Our Strengths

At San Juan Kayak Expeditions, we specialize in high quality, small group kayak adventures for those wanting to experience the true spirit of the San Juans. We have been leading sea kayak tours since 1980! Our knowledge of these waters, coastlines, whales and wildlife is unmatched!

42 Years’ Experience

Small Group

Quality Kayaks and Gear

Safety

Experience

Our founder, Tim Thomsen began paddling the islands in 1978 and started San Juan Kayak Expeditions in 1980. He guided three- and four-day expeditions for thirty-three years and was quick to exclaim with a humble smile that he had paddled more miles in the San Juans by sea kayak than any human being on earth. Despite Tim’s retirement, we continue to operate SJKE with the same spirit of excellence often asking, “What would Tim do?” Today San Juan Kayak Expeditions remains the oldest sea kayaking outfitter in the San Juan Islands, yet the smallest.

Small Group

Our founders’ goals have always been to keep the company on a personal level and to insure small group sizes for a more intimate guest adventure. We continue to operate SJKE with that same goal today, focusing our positive efforts on access, safety, and minimum impact. 

Quality Gear

From top-notch guides, to gear and to customer service our company is unmatched.

We use high caliber equipment for every kayak tour including quality sea kayaks (Seascape 2s and 3s by NW Kayaks). A favorite of touring companies, the Seascape 2 is exceptional in performance and durability and its large cargo capacity and long, graceful waterline makes this extremely stable kayak ideal for extended trips. The Seascape 3 was the first and original full-sized, 3-cockpit triple on the market that easily accommodates three adults. The power of 3 paddlers provides for a quick, smooth, and stable trip. The center cockpit, with the center bulkhead option, can be quickly converted into the largest gear hatch available today and paddles very well as double.

We complement our kayaks with Werner carbon-fiber paddles, NRS or Extrasport PFD’s, Snap Dragon Design spray skirts, ThermaRest seat cushions, complimentary dry bags, and rain ponchos just in case. In addition, two-person Kelty tents and nylon hammocks are included on our multi-day trips.

Safety

Our customers’ safety is our top priority. We want you to have a worry-free kayaking experience, so we have chosen the best equipment available in the industry and plan our tours based on weather patterns and tidal fluctuations. Our staff members are certified in rescue/first aid and have extensive safety training, on and off the water.

We are here to show you the best of the best while keeping you safe. We know the islands, waters and coastlines inside and out, and only lead you to places that offer the most stunning views and most memorable experiences. 

Reputation

We love what we do, and it shows!

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San Juan Kayak Expeditions

5.0

Based on 402 reviews

review us on

Tom Mangan

04:41 02 Sep 21

Our half-day tour with Noah was one of our favorite experiences on our Washington trip. We went in August (the weather was great) and spotted tons of wildlife. Noah was extremely knowledgeable and provided thorough, enthusiastic answers to our constant questions about most aspects of the island. If we ever make it back to Washington, we'll be sure to come back here!

Rebecca Attebury

23:35 10 Aug 21

SOPHIE WAS OUTSTANDING!!! She not only gave us a personal tour (the other reservation fell through so it became a fun private excursion), but she was so smart and knowledgeable about the islands, its history and the incredible ecosystems we experienced. The water was perfect! And so many fun fury friends showed up, and we watched as they played in the water. Jellyfish were abundant, and we even had a clear view of the mountains. Nathan and Sophie made an incredible team, slowing down to show us fun beaches and historical points. Also encouraged us to sample the bull kelp! Yum! Thank you for a great time! You’ll not regret going with this crew!

Emily Brunkhorst

15:22 03 Aug 21

The guide Austin was awesome! Very knowledgeable and helped everything go smoothly. Mom is 65 and we went tandems, he was kind and talkative and made her very comfortable in the water. The boats were stable and the paddles were Werner (less arm fatigue)! We were a small group of three! If you want Cadillac service choose San Juan Expeditions! Great views and a fun time!

Martin Rene

14:55 27 Jul 21

My wife and I did a 3 hour tour last week. Our guide, Nathan, was outstanding! He was courteous, professional and had a deep fund of knowledge about the flora and the fauna of the area. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful and the kayaking experience, our first, was remarkable. Nathan was patient and very supportive in giving us the basic skills we needed to be safe on the water and to make the most of our experience. I highly recommend San Juan Kayak expeditions and we're so thankful that Nathan was our guide.

Elizabeth Emswiler

00:55 11 Jul 21

The guides were amazing. Very knowledgeable. I will definitely book these guys again.