This brand-new itinerary is something to get excited about! As the decreasing number of Chinook salmon have sent Resident orcas elsewhere looking for food, we decided it’s time to take advantage of the quiet, beautiful, and highly underrated east side of San Juan Island. We start with a mellow first day paddle before setting up camp and heading south for a short hike in American Camp National Historical Park with breath-taking views of the Olympic Mountains. After waking up to a gorgeous sunrise over Mount Baker and enjoying hot coffee and superb camp cuisine, we head over to Shaw County Park to continue to avoid the crowds. We spend the third day searching the Shaw Island coastline for critters before setting up camp on Jones Island, accessible only by boat. By the time the last day rolls around, you will be wishing you had four more!

The western half of the county gets a lot of attention and visitors and with good reason, however as the number of Resident orca sightings has dropped significantly in recent years, it is time that people start enjoying kayaking in the San Juans for their natural beauty and splendor alone. Get away from the hustle and bustle and start to unwind in the seat of a kayak with gorgeous views all around! Natural history, birding, and hiking highlight this magical 4-day experience of a lifetime.

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.

Paddle south to Griffin Bay Campground and set up camp before heading to American Camp National Historical Park for a nice hike to the Cattle Point Lighthouse.

Return to camp, relax then enjoy delicious dinner

Savor a mocha with a scrumptious breakfast, break camp.

Cross Griffin Bay to Pear Point and follow the shoreline around to Turn Island for lunch.

Cross San Juan Channel and arrive at Shaw Island County Park in Indian Cove where reserved campsites are waiting for you.

Explore the quiet, virtually unpopulated Shaw Island or relax by the water before dinner.

Break camp and launch kayaks.

Follow the Shaw Island coastline around and stop on tiny Blind Island for lunch.

Continue through Wasp Passage and island hop over to Jones Island Marine State Park.

Setup camp and enjoy beautiful hiking trails all around the island.

Have dinner and head over to the westside of the island to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Canadian Gulf Islands.

Have breakfast and break camp.

Stop for a hike on Yellow Island, managed by The Nature Conservancy and inhabited by many species of wildflowers.

Continue south to Turn Island to have lunch before following the San Juan coastline back to Jackson Beach where it all began.

Transport back to Friday Harbor in time to catch an afternoon or early evening ferry back to Anacortes or to your accommodation 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!