Kayak Expeditions
DAY, MULTI-DAY and ALL-WOMEN GUIDED SEA KAYAK TRIPS
Rugged coastline, picturesque seaside campsites and an abundance of wildlife highlight all of my guided half-day, full-day and two, three and four day trips! With opportunities to sea kayak with orca whales, river otter, stellar sea lions, Dalls’ or harbor porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and much more, yours could be a journey to remember!
On our multi-day adventures, you’ll see islands with names like Flattop, Sentinel, Canoe, Obstruction, Skipjack, Halftide, Whale Rock, Goose, Battleship, Barren and Blind(my trips show you more islands than any other company)! You’ll visit a pelagic cormorant rookery, pass near harbor seal haul-outs and traverse coastlines of rugged, towering, lichen-covered cliffs, deep Douglas fir forests and white sand beach! Quaking aspen, red-barked madrona, western red cedar and wind-sculpted Rocky Mountain juniper hem the shores, while around you fronds of giant bull kelp undulate in the current and glow like rusty, gold tendrils in the warm sunlight!
And if the wind is just right – hoist the spinnakers! Racing side by side with five or six colorful, double kayaks all with bright, billowing sails is exhilarating! As the sea rushes effortlessly past your bow and you feel the pull of the wind in your sail, it will all take your breath away! Sea kayak sailing really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience offered exclusively by San Juan Kayak Expeditions! Rig your sail(multi-day trips only)!
All of that is on the water! During beach breaks or in camp, we often have leisure time for tide-pooling, hiking, a horseshoe tournament, a nap or a book in a hammock, birding, or a card game! Sound like fun? It really is! Then, after dinner, how about a sunset paddle or hike?
On the last night of each multi-day trip(except the Two Day Overnighter), we will set up our tents on a small island reserved exclusively for San Juan Kayak Expeditions and located on the edge of orca country! With a view west across Haro Strait into the Canadian Gulf Islands and north to the British Columbia Coast Range, you will feel perched on the edge of the world! In the final hours of the day, we’ll enjoy the warmth of a driftwood campfire and rehash the day’s events!
If you have chosen one of our day trips, you will paddle the best equipment on the market today, avoid the kayak company hustle-bustle on the west side and paddle in one of the most serene and scenic bays in the islands!
Come paddle and sail the beautiful San Juan Islands with us! You’ll talk about your trip for years to come!
Make A Reservation Today!
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
“Truly memorable! I don’t remember the names of all the islands we saw, but I’ll remember their rugged beauty! Loved the porpoise swimming around us during our sunset paddle, the bizarre madrona trees and the laughter around the campfires! Everyone was so friendly, fun, and helpful. I’ll keep with me many lifelong memories and friends.”
Bill Conchi
Kenmore, WA
See my Spring/Summer 2012 guided trip schedule!
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GUIDED TRIPS WE OFFER
Half-Day Tour
If your time is limited, a leisurely exploration of the coastline and islands dotting serene Griffin Bay is the perfect island adventure for you. Just a mile south of Friday Harbor but seemingly in a different world, Griffin Bay offers protected waters, bald eagles, harbor seals and stunning views of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains. These trips depart twice daily from May through September.
Full-Day Tour
Let’s explore Griffin Bay and American Camp National Park by kayak and foot! This trip offers a chance to see plenty of wildlife in a quiet bay just a short drive from Friday Harbor. We supply you with a seasoned guide, delicious lunches and state-of-the-art, fiberglass sea kayaks. Bring your cameras and binoculars to observe sea lions, seals, porpoise, eagles and possibly orca whales. These trips depart every morning from May to September.
Sunset Tour
No need for the long drive to the westside , when you can enjoy the last light of day in a picturesque bay just minutes from Friday Harbor. Our sunset tour will give you the chance to drift with harbor seals while you watch the sun go down. These trips depart daily in the late afternoon/early evening from May to September.
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Two Day Overnighter
This leisurely one night trip paddles in protected waters, and is for those seeking a peaceful introduction to the sport of sea kayaking. We will camp at one of the most spectacular and least known campgrounds in the San Juans and explore the southern end of the archipelago by foot and kayak. With the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains as backdrops, we will hike the trails of American Camp National Park and paddle gently sloping beaches and hidden lagoons.
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Three Day Coastal Explorer
We’ll start from San Juan Islands’ east side and steer north and west through whale country exploring the remote coves and beaches of San Juan, Orcas, Shaw and the Wasp Islands while keeping constant watch for orca and minke whales. Rugged coastline and an abundance of wildlife highlight this trip.
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“I am so glad you encouraged me to take the four day trip. The spectacular beauty of the islands could not be experienced any other way. I felt so strong! From the wake-up flute to the campfire at night, each day was a gem. Thank you, thank you.”
Jane Gilbreath
Kansas City, MO
Four Day Islands Adventurer
This trip is for the true adventurer and is an ideal expedition for kayaking with orca whales, stellar sea lions, harbor seals and other marine mammals and to observe the varied flora and fauna of the San Juan Islands. If you want to “experience” these islands, this is the kayak trip for you!
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All Women Tours
Each month we offer women of all ages a chance to spend time together on a two or three day sea kayaking adventure! These women-only trips are a special opportunity for women to bond, share and explore one of the most beautiful archipelagos on earth. Led by our own intrepid Anna Nation, you will enjoy spending time with a most amazingly accomplished young woman! Please join us for a women-only sea kayak journey of adventure in the San Juan Islands!
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Custom Tours
We are experienced professionals in arranging guided sea kayaking trips to meet your special needs! If you have specific dates, routes or groups in mind, we can plan the perfect adventure for you. Over the past 31 years, we have catered to school and family reunions, executive retreats, boy or girl scout troops, company getaways, wedding parties and more. Please contact us for more information.
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SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Kayak Rentals
Rent your own double sea kayak and gear to create your own one-day or multi-day adventure! We rent only top-of-the-line equipment, use our 31 years of experience to help you plan your trip and supply you with charts and a detailed itinerary written by owner Tim Thomsen to insure a safe and fulfilling exploration of the San Juan Islands.
Reserve Your Kayak Rental Now!
See our 2012 Schedule for all trip dates!
Come paddle and sail the beautiful San Juan Islands with us! You’ll talk about your trip for years to come!
“It was wonderful getting to know everyone! The leadership, the camaradarie of the group and the resulting experience made this an amazing trip! It was the highlight of my summer!”
Mark Francis
Seattle, WA
