Washington: San Juan Islands Kayak
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Washington State with distant views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, the idyllic San Juan Islands are a premier sea kayaking destination for paddlers of all ability levels. The islands’ sheltered waters host a tremendous variety of wildlife including harbor seals, otters, bald eagles and a resident population of over 80 Orca whales (June departures are best for whale watching). Quiet and unobtrusive, double kayaks are the perfect vehicle for exploring the protected coves and islets that provide habitat for the sea life we encounter. Our naturalist guides lead the way, identifying local flora & fauna and preparing delicious meals, oftentimes consisting of fresh local ingredients. Spectacular sunsets set the stage for great stargazing from the peaceful waterfront camps where we spend each night.
Learn more about our shorter 3-day San Juan Islands Kayaking Weekend trip.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Washington: San Juan Islands Kayak Itinerary:
-
Day 1
Your trip begins today in Friday Harbor, Washington. Depart your hometown and arrive in Seattle, then transfer independently to Friday Harbor (ferry or floatplane transfers available). We meet as a group at 4:30 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Whale Museum. After a museum tour, we drive to San Juan County Park where our campsite and a dinner featuring freshly prepared Northwest cuisine await. An orientation meeting is scheduled for this evening providing an opportunity to discuss the week's itinerary and become better acquainted with one another. Dinner included.
-
Day 2
After loading the kayaks with our gear and provisions, our guides discuss paddling basics with the group and thoroughly review all safety procedures. We leave shore only after all trip members feel comfortable in their boats. Our first paddle takes us north, up Haro Strait along the west side of San Juan Island. We are in Orca habitat now, so be on the lookout for the large 4-6 foot dorsal fins of the male Orcas. With a bit of luck and the help of our guide's trained eye, the San Juan Island shoreline will also provide our first bald eagle sightings of the week. We spend the next two nights on Stuart Island, leaving the final campsite selection to our guides based on weather and wind conditions. Our scheduled campsite tonight is at Reid Harbor. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 12 miles / 5 hours; Open water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 3
After breakfast, we're back in our boats exploring the wild, uninhabited northern portion of Stuart Island and the picturesque smaller islands nearby, weather and tides permitting. Wildlife sightings today may include Minke whale, Dall porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, rhinoceros auklets, marbled murrelets and harlequin ducks. We'll return to Reid Harbor again tonight. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 9 miles / 4 hours; Open water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 4
Our paddling destination today is pristine Jones Island, one of the archipelago's twelve designated "Marine Parks" and, due to limited anchorage space, accessible to only a small group of individuals each day. While hiking the trail that encircles the island, there is a good chance we may spot Dall porpoise, harbor seal and river otter. We'll camp on this lovely little island for two nights, enjoying the tranquility and smell of the fresh sea air. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 8-10 miles / 4-5 hours; Open water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 5
From our base on picturesque Jones Island, we have several paddling options today depending on currents and the interests of the group. We may paddle along the scenic and unpopulated coast of Orcas Island up to Point Doughty. From the top of Doughty we have superb views of Sucia and some of the surrounding islands in the northern San Juans. Another option includes a paddle in and around the Wasp Islands stopping at Yellow Island, a Nature Conservancy preserve as well as Deer Harbor (on Orcas Island) for an ice cream fix. Jones Island also serves as a great location for a relaxation day for those trip members interested in taking the day off from paddling. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 8-10 miles / 2-5 hours; Open water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 6
Today we break camp and head south spending our morning gliding along the shores of Shaw Island or San Juan Island (current dependent) before stopping for lunch on Turn Island. We arrive at our take-out site on the south end of San Juan Island between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. After unloading the kayaks and sorting gear, we drive back to Friday Harbor. Flight reservations departing Friday Harbor can be scheduled after 5:30 p.m. Flights home from Seattle-Tacoma Airport can be scheduled after 10 p.m. We recommend allowing plenty of flexibility on your return to Seattle. We cannot guarantee our return to Friday Harbor before 5 p.m. today. Breakfast, lunch included.
Sea Kayaking: 8-10 miles / 2-4 hours; Open water with waves, tides, currents.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change at the guide’s discretion due to wind, currents or other circumstances beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Our price is based on sharing a two-person tent. The request for single tents are on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 2 single tents per departure. Cost for a single tent is $59.
Camping permits and associated fees; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; guides; all group camping equipment (tents, cooking gear, utensils, etc.); all kayaking equipment and dry bags; entrance to the Whale Museum.
Transportation to/from Friday Harbor; pre- or post-trip accommodations in Friday Harbor; sleeping bag and pad (available for rent, $50 fee); insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges or airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; items of a personal nature including guide gratuities.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Beginners are welcome - it is not necessary to be an experienced kayaker although it is beneficial to have had some previous kayaking or canoeing experience (prior camping experience is also a plus but not mandatory). You should be at ease in a small boat on the open water and know how to swim. A typical day will consist of 3-4 hours of activity (paddling or hiking) with occasional breaks for sightseeing, wildlife viewing and meals. Participants should come equipped with a spirit of adventure and willingness to pitch-in and help with camp chores when necessary.
We use double kayaks on our tours. Doubles are more efficient than single kayaks because two people are working and paddling together. They are also more stable and faster than singles due to their increased length. Our pace varies depending on daily weather and tidal conditions. Most of the time a relaxed paddling cadence suffices, but occasionally strenuous paddling is necessary to overcome strong winds or currents. We paddle 8 to 9 miles a day, which is generally a satisfying workout for beginning to intermediate paddlers.
The San Juans average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains to the south and west. On a number of islands you'll find prickly pear cactus—a true testimony to the dryness of the region. During summer months expect moderate-to-warm daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening temperatures in the 50s. Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning.
Meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6. Typical fare includes entrees such as smoked salmon fettuccine, lasagna, and Thai noodles with a special peanut sauté. Most of our desserts are made in a Dutch oven and include fresh baked gingerbread and brownies. Our guides are experts at backcountry cooking and will make sure you’re never feeling hungry. Water will be available at all campsites and is safe for drinking and washing up.
Friday Harbor is serviced by Washington State Ferries from Anacortes (a town approx. two hours north of Seattle by car), or by Kenmore Air, a floatplane service from Seattle. There is also limited direct ferry service from downtown Seattle on the Victoria Clipper, a high speed ferry. Once on San Juan Island, it is not necessary to have a car. Full transportation details are provided upon sign up in the pre-departure information packet.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Washington: San Juan Islands Kayak
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Expect daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s (slightly cooler in June), with evening temperatures dropping into the 50s. Although days are generally sunny and dry, you must be prepared for wet, cold and windy weather. It is important to bring adequate insulating clothing and raingear for this trip. Please also review the “Things to Consider” section.
Gear Checklist
- Kayak, life jacket and spray skirt
- Dry bags, 1 large, 1 medium
- Tents
- Stove, fuel
- Cooking gear and eating utensils
- Group first-aid kit
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Duffel bag or soft suitcase
- Daypack (optional – for travel, not needed in the field)
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag rated to 30-40 degrees F, must compress to a small size (synthetic lightweight is best)
- Sleeping pad (Sleeping bag and pad are available for rent at $50 for the week)
- Rain jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants, waterproof and breathable
- A few lightweight items for use during flights or pre- and post-trip extensions. These items will be safely stored with your luggage while you are paddling.
- Sweater or jacket, wool or fleece
- Thermal underwear top and bottom
- T-shirts (no cotton)
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Wool or warm synthetic socks
- Paddling gloves
- Bandana
- Swimsuit
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sun/rain hat
- Sneakers/running shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties (watershoes or old tennis shoes all work fine as well)
- Toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries/bulb
- Two large plastic bags
- Water bottles (1-quart is best)
- Personal first-aid kit (your own medications, epi-pen or other personal items – guides carry extensive group first aid kit)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Dry bag for personal gear (small)
- Small binoculars (7x or 8x is best)
- Reading and writing materials
- Travel games
- Seat cushion for kayaking
- Favorite snacks and drink mixes
- Ear plugs
- Towel
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/footwear and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Be sure to bring clothing for both warm and cool weather. For cool weather it is important to dress in layers. Do not bring cotton clothing for warmth. Once cotton becomes wet it drains your body heat. Synthetic fabrics including Capilene®, polypropylene, MTS® or Thermax® are best.
- Here's what our guides typically wear while paddling: Nylon shorts (with long underwear beneath if the weather is cool) and a long-sleeve, synthetic shirt. A waterproof paddling jacket and rain pants are kept close at hand on cool/misty days as well.
- While in the kayak, wetsuit booties work best. Watershoes, or shoes that can get wet (such as an old pair of tennis shoes), are also an option.
- When it's time to pack gear into the boats, keep your sleeping bag and sleeping pad separate. They can individually fit into the nooks and crannies. All your personal items and extra clothes must fit inside the provided large-size dry bag. Your rain gear, hat, gloves, camera, etc. is packed in the medium-size dry bag—this is stowed between your legs for easy access while kayaking. Your guide helps with packing questions at the orientation meeting and gives out dry bags. Extra luggage is safely stored on San Juan Island until you return.
- Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Please line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large hefty bag. Consider using Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes, or simply use the dry bags provided by your guides.
- If you are taking a floatplane to/from Friday Harbor, note that a weight limit on luggage (usually a 24-pound maximum) will be strictly enforced. Excess baggage charges will apply.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Just a quick trip from Seattle, the San Juan Islands beckon area residents for weekend excursions and longer escapes in every season. It's in summer though, when these jewels of Puget Sound really shine, that REI Adventures kayaking trips run nearly every week and bring travelers from across the country. Our skilled paddling guides, with their knowledge of the region, the wildlife and sea kayaking, work to make each trips a safe and enjoyable experience. We caught up with Tom, one of our San Juan guides, to get some insights into the islands, sea kayaking and his experiences as a guide.
Q: Tell us about life on San Juan. What makes it a great place to visit and a great place to live?
A: It's wonderful that the area has not been totally exploited—the roads are still relatively few, the population is not huge and there is a lot of land that has not been (and never will be) settled due to good land use laws. People-wise, the islands are of a different nature. Life can be pretty demanding on a ferry-served island. You have to rely on yourselves and on your neighbors much more than people on the mainland do. Not only are people more independent, but they seem to be more accepting of one another, more tolerant and friendly. To the outside visitor, the San Juans are an enchanting place—I've seen this in the reactions of clients who are visiting for the first time. They remind me of what we have—nearly pristine islands in a gorgeous setting, something that you can start to take for granted when you live here.
Q: I understand that you are a long-time resident of San Juan Island but just recently ventured into leading kayak trips. What made you decide to be a trip leader?
A: I've been an outdoor enthusiast my whole life: I used to whitewater kayak and rock climb when I lived on the East Coast, and in the late '60s spent 2 years traveling and climbing my way across the U.S., ending up in Yosemite. I worked as a rock climbing guide alongside—and in awe of—the Yosemite legends such as Yvon Chouinard and Royal Robbins. I had always wanted to see the San Juans, and in 1972, a Seattle-area friend and kayak builder let me take one of his boats to the islands. I spent two weeks paddling and exploring the area and fell in love with it. In 1978 I moved here with my wife and never left. Since then, I've been the outdoor education coordinator at my kids' school here in Friday Harbor and have led mountaineering, rock climbing and various other outdoor trips. Last year I started leading kayaking trips here. It seemed like a natural progression to combine my love of nature, working with people and paddling.
Q: What do you get excited about showing people when they come to the islands? Why is this area one of the premier paddling places in the U.S.?
A: The whole island environment. I'm a birder and a marine naturalist, and I love sharing the natural world with people. Last year I kept track of a pair of nesting peregrine falcons in the area, and I just learned from some of my ornithologist friends that the birds are back this year. It's this aspect of nature that I get excited about sharing with people, and I think I do a good job of it—it's really enjoyable for me.
Q: A trip to the Whale Museum is on the itinerary for the longer trip. I understand you've been involved with the museum for quite some time. What role does the museum play in the whale populations of the area?
A: The Whale Museum is the public face for the scientists who monitor the resident orca pods around the islands, do research on whale behavior and stranding. The museum provides education for the general public and for school groups which come through regularly from around the region. I've been involved with the naturalist program for a long time at the museum and got my marine naturalist training through them. My wife has worked at the museum for 24 years.
Q: We've heard that the food on both San Juans paddling trips is amazing and that a few of the guides are really good chefs! Can you elaborate on what folks might be served in camp?
A: Yes! I've been working on some of my recipes, in fact. Pasta dishes like smoked salmon fettuccini and a marinated tomato pasta. We're limited by what we can carry in the boats and what will keep, so these dishes are a good solution. We also make a lot of the meals in cast iron Dutch ovens—like breakfast frittatas. Some of the fruit and other produce is from farms on the islands, so clients get fresh, locally grown food. We are also mindful of personal tastes and food allergies and accommodate for these as well.
Q: What are the kayaking routes like on your trips? Are they suitable for first-time kayakers?
A: For the most part these routes are fine for beginning kayakers who are in reasonably good shape. We've had clients as young as eight years old all the way up to those in their late 70s.
On both trips, the route starts out heading to Posey Island State Park, a three- to four-hour paddle, depending on the currents and tides. There is only one campsite on Posey so we have an intimate setting for our base camp. The rest of the weekend trip is spent kayaking up to Stuart and Speiden Islands, and depending on the group's stamina and interest, we can circumnavigate Stuart Island or get out of the boats and go for a hike.
The week-long trip involves more mileage, of course, and there are some tides and currents in Rosario Strait when we head for Jones Island. We determine the best pairing of paddling partners and keep a close eye on our groups so no one lags behind or gets too fatigued.
Ready for an adventure of your own?
If you want to give your kids memories to last a lifetime, consider taking an REI Adventures Family Trip. Or, you may be in interested in booking an adventure for a special group of friends or family. Find out how on our Private Departures page.
