2 & 3 Day Classic Kayaking Tour

Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. We meet a few hundred feet from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, then transfer to Roche Harbor to prepare for our kayaking excursion. Packing into dry bags, we load our kayaks and begin paddling across the open water of Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tides and currents permitting, our picnic lunch stop will be on a picturesque beach on Posey, Gossip or Stuart Island. Returning to our kayaks, we paddle to Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island and set up camp for the next two nights. There is free time to relax, or perhaps head out for anevening paddle or hike. Tonight's dinner, made with locally sourced ingredients, is prepared by our guides. Lunch and dinner included.

Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents.

After a delicious hot breakfast prepared by our guides, we load up our kayaks with lunch, water and snacks, then kayak around Stuart, Johns,and Spieden Islands. There are several wildlife refuges in the area, and it is not uncommon to observe marine birds and harbor seals in thehundreds. Porpoise are also a common sight throughout the day, and in Boundary Pass or Haro Strait we hope to see orca whales. We makeseveral stops to eat lunch, take a short hike and enjoy the beaches. In the late afternoon we return to our camp and head out for a hike, or take time to relax and soak in the views. Dinner is prepared in camp. All meals included.

Sea kayaking: 8-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents. Optional hike: 5-6 miles

Our final day on the water is spent paddling from Prevost Harbor towards Turn Point in Boundary Pass. We expect wonderful views of Mount Baker and the Canadian Cascade Mountains. Reaching Haro Strait, a clear day brings views over 100 miles to the south of the Olympic Mountains. After a break for lunch on the west side of Stuart or Posey Island, we paddle to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks. The trip concludes with a later afternoon transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Extend your time in the lovely San Juan Islands or begin the journey home. Breakfast and lunch included.

Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents

Our Classic Itinerary is from Roche Harbor to Stuart Island. For families with young children, or folks seeking a more relaxed itinerary, we recommend Jones Island. Visit our Family Multi-Day Kayaking page if you will be traveling with children and are interested in booking a trip for your family.

More on these two destinations below:

Stuart Island:

Stuart Island is one of the most northwestern islands in the San Juan archipelago and is only accessible by private boat or sea kayak. Stuart Island Marine Park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and has over 33,000 feet of shoreline to explore by foot and sea kayak. Stuart Island has great old-growth hiking trails and rocky shorelines for tide-pooling. Stuart Island Marine State Park offers an easy two-mile hike to the iconic Stuart Island Light Station on the northwestern most point of the island. This, along with Lovers Leap, is a favorite sunset viewpoint with sweeping views of the Canadian Gulf Islands. 

Best For: Experienced paddlers, or novice paddlers in good physical condition, outdoor enthusiasts or those new to outdoor activities who are up for an adventure. 

Jones Island:

Jones Island State Park has great hiking and walking trails, rocky shorelines for tide-pooling, and epic views of the San Juans and sunset. Located to the east of San Juan Island, the paddle to Jones island is in the protected waters of San Juan Channel, making this crossing easier and shorter for novice paddlers. 

Best For: Novice Paddlers or Participants Seeking an Intermediate Tour Experience

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff. 

We provide

• All Group Cooking Gear
• Dry Bags
• Group First Aid Kit
• Paddles
• PFD and Spray Skirt
• Tandem Kayaks

• Tent(s)

   

What to pack

Required gear

• Flashlight or Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
• Hiking Pants (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Shoes
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Sleeping Bag (30°-39°, Lightweight, Compressible)
• Sleeping Pad
• Sun/Rain Hat
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
• Water Bottle (One 1-Liter) or Hydration System
• Water Shoes (Full Foot Protection)

Recommended gear

• Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
• Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Synthetic)
• Camp Towel (Washcloth Size)
• Cycling and/or Paddling Gloves
• Day Pack (Lightweight, Compressible)
• Fleece/Wool Hat
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Insect Repellent
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
• Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Toiletries
• Face Mask
• Sit Pad
• Small Binoculars
• Stuff Sacks
• Swimwear
• Travel Games

Printable Packing Checklist

Weather
The San Juan Islands average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the south and west. During summer months, expect daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening temperatures in the 50s.Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning, however rain is a possibility at any time making adequate rain gear essential.

Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, we will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number oftents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.