San Juan Islands Weekend Kayaking

San Juan Islands Weekend Kayaking Itinerary:

Show more for all days

• Day 1 Welcome to the San Juan Islands where our kayaking adventure begins in Roche Harbor as we set out for Stuart Island.

  Our trip begins in Friday Harbor, Washington. Depart your hometown and arrive in Seattle, then transfer independently to Friday Harbor (ferry or floatplane transfers available). Your trip leader will greet the group at the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal at 11:30 a.m. on Day 1. Please gather at Memorial Circle 100 meters north of the WA State Ferry Terminal. After we enjoy introductions and a brief orientation, we're whisked away on an approximately 20 minute transfer to Roche Harbor on the north end of San Juan Island. At Roche Harbor, we'll pack our gear for the weekend and run through a kayak safety tutorial. Once organized, we'll head out of the harbor in a northwest direction into the Speiden Channel and Haro Strait, where we'll then continue north to our first channel crossing. Depending on wind, currents, and wildlife sightings, our lunch stop will be at any number of picturesque public beaches on Henry or Stuart Island. Our eventual goal is Prevost Harbor, on the northern side of Stuart (quieter and more scenic), where we'll set up camp for the night. After setting up camp, we may have the option for either a late afternoon paddle or hike prior to dinner. After dinner, we will relax around camp to reflect on the day's accomplishments, share in the beauty of this wonderful area, and listen to our expert guides share stories of San Juans history and native folklore. Lunch and Dinner included. Snacks of organic bars and fresh fruit are always available between meals to pack with you.
  
  Paddling distance: 7-10 miles

• Day 2 A full day of paddling exploration today leads us through the protected waters of the San Juan Islands, legendary for its scenic beauty and abundant, diverse marine wildlife.

  After a delicious breakfast, the group will pack lunches, snacks, and day packs into the kayaks for a paddle around Stuart, Johns, and Speiden Islands. There are several wildlife refuges in the area, and it is not uncommon to observe marine birds and harbor seals in the hundreds. Porpoise are also a common site throughout the day, and any time you're paddling in Boundary Pass or Haro Strait we'll be on the lookout for Killer Whales and other cetaceans. The average mileage paddling today is 10-12 miles, broken up into 2-3 sections by lunch, snacks and hiking breaks. In late afternoon (3-5pm), we will make our way back to base camp. Once back at camp, we have the option of either taking a pre-dinner hike or relaxing near the water. All meals included.
  
  Paddling distance: 7-10 miles

• Day 3 Today we complete our journey through Boundary Pass and Haro Strait, with sweeping vistas and a chance to spot orca whales in the wild before our adventure ends today.

  After breakfast, we'll break camp and pack the boats before heading out northwest from Prevost Harbor towards Turn Point in Boundary Pass. This breathtaking paddle features views of Mt. Baker and the Canadian Cascades to the East. Rounding Turn Point, heading south into Haro Strait, guests can see over 100 miles south to Mt. Rainier past the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. Boundary Pass and Haro Strait are the two largest waterways in Puget Sound, and represent some of the best paddling in North America. After a break for lunch (west side of Stuart or Henry Island), we'll begin our journey back into Roche Harbor, arriving between 2:30 - 3:30 pm (giving you time to make post-trip connections back to the mainland). For particularly strong groups with favorable conditions, this tour can also finish at San Juan County Park. Breakfast and Lunch included.
  
  Paddling distance: 7-10 miles

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. The final paddling route is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip members’ skill and weather conditions, including wind, waves and currents.

Major: Seattle-Tacoma International, Seattle, WA
Smaller: Friday Harbor, WA (serviced by Kenmore Air)

This trip begins in Friday Harbor, Washington on Day 1. In order to arrive at the start point of the trip on time, you may be required to depart your hometown one or more days prior to Day 1 and travel on an overnight flight.  Before purchasing any airline tickets, carefully check to see that your arrival date in Washington coincides with the start date (Day 1) and time on the itinerary. Please contact us to confirm your trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate prior to purchasing your airline tickets and with any additional questions regarding your travel schedule. This trip ends in Friday Harbor, Washington on Day 3.

Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from dinner on Day One through lunch on Day Three; between-meal snacks and fresh fruit; 2 nights camping accommodation, double kayaks including all kayaking equipment.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

The San Juans average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the south and west.  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. Rain is always a possibility in the Northwest, though, so adequate raingear is still important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, 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.

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.

Gear Checklist