This super-popular overnighter covers 19 miles and traverses prime transient and southern resident orca country! (Disclaimer: The number or resident orca sightings in the area has decreased due to the diminishing Chinook salmon population, however we are seeing a record number of transient orcas or mammal eaters. Good thing we have a healthy seal population!) The trip is planned only when tidal currents are just right to aid our journey each day, but the trip is for the fit and adventurous! After a day of paddling and hiking, we will enjoy a seaside campsite on an island accessible only by boat. After a scrumptious dinner, we will hike to a secret lookout to watch the sunset over the Canadian Gulf and Vancouver Islands. From our mossy aerie, we will be able to view feeding Dall’s and harbor porpoise and harbor seals below, while sunset colors bathe the British Columbia Coast Range in pink and purple!

This trip launches from Griffin Bay to the southeast, but never looks back, because it finishes in Westcott Bay at our exclusive landing beach on the northwest tip of San Juan Island. It has an exciting, two-mile crossing into Spieden Channel with a river of current behind us and intimately explores rugged, steep coastlines and inter-tidal zones where sea stars, sea cucumbers, and urchins go about their daily lives!

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.

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.

East towards Turn Island for lunch and a short hike.

Depart 10:30 AM. Shuttle to Griffin Bay launch site for detailed instruction, packing and launch.

Paddle north to Turn Island, Shaw Island, Wasp Islands, Yellow Island(hike) and Jones Island (camp).

Set up camp, enjoy exquisite camp cuisine and sunset hike to west side lookout.

Break camp, pack kayaks and cross to Speiden Island, Sentinel Island into Speiden Channel to Barren Island and Posey Island (rest/bathroom break).

Circumnavigate Henry Island into Open Bay (whale country).

Lunch and sea glass hunting in Open Bay.

Paddle into Westcott Bay and Garrison Bay (British Camp National Park).

Finish at our exclusive landing site on Wescott Bay.

Shuttle back to Friday Harbor in time to catch an afternoon ferry back to Anacortes or to your accommodations in town.

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!