San Juan Islands Women's Kayak and Camp
2 Nights / 3 Days
San Juan Islands Women's Kayak & Camp
Trip Price: $1,199 / person
Trip Length: 3 days
Group Size: 4-14
Minimum Age: 16 years
Encounter the soul of the Pacific Northwest on this unforgettable kayaking exploration of the San Juan Islands. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to learn sea kayaking fundamentals, experience the wild bounty of San Juan Islands, and get away without blowing through a week of vacation. After orientation, we set out exploring in double kayaks. For three glorious days, we paddle with the winds and tides, crossing channels, skimming over lagoons and pausing to picnic in rocky coves while seabirds wheel overhead. Our naturalist guides share insights about the islands' history and animal inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and curious dolphins. We may even glimpse resident orca whales. Each evening, our guides show off their culinary skills with delicious backcountry dinners, sourced from the Pacific Northwest. We camp on Stuart Island, away from crowds. The summer sky frames spectacular sunsets and views of the Cascades, Olympic Range, and far-off Mount Rainier. You'll leave renewed by the peace and beauty of this wild refuge.
Trip Highlights
- Kayak through some of the most ecologically rich waters on the West Coast
- Connect with new friends in a camp arranged to bring you closer to nature
- Enjoy delicious food featuring fresh Northwest flavors
- Enjoy sweeping views of Boundary Pass from Turn point Lighthouse
- REI Women's Adventure—designed for women, guided by women
Activities
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. We sea kayak up to 10 miles (up to 5 hours), in open ocean waters and crossing large channels that are frequently impacted by tides, currents, wind, choppy water, and possibly inclement weather. The crossing of large stretches of open water channels requires constant momentum sometimes without taking a break for large periods of time. Guests should arrive confident, comfortable, and fit for these conditions. Previous kayaking experience and the ability to swim is a requirement. For safety reasons, singlekayaks are not available and guests will need to actively navigate an approximately 20' kayak in partnership with another person. While our guides will provide insight, planning, knowledge, and outdoor leadership during your trip, it is your responsibility to arrive physically and mentally prepared for your expedition.
What's Included
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; round trip transfer to/from Friday Harbor-Roche Harbor; tents, cooking gear and eating utensils; tandem kayaks (no singles) and all related kayaking equipment including paddles, PFDs and dry bags.
Accommodations
Island camping, 2 nights
San Juan Islands Women's Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
Your Adventure Itinerary
Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. We meet our guides and fellow travelers at a park near the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. A short van transfer delivers us to Roche Harbor where we'll prepare for our kayaking excursion and enjoy a picnic lunch. The guides will speak about kayaking technique and safety and share helpful tips to make your journey through the islands more comfortable. We paddle across the open water of Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tonight, we camp at Stuart Island Marine State Park, part of the 150-mile Cascadia Marine Trail and one of 16 trails chosen by the White House Millennium Council to represent America's diverse and remarkable natural history and culture. 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 guide prepared breakfast in camp, we set out on foot to explore the treasures of Stuart Island. A hiking tour of the island includes Turn Point Lighthouse, which provides us with sweeping views of Boundary Pass, and the Canadian Border, a stone's throw away. After our hike we'll have some time to relax before appetizers and dinner before embarking on a sunset paddle, discovering tide pools and searching for a variety of Puget Sound wildlife that call this area home. Returning to our camp for the evening, we celebrate our day in the magical San Juan Islands around a toasty campfire. All meals included.
Hiking: 6 miles; Sea kayaking: up to 5 miles
Our final day on the water is spent paddling back across Spieden Channel with a picnic lunch stop at one of the small islands along our guide selected route. This section of waterway is famous as one of the most spectacular kayaking routes in the Pacific Northwest. We watch for eagles, seals, porpoise and orca whales; much of the saltwater and shoreline in the islands is a protected wildlife refuge so sightings of birds and mammals are regular occurrences. In the midafternoon we return to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks and say good bye to our newfriends! The trip concludes with a van transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Breakfast and lunch included.
Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents
San Juan Islands Women's Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
2025 Departure Dates
Friday, May 23rd - Sunday, May 25th - Available
Friday, June 20th - Sunday, June 22nd - Available
Friday, July 4th - Sunday, July 6th - Available
Tuesday, July 15th - Thursday, July 17th - Available
Friday, July 18th - Sunday, July 20th - Available
Tuesday, July 29th - Thursday, July 31st - Available
Tuesday, September 2nd - Thursday, September 4th - Available
All dates are subject to lodging availability and may change. Lodging is secured approximately 6 months prior.
Don't see the dates you're looking for? Contact us to book a private departure.
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 Bottles (Two 1-Quart)
- 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
- Camera and Accessories
- Face Mask
- Sit Pad
- Small Binoculars
- Stuff Sacks
- Swimwear
- Travel Games
Weather
The San Juans average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the southand west. During summer months, expect moderate to warm daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening temperatures inthe 50s. Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning. Rain is always a possibility in the Northwest, though, so adequate raingear is still important.
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 of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.