Gourmet Kayak Expedition: San Juan Islands
Paddle tandem kayaks through the San Juan Islands for three days and camp two nights, with gourmet meals and Washington wine included. You do not need kayaking experience.
What you will do
- Reach hidden spots that only a kayak can reach
- Watch for seals, starfish, osprey and perhaps orcas
- Hyper-local gourmet meals paired with Washington wines
- Suits novice and experienced kayakers alike
- Set up and break down camp together with your group
- Flexible downtime, with easy solo or guided hikes
Included
- All food and beverages: two breakfasts, three lunches, two happy hours, two dinners, snacks on the water, coffee and tea, sparkling water, and wine at dinner
- Tents, kayaks, paddles and spray skirts
Bring with you
- The detailed packing list in the info packet
- Your own sleeping bag, pad and pillow, or pay a $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee
- Charging packs and cables, since camp has no power outlets
- Body wipes, since camp has no showers
- Gratuity for the guides, at your discretion
From past days out
Good to know before you book
Anything else, call or text and a person answers.
How physically demanding is this?
We recommend a certain level of fitness and stamina. You paddle up to 5 hours a day, with meal breaks in between. Conditioning your upper body with light exercise such as calisthenics, rowing or swimming for at least two weeks can help. Guides travel at a comfortable pace, but stronger currents on channel crossings can call for sustained paddling.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The kayaks are safe and easy to use, and paddlers of all levels are welcome. Guides give thorough paddling and safety instructions and make sure everyone is comfortable before you leave shore. Everyone is paired in a tandem kayak. Solo or odd-numbered parties are matched with another guest or a guide.
Can kids come?
All adventurers must be 18 or older. Pets are not allowed.
Where do we meet, and how do I get there?
We meet in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, at 10:30 am on day one, and guides shuttle the group to the start of the paddle. Getting to Friday Harbor takes about 3 hours from downtown Seattle by plane, car and ferry. Transport to and from the islands and pre- and post-trip lodging are not included, and lodging in Friday Harbor fills up fast. Details and emergency numbers are in the info packet.
What are the accommodations like?
You sleep in premium single or double tents on state park campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water and composting toilets. There are no showers, so pack body wipes, and no power outlets, so bring charging packs and cables. Cell service is usually available at camp and intermittent on the water. Burn bans may rule out campfires.
What will we eat, and can you handle dietary restrictions?
All meals are included: two breakfasts, three lunches, two happy hours and two dinners, plus snacks, coffee, tea, sparkling water and wine at dinner. The menu was created by founder Angela Shen with local artisan ingredients. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, but not last-minute changes, so tell us during booking.
What if it rains or the weather turns?
Tours run rain or shine, and we rarely cancel unless conditions are truly extreme. In that case we reschedule or cancel your trip. Daytime temperatures reach the mid 70s and nighttime lows drop to the high 40s. Guides watch the tide, water and weather to choose the best routes.
What is the cancellation policy?
Space permitting, we can usually change your date if you contact us no later than 30 days before the trip. We also offer cancellation insurance at purchase, which lets you cancel up to 5 days before. Otherwise sales are final, but you can send someone else in your place.
How much gear can I bring?
Space is limited. You get a 20 liter dry bag and a 5 liter bag. If you bring your own sleeping bag, pad and pillow instead of paying the $50 bedding rental and cleaning fee, they are packed separately and do not count toward your space limit. Extra luggage is stored safely on shore until you return.
What wildlife will I see?
You will likely see deer, minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and river otters. The San Juans have the second largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Orcas appear every so often, but we do not chase them.
Pick your date
Groups are small and the season is short. The live calendar shows every open seat.
From people who came on this one
The guides were amazing, so passionate about kayaking and the environment, and they made sure we felt safe and comfortable the whole trip. Plus, helping with kayak loading and setting up camp was surprisingly fun and brought the whole group together. I felt right at home! Thank you for creating such an inclusive and enjoyable experience!
Even though it took a bit of effort to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle, it's worth every step of the way. Paddling through the serene waters and seeing seals within a few feet of our kayaks was an experience I will never forget!
If you're hesitant about the great outdoors, take it from me, this trip is totally worth it! Kayaking through the San Juan Islands made me feel like a real adventurer and the wildlife we saw was out of this world. But the real MVP? The food! Who knew you could have such gourmet meals in the middle of nature? This trip made me appreciate the beauty and bounty of the PNW even more.