Why Paddle the Salish with San Juan Kayak Expeditions?
Small Group Trips
Trips are run in small groups to keep the experience more personal, with more time on the water and better access to wildlife and remote areas.
Experienced Local Guides
Guides spend their seasons on these waters and understand how tides, weather, and wildlife patterns shape each day on the water.
Wildlife Encounters
The San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to see marine wildlife. It’s common to encounter harbor seals and bald eagles, with the chance of spotting orcas depending on the season..
Choose Your Adventure
3-, 4-, or 6-hour tours
Explore the Salish Sea in an intimate, small group setting. Our experience of over four decades will ensure a safe, educational, and rewarding experience!
2-5-day camping and inn-based tours
Multi-Day Guided Expeditions immerse paddlers in the rhythm of the San Juan Islands, with nights under the stars, great meals, and a real chance of seeing marine life—including orcas—along the way.
Private trips for families, teams, colleagues and more
Planning a group outing? Treat them to something out of the ordinary! We offer custom, guided kayaking adventures. Choose one of our existing tours, or we will happily design a custom itinerary, with flexible routes and pacing tailored to your experience and goals..
With 42 years on the water, we can guide you in selecting the tour that is right for you based on your experience. Get ready to enjoy your own five-star paddling adventure!
Ready to explore the wild side of the San Juans?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
What Happy Paddlers Are Saying
Experienced Guides. Well-Run Trips
San Juan Kayak Expeditions has been guiding trips in the San Juan Islands since 1980. Our guides have extensive experience on these waters and are trained to read tides, weather, and wildlife conditions to ensure safe, well-run trips.
We operate in small groups and place a strong emphasis on preparation, route planning, and attention to detail. From the equipment provided to the logistics of each trip, everything is organized to create a comfortable and reliable experience on the water.
Wildlife in the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands sit in the Salish Sea, one of the most biologically rich marine environments in the Pacific Northwest. On the water, it’s common to see harbor seals and bald eagles, with the chance of spotting orcas depending on the time of year. The region is home to both resident and transient orca pods, as well as humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises that move through these waters year-round.
Plan Your Trip
Getting to the San Juan Islands starts with a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor, the main hub on San Juan Island. Reservations are required for all vehicles, especially during the summer months. Once you’re on the island, most trips meet just outside Friday Harbor, with exact directions and timing provided ahead of your tour.
We provide all kayaking equipment, including boats, paddles, and safety gear. For your trip, plan to bring layered clothing, a wind or rain shell, sun protection, and footwear that can get wet. Conditions on the water can shift throughout the day, so being prepared for both sun and wind will keep you comfortable.
