This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of ocean kayaking for up to 6 hours per day, in calm to moderately rough seas and weather conditions. Basic swimming skills, while not required, are recommended to provide a level of comfort when kayaking on open waters. We always wear PFDs when kayaking.
Important Itinerary Note:
Please note that due to the elevated food and wine pairings experience on this itinerary, there is a slight price difference compared to our standard itinerary. If you would prefer an experience without elevated food and wine pairings, please see our San Juan Islands Kayaking– Roche Harbor to Stuart Island adventure.
Paddle from Roche Harbor to Stuart Island while looking for whales.
Our trip begins today in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. This morning we meet at a park near the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. We transfer to Roche Harbor to prepare for our kayaking excursion and to enjoy a picnic lunch. The guides will speak about kayaking technique and safety and share helpful tips to make your journey through the islands more comfortable. We paddle along Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tonight we camp at Stuart Island Marine State Park, part of the 150-mile Cascadia Marine Trail and one of 16 trails chosen by the White House Millennium Council to represent America's diverse and remarkable natural history and culture. Tonight's dinner, made with locally sourced ingredients, is prepared by our guides. Lunch and dinner included.
Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents.
Hike to Turn Point Lighthouse and kayak coves along Stuart Island.
We set out on foot to explore the treasures of Stuart Island. A hiking tour of the island includes Turn Point Lighthouse, which provides us with sweeping views of Boundary Pass. In the afternoon we return to our kayaks to discover tide pools and search for a variety of Puget Sound wildlife that call this area home. Returning to our camp for the evening, we celebrate the day with happy-hour snacks followed by a dinner and wine selection inspired by the San Juan Islands. All meals included.
Hiking: up to 6 miles; Sea kayaking: up to 5 miles.
Kayak by Stuart, Henry and San Juan islands, return to Friday Harbor.
Our final day on the water is spent paddling through Spieden Channel and winding our way along Stuart, Henry and San Juan Islands. This section of waterway is famous as one of the most visually spectacular kayaking routes in the Pacific Northwest. We watch for eagles, seals, porpoise and orca whales; much of the saltwater and shoreline in the islands is a protected wildlife refuge so sightings of birds and mammals are regular occurrences. In the midafternoon we return to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks. The trip concludes with a transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Breakfast and lunch included.
Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents.
