Four-Day San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking Trip
Kayaking in Washington with Outdoor Odysseys
Highlights
- Kayak and camp on islands only accessible by boat
- Paddle in prime orca whale habitat
- Superb camp cuisine
- Mature, fun, professional guides
- Beginners welcome
Full Description
Our four day, three quarter circumnavigation of San Juan Island affords us great paddling in Orca whale habitat. With sublime views of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains this trip has become a classic. Experience the fun of paddling among forested rocky islands, camping on islands accessible only by boat and savoring our ‘dynamite’ Dutch oven camp cuisine.
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.
Includes:
- Top quality sea kayaks and all related kayaking gear
- Tent (you may bring your own)
- Waterproof storage bags, cup, plate, bowl and eating utensils
- Tastefully prepared meals starting on lunch the first day through the third day
- Island transportation to and from Friday Harbor
- Instruction and knowledgeable guiding
Excludes:
- Transportation to and from Friday Harbor San Juan Island
- Sleeping bag and pad (rentals available)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
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.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
On our last day we depart from Jones and kayak past picturesque Yellow Island, which is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. We workour 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.
About The Operator:
Outdoor Odysseys
Headquarters:
Washington
We have been in business since 1987 and have built a well-deserved reputation for offering quality, hand crafted kayak tours. Clark Casebolt has made a personal decision to keep Outdoor Odysseys a relatively small company that concentrates specifically on sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands. Unlike some other island companies, we don't offer trips in the winter to Baja or Costa Rica. This focus and personal involvement results in quality trips with a high degree of customer satisfaction.
Our level of commitment begins with your call or e-mail to our office. As a native of Washington, Clark and his staff can make recommendations about planning your trip to the San Juan Islands and other things to see and do in the Pacific Northwest. When you sign up we'll send comprehensive trip information ranging from travel logistics, clothing and equipment lists to detailed natural history information. Our goal is to ensure that your vacation with us is effortless and hassle free from start to finish.