About Your Guide

Tim Thomsen has been a resident and avid kayaker in the San Juan Islands for thirty-two years. He has owned and operated San Juan Kayak Expeditions for twenty-nine years and has logged over 10,000 miles paddling in the San Juans!  He has personally guided over 450 three and four day expeditions!  His experience with orca whales in local waters is unmatched.  In addition to paddling in the San Juans, he led his own 6 day expeditions in Baja’s Sea of Cortez for thirteen winter seasons.

San Juan Kayak Expeditions offers something no other sea kayak outfitter can: an owner/guide who has been leading multi-day sea kayak adventures in the San Juans for 29 years!

Tim is also a sea kayak sail inventor and patent owner!

A Washington State native with a degree in horticulture from Washington State University, Tim speaks semi-fluent Spanish and plays classical guitar and alto recorder.  In the off-season Tim builds driftwood birdhouses and plays ping  pong three days a week.  He has completed one marathon and several triathlons. Tim is also a world traveler. He has spent past winters traveling and kayaking through diverse and exotic regions of the globe.

“I had a wonderful time on your trip! It was absolutely amazing! Your incredible knowledge and expertise, combined with a warm heart and a great sense of humor made this an experience I will never forget! Thank you!
Audrey “Scotti” McGowan
Portland, OR

“The first morning we were a group of beginners who didn’t know each other. Under your patient guidance, we were soon a well oiled team with excellent safety, paddling, and camping skills. Thanks, Tim, for a great trip. Your knowledge and experience made this a safe and educational three days for us!”
Bob Nowlan/Debbie Stout
Astoria, OR

“We had a great time kayaking with you! Thank you for sharing your expertise and sense of fun with us. I hope I can keep a little of your joy of life now that I’m back at my daily grind. Tim you have a true gift for creating a sense of trust and community among perfect strangers. Good luck and light winds.”
Virginia Mohl
Red Lodge, MT

“We just wanted to give you extra thanks for working so hard paddling so my wife could feel more secure and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the 3-day trip we took with you last week. Although neither of us was very experienced at kayaking or seamanship we felt safe paddling in the ocean under your experienced and observant leadership, and were very pleased with the individual attention you gave us. We’re glad we took this trip with you instead of the other tour operators. Best Regards and Happy Paddling!”
Jeff & Alicia Bastl
Chicago, Illinois