San Juan West Side Sunset Kayak Tour

Everyone loves the colors at sunset

Price: $150 / Person

The San Juan Island Sunset Kayak Tour is one of the best kayak tours on San Juan Island. By departing from the west side of San Juan, paddlers will experience the best viewing location for sunsets and wildlife encounters. As the sun dips below the horizon, views of Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains create a picturesque image of the Pacific Coast. As the latest tour on the water departing from San Juan County Park, we will get to experience all of the striking color shifts as the light fades. Please note that departure times for this tour vary based on the time of sunset. See our calendar for departure times.

The colors of the sky are best right after the sun drops behind the Canadian Gulf Islands.

Like the other tours we offer, we keep group sizes small on our sunset tours. We believe small groups provide a superior experience, allowing better communication between the guide and the group. With fewer numbers, you can expect personalized attention from your guide, an unobstructed view of the sunset, and a richer overall experience.

We are the only tour that stays on the water for sunset. We launch our sunset kayak tour from the west side of San Juan Island to ensure the best sunset viewing.

Is the date you want sold out or not listed? Complete the Kayak Tour Request Form and we will get back to you if we are able to accommodate your request.

We Provide

  • Kayaking Instruction and Professional Guide
  • Waterproof Pants and Jackets
  • Kayaking Equipment
  • Dry Bag
  • Transportation to and from the launch location

You Provide

  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses and Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Extra Layers
  • Sandals or Water Shoes that can get wet
  • Gratuity for Guides (greatly appreciated)
Price:$150 / Person
Style:
Location:San Juan Island Kayak Tours: West Side
Duration:3.5 to 4 Hours
Depart:Click book tour button for full schedule
Our Shop
Activity:Beginner Level
Restriction:12 Years Min / 250 Pounds Max

Tour Dates

June - August
Small Groups - Smallest on the Island
Great Equipment - Fiberglass Kayaks
Highly Trained Sea Kayak Guides

San Juan West Side Sunset Kayak Tour Testimonial

This is an awesome company! My family of 3 did a sunset kayak trip with Eric as our guide. Not only did Eric do a terrific job of thoroughly explaining the equipment, safety procedures, and our route but he was also knowledgeable about the wildlife we encountered. Highly recommend!

Kelly G. - Vancouver, Washingston

Route & Itinerary

Our route travels within the heart of orca whale habitat and is known to be one of the best locations for whale watching on San Juan Island. The west side of San Juan is the perfect sunset destination. As the sun sets across the Haro Strait, striking colors are cast upon the steep bluffs of the shoreline and the smooth-barked Pacific Madrone trees glow a rich red. Traveling down to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse we will enjoy the calm of the early evening with less boat traffic.

The west side of San Juan Island is the perfect sunset destination.

We will travel along the shoreline towards Lime Kiln State Park, know as one of the best spots in North America to see orca whales. This area also boasts some of the best views of sunset, as the last rays of light illuminate the peaks of the Olympic Mountains across the water. While making our way back to San Juan County Park the light fades and we will experience the skies awe-inspiring color show of yellows, pinks, and reds.

  • Check-in: 15 minutes before reserved departure time at our shop, 260 Spring St.
  • Shop Departures: Variable departure times.
  • 20-minute shuttle ride to San Juan County Park
  • Kayak Instruction, Restroom Break, Team carry kayaks to the beach.
  • Launch Kayaks
  • Arrival Back in Friday Harbor: 30 to 45 minutes past sunset.

Please note this itinerary is a rough outline of the days travel. We can encounter delays that may affect our departure and arrival time back at the 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.
  • 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 host 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.

More Tour Related Info

Tour Preparation
FAQ's
San Juan Island
Whale Guidelines

Sea Kayaking Tours of the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are a small chain of islands in the Salish Sea. The area is a world renowned kayak tour destination in Washington State.