2 Day Whale Camp Kayak Tour

Join your guide for a fun, informative two day sea kayak and whale watching tour on the west side of San Juan Island. You'll use San Juan County Park as your base camp for kayaking and exploring on this two day adventure.

The pristine waters of the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands are host to over 85 resident Orca Whales and other wildlife. Sea Kayaking on the Haro Strait, the body of water that separates San Juan Island from Vancouver Island, puts you right in the heart of the best whale habitat on the west coast for seeing resident Orca whales.

Resident Orca populations are organized into stable, highly social matrilineal family groups called "pods." Known collectively as the "Southern Residents", they return regularly to the west side of San Juan Island during the Summer months to take advantage of strong currents and optimal fishing for Chinook salmon.

Day 1

Your journey begins with gearing up and orientation on the west side of San Juan Island. You will then launch and travel south along the coastline. You will search for wildlife as you paddle past the picturesque lighthouse and lime kilns of Lime Kiln State Park. After a day of paddling, you will return to San Juan County Park to set-up camp and dive into a savory three course dinner prepared by your guide in a dutch oven while the sun sets over Vancouver Island.

Day 2

Wake up to the sounds of the sea and a warm breakfast prepared by your guide. You will then pack up, load up your kayak and paddle north to Henry Island with views of the Canadian Gulf Islands. Most of your paddle on the second day will be spent in prime whale territory. You will stop for lunch, then head back to San Juan County Park to load up for Friday Harbor.

This 2-day adventure will leave you with a lifetime of memories!

Essential Information

Duration

Experience Provider Info

Maximum Participants

Spectators

Weather Dependent

What To Wear

Rescheduling & Cancellations

For this experience, our partners are taking proactive steps to help mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. These measures include maintaining the small group nature of their tours with a maximum number of 8 people (or up to the maximum allowed by government policies). Guests will have access to hand sanitizer at all times but our partners kindly request that guests bring their own if possible. In addition to regular cleaning practices already in place, our partners will be disinfecting all hard surfaces routinely in offices and before and after tours for all vessels and kayak and camping gear. Personal flotation devices will be disinfected after each use and hung to dry. Guests will be asked to abide by the most current regulations set forth by the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Department of Health, and Washington State regarding mask use. For your own comfort we ask that guests  provide their own mask (one which is CDC approved) for all tours.

1. I have little experience kayaking, is that a problem?
   No experience necessary!  Your safety is our number one priority. Very stable double kayaks are used that tend to be wider and much more stable than single kayaks. The guides are mature, seasoned guides who will give you a very thorough on-land orientation before you start your trip. You will learn the basics of kayak paddling including how to steer and fit the boat. The tour won’t get on the water until everybody feels comfortable with ocean kayaking techniques. Throughout your kayak trip, your guide is always there to give you pointers and assist you with your paddling skills.
   
   You also don’t have surf zones to contend with in the San Juan Islands. Vancouver Island directly to the west of San Juan Island serves as a ‘buffer’ for the Pacific Ocean waves and surf – which is one reason why the San Juan Islands are one of the premier kayak destinations in North America.
   
   Another important consideration is that the tours don’t venture very far from the coastline. It really isn’t necessary, as the wildlife tends to concentrate along the rich habitat found where the tour is operated.
2. How far do we kayak every day?

   It varies but figure an average of 7-10 miles per day with 12 miles the maximum the tour will paddle in one day. These tours are geared for novices and intermediate paddlers, so you're not out there to make "mega-miles."

3. I'm single...How does that work if I go on the tour by myself?
   The kayak groups typically include a mixture of both single guests and couples. You'll be paired up with another single guest or if there is an odd number of people on the trip you may paddle with one of the kayak guides.
4. I'm a vegetarian, is that a problem?
   Not at all!  If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know at the time of booking and we can accommodate your needs.  In addition, you are always welcome to bring your own food to supplement the food that is provided.
5. What are the camping facilities like?
   The campsites are usually beautiful waterfront sites. They are administered by the Washington State Parks Department. All the sites have picnic tables, fire pits, potable water and outhouses.
6. Are showers available at the campsite?

   Unfortunately, there are no showers available at the campsites used. On the positive side, if you've never kayaked before you'll be pleasantly surprised that you do not get as dirty and sweaty as you would backpacking. There are public showers located in Friday Harbor at the end of the trip.

7. Are guide gratuities expected?
   The sea kayak guides strive to make each kayak expedition unique, fun, and safe for every client. The guides are efficient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. If you feel your guide did an exceptional job and made your time on the water more enjoyable feel free to express your thanks with a tip. Tipping is not expected, but it is greatly appreciated by your guides. General rule of thumb for the service industry is 10-15 percent.