Remote campsites, scenic vistas, wild coastlines, and the chance to see every critter that lives in these parts are all a part of the package! This trip is only for fit, adventurous people willing to accept a challenge. You must be active, muscle-toned, and ready for excitement. For those who meet these criteria awaits an adventure with cozy campfires, sea glass hunting, whale watching, sea kayak sailing and scrumptious camp cuisine. Marvelous sunset hikes and bioluminescent paddles will make this trip the highlight of your summer!

The “Ultimate!” is scheduled only when the tides are just right to aid us with favorable tidal current each day of the trip. Learning about tidal flows and observing the beauty of a moving sea adds greatly to your education and enjoyment of this unique environment. Our guides are experts at using tides whenever possible to sweep us along coastlines and make open-water crossings. Wind and/or rough seas may require prolonged paddling at times, so all participants must be fit and have a can-do attitude.

Camping at a uniquely beautiful, seaside campsite each night gives us the chance to explore special islands. By kayak and on foot we’ll experience Jones Island, Sucia Island, Matia Island, Clark Island, Turn Island, Yellow Island and Obstruction Pass). In between these locations lie majestic sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, dense coniferous forest, and intertidal abundance. We’ll hike coastal and old-growth forest trails, relax in hammocks we carry along and enjoy sunset views that will astound.

We begin at our Sea Kayak Center kiosk at 25 Nichols Street on the morning of your tour. If you are on the ferry that morning, catch the earliest possible ferry from Anacortes. Upon arrival, please make your way immediately to our location. Please call if you have any questions.

We are located just two blocks directly up the hill from the ferry dock in Friday Harbor. Follow East Street past ferry loading lanes, cross to The Hungry Clam, past Serendipity Used Books, and The Market Chef. We are on the corner of A and Nichols Street between Cynthia’s Bistro and Roy’s Drive-Thru. Look for our Kayak Tours sign and umbrellas inside the white, picket fence.

If you are on the island the night before your tour or coming off the ferry the morning of, please meet at our kiosk at 10:15 AM.

Shuttle to Griffin Bay launch site for detailed instruction and packing before launch.

Launch and paddle to Turn Island, cross San Juan Channel to Shaw Island. Lunch in Hidden Cove. Continue to Neck Pt. then Yellow Island Nature Preserve for a hike. Cross to Jones Island to camp. Enjoy sunset hike and spectacular viewpoint.

Launch and cross Spring Passage to Orca Island to Pt. Doughty for a beach break and a fantastic view of Mt. Baker and the Canadian Gulf Islands.

Break camp – Cross to Matia Island for hike in old growth forest on circumference trail. Paddle north coast to Puffin Island then cross with tide to Clark Island.

Set up camp then explore island by foot.

Break camp – Cross to Orcas Island and Pt. Lawrence then to Doe Bay for water refill. Continue in kayaks to Deer Pt., into Obstruction Pass and state park to camp.

Sunset paddle to Obstruction Island.

Break camp – Cross Eastsound to Diamond Pt., cross Harney Channel to Shaw Island, to Canoe Island then beach in San Juan Channel for lunch.

Cross to Turn Island for hike on circumference trail. Return to Griffin Bay and finish of an amazing adventure.

All meals use fresh ingredients and are wholesome, delicious, and nutritious and there is plenty of it! Our menu options are as follows:

Dinners:

Lunches are typically charcuterie style with salami, nuts, cheese, fruit and sometimes we do tuna salad with our local, sustainably caught High Seas Tuna.

Breakfast includes gourmet pressed coffee (from San Juan Roasting Company), cocoa, fresh melons, bananas, blueberries, and yogurt on super nutty granola. This get-up-an-go meal allows us to get on the water to catch the tide or encounter a pod of whales.

If you have dietary preferences like vegan, veggie, gluten or dairy-free, we will be happy to work with you! Our guides will often bring desserts or wine to share 😊

Our meals are active and fun. You’ll enjoy every bite!

Thank you for choosing San Juan Kayak Expeditions for your sea kayaking adventure. We look forward to meeting you and sharing with you the beauty and wonder of the San Juan Islands. To be prepared for a fun and safe kayaking trip please read the information carefully and well in advance of your scheduled trip.

Click here to view information on how to prepare for your adventure in the San Juan Islands!