Kayaking through the San Juan Islands - 5-days, San Juan Island to Anacortes
Similar deals
This is a one-way trip through the San Juan Islands. Nobody else does anything like this 5-day tour. You will get to see parts of the San Juan Islands that most participants on guided kayak tours never get to see. Avoid the cookie-cutter style trips and join one of our fun and professional guides on a journey of discovery!
Itinerary
Day 1: San Juan Island to Stuart Island, or Jones Island (depending on conditions and the needs of the group)
Stop At: Friday Harbor, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, San Juan Islands, Washington
Disembarking from the San Juan ferry you will walk off of the boat in Friday Harbor. Just a few steps from the ferry is a roundabout where your shuttle will wait for you.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: San Juan County Park, WA
We have two possible launch locations, chosen based on prevailing weather conditions and the needs of the group. San Juan County Park is a peaceful location on the west side of San Juan Island. As your guide packs the kayaks you can enjoy great views across the water into Canada. Keep your eyes open for whales, if they are in the area then they sometimes pass by quite closely here.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands, Washington
You will begin your trip at the westernmost extremity of the San Juan Islands. Just a few miles away is the border with Canada. With 5-days at your disposal, you are going to become intimately acquainted with this remarkable group of islands.
Duration: 5 days
Stop At: San Juan Island, San Juan Island, San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Island is the county seat of the San Juan Islands archipelago. The town of Friday Harbor is a bustling tourism destination in the summer months, boasting plenty of nice accommodations, restaurants, and shops.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Stuart Island State Park, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250
Often billed as the northwesternmost point of the continental United States, Stuart Island has two beautiful camp areas within the state park. A small dirt road leads to the historic lighthouse on the west side of the island. Sunsets here can be incredible.
Stuart Island is often our first stop on this trip. We will spend one night here before moving towards Anacortes. (Note: some trips paddle directly to the lovely camps on Jones Island. It depends on weather conditions and the needs of the group.)
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245
Jones Island is the largest island in the group known as the "Wasp Islands". This is one of our favorite camping areas. All campsites are beautiful, and the sunsets are amazing. Walk the perimeter trail and keep a close eye out for small cactus colonies. This is one of the northernmost places that cactus can be found in America!
We usually spend one night on Jones Island.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Anacortes, Anacortes, Fidalgo Island, Washington
Your trip begins and ends in our sea side town. We highly recommend that you reserve a day or two before or after the kayak trip to have time to explore our outstanding forestlands. We have over 40 miles of trails, with beautiful viewpoints, hidden lakes, and groves of old-growth trees. Ask us for local tips!
Anacortes has lots of nice accommodations, restaurants, and shops, as well as two large grocery stores for any last-minute supplies you might desire.
Duration: 1 day
Stop At: Fidalgo Island, Fidalgo Island, Washington
The only island in the San Juan that has three bridges connecting us to the mainland. Plan on spending some extra time here to explore the Anacortes Community Forestlands, or the beautiful Deception Pass State Park.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Lunch: All of our delicious meal plans are personally arranged by the owner of AKT based on the needs of the group.
• Dinner: Our goal is to exceed your expectations for camp fare. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions.
Accommodation included: These trips are "expedition style". Our guests will sleep in quality tents, with comfortable sleeping pads and pillows.
Day 2: Stuart Island to Jones Island, or Jones Island to Obstruction Pass
Stop At: Stuart Island State Park, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250
We try to plan our daily routes to take advantage of the tidal currents and the prevailing weather, so where you will go is often dependent on these things. These descriptions of the itinerary reflect the usual islands that most trips will visit, not a guarantee. Your comfort and enjoyment are our primary concern. Readers should interpret these descriptions in a way that gives them a general sense of what to expect rather than a guarantee of which camp areas they will stay at.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245
Depending on where you stayed overnight, you will either be enjoying a hearty breakfast here on Jones Island, or stopping for a lunch break. Relax, and enjoy the sublime views of the Wasp Islands!
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Blind Island State Park, Blind Island, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245
One of our very favorite island camp areas is Blind Island. It is a very small place with only a handful of campsites. In the evenings the ferries pass by on their way to Orcas Island and Shaw Island. The 360 degree views are of a peaceful and pastoral setting. If you feel the need to restock your beer or wine supply then a quick paddle to the small shop on Shaw Island, or the larger store on Orcas Island can be arranged. Whether you are stopping to camp here, or just landing for a lunch break, you will be enjoying some time in the very center of the San Juan Islands.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Orcas Island, Orcas Island, San Juan Islands, Washington
The largest of the San Juan Islands is Orcas Island. Along the route that we usually take you will see its shorelines to the north of you for much of this trip. Mount Constitution rises above the archipelago at 2409 feet, making it the second highest mountain on an ocean island in the lower 48 States.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Obstruction Pass, Washington 98279, USA
If you stayed on Jones Island for your first night then we often like to paddle to Obstruction Pass State Park for the second night. This puts us in a good position to spend two full nights at the Cypress Island Reserve. Obstruction Pass is tucked away on the eastern shores of Orcas Island and has nice views across the water to Obstruction Island, Lopez Island, Blakely Island, and a host of smaller islets.
Duration: 20 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tent camping, with comfortable sleeping pads and pillows.
Day 3: Jones Island to Obstruction Pass, or Obstruction Pass to Cypress Island
Stop At: Jones Island State Park, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245
If you stayed here on the second night then Obstruction Pass is usually the planned destination for the third night. Enjoy the amazing day as you paddle through the heart of the San Juan islands!
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Blind Island State Park, Blind Island, Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245
Perhaps you stayed here last night and are planning for a big day to paddle to Cypress Island. Or possibly you are just stopping for a break. Either way, enjoy the pastoral views of the farms on Shaw Island, and the small community on Orcas Island, located just across the water.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Obstruction Pass, Washington 98279, USA
This was either your stay for the second night or your destination for the third night. Your guide knows how to plan the best possible route to accommodate the group's needs and to take advantage of the prevailing conditions.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Cypress Island, WA
Of all the islands in the San Juan Islands National Monument none are quite like Cypress Island. 90% of this island has been set aside from future development and is classified as a Conservation Area. The waters surrounding the island are designated as a Marine Protected Area. Consequently, the place has a ton of wildlife! Without question this is our favorite destination in the San Juan Islands. We operate many trips up there during the summer months, and visit Cypress Island for personal trips throughout the year. It's just outstanding.
Duration: 1 day 12 hours
Stop At: San Juan Islands, San Juan Islands, Washington
Paddling through these islands at a leisurely pace affords visitors a chance to see details that most visitors to the islands miss. Seals resting on rocks, eagles watching for their prey from lofty perches, and the sharp sounds of porpoise surfacing to breathe add to your experience. You won't want to leave!
Duration: 5 days
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tent camping, with quality sleeping pads and comfortable pillows.
Day 4: Obstruction Pass to Cypress Island, or Layover Day on Cypress Island
Stop At: Obstruction Pass, Washington 98279, USA
If you stayed the night here then you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up for your crossing to the Cypress Island Reserve. Your guide will time the crossing for the optimal tidal currents for the crossing.
Duration: 20 hours
Stop At: Cypress Island, WA
Cypress Island is often the campground that we use on the last night. It is an incredible place of wild beauty, with stunning views of the islands and the ice-capped peak of Mount Baker in the Cascade Mountain Range. Miles of hiking trails afford intrepid individuals the chance to stretch their legs after paddling all day.
The location of Cypress Island is also perfectly situated to provide a comfortable paddle back to Anacortes on the last day.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Comfortable tent, sleeping pad, and pillow.
Day 5: Cypress Island to Anacortes
Stop At: Cypress Island, WA
Your last morning! Wake up to a hot cup of coffee and gaze across the water. Five days have passed by in a blink. Although you are ready for a hot shower and a change of clothes, you can sense the change in your consciousness. All the background noise of the day-to-day life has melted away. You've settled into the routine of camp life and can't wait for another adventure!
After enjoying your last beachfront breakfast of the trip you and your guide pack up the kayaks and head for Anacortes.
Duration: 1 day
Stop At: Anacortes, Anacortes, Fidalgo Island, Washington
Most groups arrive in Anacortes between 2:00pm and 5:00pm, depending on the prevailing conditions.
We have several landing areas that we can utilize as needed.
Once you arrive at the beach and unpack the kayaks we will make sure to get you back to our office to sort out your personal gear. We will also make sure to return you to your vehicle at the ferry landing.
If you are staying in Anacortes then be sure to ask one of us about places on Fidalgo Island to explore, and great restaurants to dine at. Thanks for joining us!
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Participants weighing more that 265 points may not be comfortable in our kayaks. If you have anyone in your group that have questions they please call before booking.
- Participants over 6'5" tall should call us before booking. You may not be comfortable in the kayaks.
- Children under 12yrs old often do not provide much assistance in the tandem kayaks. If you have younger children, or are worried about your child's strength then please call. We may be able to arrange a special departure.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- 4x Breakfast
- 4x Dinner
- 5x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 4 nights
- All kayaking gear
- All camping equipment, and kitchen equipment
- A fun and professional guide!
- Transportation from Friday Harbor to the launch site
- Transportation back to your vehicle after the trip
- Entry/Admission - San Juan County Park
- Entry/Admission - Stuart Island State Park
- Entry/Admission - Jones Island State Park
- Entry/Admission - Blind Island State Park
- Entry/Admission - Cypress Island
Exclusions
- Alcoholic beverages (feel free to bring your own!)
- Personal favorite snacks and drinks (we have an assortment of both, but bring what you'd like)
- Personal Hygiene items
- Personal clothing (Be sure to ask us for a packing list)
- Bring a camera, a book, cards, or other items for camp
- Transportation to the ferry, or ferry fares, at the beginning of the trip
- Bring water compatible shoes, and comfortable shoes for camp.
- Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat!
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Our guests will board the ferry in Anacortes and sail to Friday Harbor. In Friday Harbor we will arrange for your transportation to the launch site where you will meet your guides. If you have not already stopped by our office in Anacortes (recommended) you will be issued your dry bags and will have plenty of time to pack. After you have packed we will take your extra luggage back with us to Anacortes where it will be securely stored until your return from your trip.
You will be parking your vehicle in the Anacortes Ferry Terminal parking area for the duration of the trip, we will arrange to return you to your vehicle afterward. If you are taking a shuttle to the ferry then you can arrange to be picked up by the same shuttle near our Anacortes office.
Departure Time
7:00 AM
Duration
5 days
Voucher Info
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Anacortes Kayak Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Need to know info
- ALL SALES FINAL.
- Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates.
- Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment.
- Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale and Extraordinary Event Policy do not apply.
- See Viator voucher terms under "Viator Vouchers" here. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings