San Juan Islands Lodge-Based Kayak Adventure
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Experience the stunning wildlife, scenery, and local flavors of Washington’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.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Delicious, healthy meals
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to the San Juan Islands
Upon arrival in Seattle, you will be greeted by our team and meet your trip mates. We will drive to Anacortes and take the ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Explore the San Juan Island National Historical Park and Cattle Point Lighthouse and enjoy a beachside barbecue.
Day 2 – Spend the Day Paddling and Visiting Local Parks
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.
Day 3 – Explore Orcas Island
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.
Day 4 – Kayak and Explore from Roche Harbor
Experience a full-day paddle from Roche Harbor.
Day 5 – Enjoy Morning Kayaking and Afternoon Whale Watching
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.
Depart the San Juan Islands
Savor one last breakfast with your trip mates, celebrating an unforgettable experience in the San Juan Islands before boarding the ferry for Anacortes and driving back to Seattle.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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