Griffin Bay Kayak Tour

Paddle the calm waters of Griffin Bay

On the east side of San Juan Island, just outside of Friday Harbor, Griffin Bay is the perfect destination for calm water kayaking. Set out for a short paddle to take in the views. The route paddles out towards Dinner Island where encounters with Harbor Seals and wildlife are common.

Protected from strong currents and prevailing southwesterly winds, Griffin Bay gives paddlers the opportunity for a more mellow kayaking experience. As with all of our tours, we provide quality equipment and professional guides to ensure that you get the most out of your kayaking experience.

Why Choose Discovery Sea Kayaks For Your Kayak Tour

Quality Guides: All guides complete an in-house kayak skills training, as well as a seasonal training course with top professionals in the field. Guides also participate in naturalist workshops and certification classes at the local Whale Museum which ensures that they know how to operate accordingly around killer whales and other wildlife.
Our fiberglass tandem kayaks have been selected for stability, performance, and comfort. From calm seas to choppy seas, these kayaks will perform perfectly.

Why We Paddle Griffin Bay

Griffin Bay is a perfect location for paddlers who may be a little nervous about the currents and rougher waters that occasionally present themselves on the west side of the island. Being close to our office in Friday Harbor we are able to reduce the time duration of the tour for those looking for a kayaking experience without the longer time commitment needed to kayak the west side of San Juan Island.

We Provide

Kayaking Instruction and Professional Guide
Kayaking Gear
Dry bag
Transportation

You Provide

Water bottle
Sunglasses Hat
Sunscreen
Extra Layers
Sandals or Water Shoes that can get wet
Gratuity for Guides (greatly appreciated)

Learn More About Tour Prep

Book The Tour

Price:	$115/Person
Style:	Calm Waters \| Families
Location:	East Side of San Juan Island
Duration:	3 Hours
Depart:	9 AM and 2 PM Our Shop
Activity:	No Experience Required
Restriction:	Young paddlers must weigh a minimum of 55 pounds. Maximum weight 250 pounds.

Terms & Conditions

Tour Dates

Daily July - August

Route & Itinerary

Our Griffin Bay Sunset Kayak Tour launches from Jackson beach, a short van ride from town. Within the protected contour of this bay, you will explore the shoreline and learn about nearby historical structures as well as a variety of wildlife.

Enjoy a short crossing to Dinner Island, a popular perching spot for local Bald Eagles.

Paddling around the shallow backside of this island we will keep an eye out for interesting intertidal life and also gain a lovely view of the surrounding passes and channels.

Check-In: 15 minutes before reserved departure time at our shop, 260 Spring St.
5-minute shuttle ride to Jackson Beach
Work together to shuttle boats and gear a short distance to the water’s edge
Kayak Instruction, Restroom Break, Launch Kayaks
Arrival Back in Friday Harbor: 3-3.5 hours after reserved departure time

Wildlife & Weather

Wildlife

San Juan Island is home to a wide variety of amazing wildlife:

Southern Resident Killer Whales: Salmon eating whales commonly seen June through mid-October.
Transient Killer Whales: Marine mammal-eating whales may be seen throughout the year.
Baleen Whales: Humpback Whales and Minke Whales.
Porpoise: Harbor and Dalls porpoise are encountered year round.
Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Stellar Sea Lions: Fairly Common in these areas.
River Otters: More elusive but seen any time of year. Most sightings are early morning or late afternoon.
Bald Eagles: San Juan Island hosts a healthy population of Bald Eagles with many nesting sites.

Every day is different and we can encounter other species of whales, seals, porpoise, and birds not listed above.

Weather

Early Season: Spring weather on San Juan is typically cool with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 50’s F to the mid 60’s F. Expect partly cloudy skies with light breezes to windy conditions.

Summer Season: San Juan Island can have some of the most pleasant summer weather. With half the annual rainfall of the Seattle area, San Juan is typically dry all summer. Temperatures range from upper 60’s F to the mid 80’s F. Skies are usually blue and clear, great for evening star gazing.

Late Season: Fall can be one of the best times to visit San Juan. The days become cooler, ranging from the low 50’s F to the mid 60’s F. Winds can be light to moderate depending on the current weather systems.

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