San Juan Island sea kayaking is an activity everyone can enjoy, with no experience necessary. It is also arguably the best way to view local wildlife. As with whale and wildlife tours, Friday's Historic Inn and The Friday Harbor Inn can add kayak trips to your itinerary.
- Outdoor Odysseys offers several great kayak trips including 1, 3 and 5 day adventures. Their specialty is a full-day tour departing from the prime whale watch territory of San Juan Island's west side county park. If one of your primary reasons for going kayaking is to see wildlife, you can't do better than this trip. The guides have excellent local knowledge and always have your safety in mind.
- San Juan Safaris operates from the west side of San Juan Island and from Friday Harbor. The two person kayaks are moored in specially built "finger" slips that make it easy to get in and out without getting wet. Within a few minutes of paddling, you go from a bustling marina to open waters. Their sunset trips are a special treat.
- San Juan Kayak Expeditions offers you the opportunity to paddle with Tim Thomsen, a local icon who has led expeditions in the San Juans for twenty-six years. Tim's quality equipment, experience and knowledge make his three- and four-day trips educational, safe and truly enjoyable. San Juan Kayak Expeditions also rents double kayaks if you want to create your own adventure.
- Discovery Sea Kayaks specializes in small group tours. They believe intimate outings offer the highest quality outdoor adventures. Small groups move more efficiently and produce less environmental impact. Day trips with Discovery are limited to 6-8 guests and multi-day adventures to 6 guests maximum.
- Crystal Seas Kayaking takes you in search of whales, eagles, seals and other wildlife on San Juan's west side. 3-hour, full day, sunset and 2 to 5 day kayak expeditions. Small, personal groups and experienced naturalist guides ensure a safe & memorable experience. Novices welcome.
- Sea Quest Expeditions is the only outfitter to provide actual biologists as trip leaders. They specialize in whale and wildlife watching trips with an educational slant. Trips from 1/2 day up to 5 days.
WHITEWATER KAYAKING: So, you've paddled the San Juan Islands and want to dig your blade into something a little...different, huh? We highly recommend Sundance River Center on Oregon's Wild and Scenic Rogue river. There's simply no better place to learn the art of whitewater kayaking. |
