Half Day Kayak San Juan Island, Guided Adventures

Kayak San Juan Island

Explore, Adventure, Wildlife

“We had a great time kayaking! The team was very helpful and friendly. Our guide was amazing! He was very knowledgeable about the area and its history. Highly recommend for first-timers and avid kayakers.” (Review 2023)

San Juan Half-Day Kayak Tour Highlights

Small Groups (Max 8 Guests)
West Side Kayak Route (Best for Whales and Marine Wildlife)
American Canoe Association Trained Staff
Beginner Skill Level

Our Half Day Tour paddles the west side of San Juan renowned for encounters with killer whales and humpback whales. Beyond the allure of wildlife, this paddle route boasts the most picturesque view of San Juan Island. Leading the way, our sea kayak guides provide expert knowledge of the island’s marine wildlife and rich cultural history. With a combination of education and adventure, our Half Day Tour is the optimal experience, without the commitment of an entire day.

Setting Ourselves Apart

With nearly two decades of experience, our reputation is founded in professionalism and safety. All of our sea kayak guides go through a rigours training conducted by a certified ACA (American Canoe Association) kayak instructor and have obtained a Washington State Sea Kayak Guide License. Your comfort is important to us, we equip you for the adventure with Waterproof Jackets, Pants and Dry Bags. We have selected the best quality fiberglass kayaks for efficiency and stability.

We are committed to providing you the best kayaking experience and hope to pass all expectations.

We Provide

All Kayak Equipment
Waterproof Pants, Jacket, and Dry Bag
Wa State Certified Kayak Guide
Transportation from our office and back

You Provide

Beverage: Water or other Non-Alcoholic Beverage
Sunglasses, Hat, Sunscreen
Additional clothing layers
Sandals or Water Shoes (feet can get wet)
Tips for Guides (greatly appreciated)

Learn More About Tour Prep

Book Now

Price:	$125/Person
Style:	Wildlife and Views
Location:	West Side of San Juan
Duration:	Water Time ~2.5 Hours (Total Time ~4 Hours)
Depart:	11:30am & 1:30pm Our Shop
Activity:	No Experience Required
Restriction:	12 Years Min / 250 Pounds Max

Terms & Conditions

Tour Dates

May - Early October

Route & Itinerary

Entering the water at San Juan County Park and traveling to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, our route contours the west side of San Juan Island. Without a doubt, this is the most scenic kayak tour route on the island. Providing the best opportunity to encounter our local marine wildlife, you could find yourself rafted in kelp watching killer whales, sea lions, and habor seals. Historical cultrural highlight along the way is the iconic Lime Kiln Lighthouse. A true Pacific Northwest kayak adventure.

How long will I be on the water? Four hours represents the time from start to finish from our shop. We also spend time on the beach getting everyone properly set up in their kayaks and have a grasp of the basics of paddling. Time on the water is typically ~2.5 hours

Here’s a rough outline of the day’s travel. Delays can happen when we encounter whales along the way.

Check-in: 15 minutes prior to your reserved departure time at our office, 260 Spring St.
Departure: We will depart on time for your tour.
At the Beach: Kayak Preparation and Safety Orientation.
On the Water: Time to explore.
Back at the Beach: A short clean up and load up in the van.
Head for Town: Back at the office to share photos.

Half Day Kayak Tour Schedule of departure and arrival times

11:30 AM Departure from our Shop | 3:30 PM Arrival back at our shop
1:30 PM Departure from our Shop | 5:30 PM Arrival back at our shop

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.
Seals and Sea Lions: Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Stellar Sea Lions
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.

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