Self-Catered Multi-day Kayaking
2-Day : $275
3-Day : $385
3-Day Sucia : $415
4-Day : $515
5-Day : $640
5-Day Sucia : $670
Prices do not include WA sales tax.
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or call 1-800-992-1801
Many of you are active people who often plan your own adventures. You already know how to camp, have all the gear, and enjoy the whole process of creating your own meals. You don’t necessarily need the luxuries of having an all-inclusive and fully catered trip. What you really want to do is to utilize the equipment that you already have, incorporate it into a great sea kayaking experience in the San Juan Islands, and you want to save a few bucks in the process!
We hear you loud and clear! Our Self-Catered Multi-day Kayaking option is the perfect solution for you. We’ve been doing this for years now, and every year more and more folks are choosing this alternative as a great way for them to use the equipment that they are familiar with, control their own meal plans, as well as save hundreds of dollars.
Theses trips are exactly the same experience. In fact, we often have mixed groups where some guests are using our gear, and our guides are preparing the meals in camp, while others are having a great time alongside them while creating their own cuisine.
It is a simple concept, here’s how it works:
- We will provide all of the paddling related equipment (boats, life-jackets, paddles, dry bags, etc), as well as one of our awesome guides to show you around. All you need to bring is your own camping gear (tents, pads, sleeping bags, kitchen kit), and your food.
- Our guides will look after the usual details of the trip, and see that you are comfortable and having fun. (They will look after their own meals too, so you don’t have to worry about providing anything for them, we’ll take care of that).
- If you are flying in, and can’t travel with stove fuel, just let us know. We can either fill up your canisters with liquid-fuel, or sell you as many propane canisters as you will need (we carry MSR IsoPro, and we can find other brands if you require it). If you do not have a stove that travels well then we can provide one for you for a $15 rental fee.
What to Bring on a Self-Catered Trip
The amount of storage space available in the kayaks is the main limiting factor in deciding what to bring on your trip. If you are planning to reserve single kayaks, careful packing becomes even more critical. It is always a good idea to talk to either Megan or Erik when you are preparing for your departure so that you can avoid any complications on the day of the trip.
Here’s a simple list to give you some ideas: (You can also go to our All You Need To Know page for more ideas.)
- Tent/Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad—“backpacker” type gear works better than “car camping” style. Compressible sleeping bags are essential. Call if you have questions.
- Kitchen Kit—Small pots, utensils, cutting knives, small camp stoves, fuel canisters, plates and bowls, coffee filter, mug/cup, zip-loc bags for leftovers and food storage.
- Personal Toiletries—Whatever you need. Remember that there are no showers at the island camp areas, and water is a precious commodity. Cypress Island trips require that you carry in your own water supply, as do several other islands out here.
- Water—Depending on which trip you are on, you may need to bring all of your own water. We recommend bringing at least two 1L bottles (Nalgene style) for use during the day and water bladders, or gallon jugs from a grocery (with screw top!). Call us and we’ll give you our ideas on what seems appropriate for your trip.
- Clothing—Layers are best. We recommend two sets of clothes, one for paddling and one for camp. Avoid cotton if possible, once it gets wet it will stay wet for your whole trip. Bring light base layers, mid-layers, and warmer outer layer. Warm jacket. A rain coat/pants may be necessary. Brimmed hat. Wool or fleece hat. Enough socks/underwear to make you happy. Daytime temperatures are generally mild (65-75F), and night temperatures can cool down to the low 50’s. A lot depends on what time of the season you’ll be joining us.
- Shoes—One pair that can get wet for paddling, one pair for camp. Running style shoes work great for camp. Big hiking boots are difficult to pack. Consider the weather though.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Medications—Please let us know if you have any conditions that we need to be aware of.
- Camera/ Headlamp or Flashlight/ extra batteries
- Extra Zip Loc bags—These are super handy for keeping small things dry.
This list is meant only as a guideline to help you decide what to bring. Please feel welcome to call if you have any questions. Remember, space is at a premium, so try not to pack the kitchen sink. :)
