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Route & Itinerary

The Half Day Kayak Tour route travels within the heart of orca whale habitat.

The west side of San Juan Island is a federally designated habitat for southern resident killer whales.

Paddle along the steep bluffs and rocky shorelines near Lime Kiln State Park. This area boasts some of the island’s most spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island.

• Check-in: 15 minutes before reserved departure time at our shop, 260 Spring St.
• 20-minute shuttle ride to San Juan County Park
• Kayak Instruction, Restroom Break, Launch Kayaks
• Arrival Back in Friday Harbor: 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM

Trips can be delayed due to orca encounters. Because of regulations in place to protect our local orca whales our movements can be restricted when whales are in the area. Please keep in mind this can affect our return time back to town. We will always do our best to get everyone back in a timely manner.

Half Day Kayak Tour Schedule of departure and arrival times

• 8:00 AM Departure | 12:00 PM Arrival
• 11:30 AM Departure | 3:30 PM Arrival
• 1:30 PM Departure | 5:30 PM Arrival

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 encounter 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 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 Island. 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.