowest paddler in the group and utilize endurance to get us where we need to go.

Occasionally, we paddle through stronger currents that require sustained paddling for channel crossings. For your safety, your guide may ask you to paddle strong and fast to effectively and efficiently cross a channel. We will take plenty of breaks on the water to rest, observe wildlife, and take in the beauty of the islands.

The double kayaks we use are wider and much more stable than single kayaks. To be honest, our double kayaks really take some coaxing to “tip and flip.” Your guide will go over paddling technique and guidelines to keep you safe and dry. Safety is our priority; we won’t get out on the water until everyone feels comfortable.

The San Juan Islands sit in an inland sea, the Salish Sea, blocked from Pacific Ocean waves and surf by Vancouver Island - also a reason why the San Juan Islands are one of the premier kayak destinations in North America. Our tours don’t venture far from the coast, for both safety and wildlife viewing, which tends to concentrate in the coastal areas.

We want to share the San Juan Islands with as many people as possible, so address age limitations case by case. As a general rule, we recommend paddlers are at least 12 years of age. We then pair younger paddlers with parents or a guide in a kayak. We also have triple kayaks that hold three people and are a great option when pairing kids and adults. In this case, we put a younger person in the center cockpit, with the forward and aft cockpits occupied by older, more competent paddlers. We have paddled with kids as young as 8 on our day trips in triple kayaks. We can also offer custom family oriented toursfor younger paddlers. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns.

Our kayak groups typically include a mixture of both solo guests and groups of 2 or more. We’ll pair you up for paddling with another single guest or if there is an odd number of people on the trip you may paddle with one of our kayak guides. Solo travelers will always be provided their own tent on overnight trips.

San Juan Island and, specifically, our launch site from San Juan County Park, is the premier destination for whale watching on the west coast of the United States. If we do see whales, we make a point of watching them from a safe distance, respecting and fully embracing federal whale watching guidelines.

If whales approach us, we’ll either stop paddling and immediately “raft up” with other kayaks in our group and watch them pass by, or we will paddle out of their path toward shore and watch from our shoreline vantage point. Simply put, we are guests in their habitat and we make every effort to honor, respect and minimize our impact on these magnificent creatures.

Orcas are very social and curious animals and occasionally swim near the kayaks to say hello. For over the 30+ years we’ve been kayaking with orcas and other whales, we have had only memorable, friendly interactions and have never encountered aggressive behavior. Additionally, Outdoor Odysseys adheres to and supports K.E.L.P. regulations, maintaining a safe distance from all wildlife for their protection and safety.

Whales tend to go about their business as usual in the presence of humans in their marine habitat. Like us, they are mammals who breathe oxygen and nurse their young. They have a highly evolved communication system and are incredibly intelligent, social animals.

Outdoor Odysseys takes particular pride in our mature and professional guides. Every guide is Wilderness First Responder certified and intelligently trained to handle emergency situations both on and off the water. Each guide is equipped with a cell phone, VHF marine radio, and comprehensive first aid kit. Additionally, our groups are small to insure customer attention on the water and a more personal experience.

There are bathrooms available at the launch and lunch sites of all half and full day tours. Bathrooms are available at all campsites for multi-day tours. We usually kayak from one and a half to two hours before taking a lunch break on our multi-day tours, but we also paddle near the shoreline, and can make pit stops along the way.

We provide PFDs (life jackets), paddles, spray skirts, and dry bags for all participants. If you have your own PFD, paddling jacket, or personal paddle, you are welcome to bring it.

Packing information here!

Luckily, kayaking is already a water sport, so we do paddle in rain. Rarely do we cancel a trip, unless conditions are extreme, in which we will reschedule your trip.