San Juan Islands Lodge-Based Kayak Adventure

Overview

Experience the stunning wildlife, scenery, and local flavors of Washington State’s San Juan Islands. Make yourself at home in a cozy lodge between a series of sea kayaking, hiking, and tour excursions around San Juan and Orcas Islands. Observe resident orca pods on an educational whale watching tour, paddle through bioluminescent nighttime waters, and learn about the islands’ past by visiting historical sites and museums. Paddling the San Juan Islands is a breathtaking experience for both beginners and seasoned kayakers.

Sample Itinerary

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Upon arrival in Anacortes, you will be greeted by our team and meet your trip mates. We will take the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Explore the San Juan Island National Historical Park and Cattle Point Lighthouse and enjoy a beachside barbecue.

Travel to Roche Harbor and enjoy a half day of kayaking. Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park and San Juan Island Preservation Trust Westside Preserve. After dinner, experience bioluminescent organisms during a nighttime paddle.

Take the ferry from Friday Harbor to Orcas Island. Explore the historical museum and shops of Eastsound, and take in the view on a hike to Moran State Park’s Mount Constitution.

Experience a full-day paddle from Roche Harbor.

Enjoy a morning of kayaking around San Juan County Park. After a lunch break, take a rest from paddling aboard a whale watching tour boat, where you will learn more about orcas and other local whale species while observing them in their natural habitat.

Savor one last breakfast with your trip mates, celebrating an unforgettable experience in the San Juan Islands before boarding the ferry for Anacortes.

Dates & Fees

Wilderness Inquiry leads trips to this area, but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.

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What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Sea kayaking experiences will vary from two to five hours. Hikes will range from under a mile to three or four miles with some hills. Kayaking and hiking activities are weather-dependent and are subject to change for safety.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: Travel to and between islands will be by ferry. From our lodging, we will travel to hiking and kayaking locations by vehicle.

WEATHER: 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit with average daytime temperatures around 70 degrees. Expect some potential rain days; The San Juan Islands average 118 days with rain per year.

YOUR GROUP: The group size will be up to 12 participants, one to two Wilderness Inquiry staff, and local guides. Each group consists of like-minded travelers of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative adventures, and people pitch in as they are able.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Consists of a local hotel. Lodge rooms are double occupancy, featuring two queen beds and a shared bath. Solo traveling participants are paired in rooms based on gender. If you are a solo traveler who prefers not to share a room with another participant, you may purchase a single supplement for an additional fee upon registration.

MEALS: All meals are provided as part of your trip fee. Opportunities to purchase additional snacks will be available to participants at your own expense. Please make sure to share any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have when you register. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. If you have questions or concerns about food options, don’t hesitate to reach out!

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: A packing list will be provided to you after confirmation of your registration. Kayaking-specific gear such as paddles and PFDs will be provided. Expect a range of temperatures and climates with potential high UVA/UVB sun exposure and rainfall. We recommend you review weather forecasts in advance of your trip to best help you prepare for your personal comfort levels.

SAFETY WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to get in contact with them due to an emergency, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at 612-676-9400. We will work to get in contact with the trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel to, keeping in mind that some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance becomes available.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have spotty cell service, so we’d encourage you to take the opportunity to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry isn’t responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

CONTACTING TRIP PARTICIPANTS: If there is an emergency and you need to get in contact with your camper, please contact the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get a message to the trip leaders.

EMERGENCIES ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides carry current First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety Certifications and are trained on how to respond to emergency situations while on trail.