You don’t have a lot of time and you want to try sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands. Skip the ferry hassle to Friday Harbor and join us on a fun 5-hour guided kayak tour that departs directly from Anacortes, on beautiful Fidalgo Island. Your Home Port to the San Juan Islands of Washington State!
Overview
- Excellent wildlife viewing possibilities: seals, porpoises, bald eagles, whales, deer, and more! (Whales are unpredictable in their movements and we never know when they might appear.)
- Beautiful scenery: Olympic Mountains, San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Mountains
- Undeveloped shorelines and quiet waterways
No Ferry Hassles!
Avoid the crowds of San Juan Island. Save time, save money.
During the summer months the San Juan Islands ferry can often become more of a burden than a blessing. Crowded boats, schedule delays, and the added expense can take the fun out of your day.
Anacortes is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island, the only island connected to the mainland by bridges, and you can drive directly to us. You get more time on the water and you won’t have to worry about a ferry schedule to return home.
Abundant Wildlife
The small islands, and the Williamson Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, that you will be exploring provide a protected area that is favored by seals as a pupping ground. During the summer you will be treated to fun views of these curious little creatures as they sometimes approach the kayaks. The narrow waterways around Burrows Island are also home to a well-studied population of Harbor porpoise, one of the largest herds in the San Juan Islands. As you float quietly in the water you can often hear their sharp exhalations echo across the surface, and unannounced close encounters are frequently experienced.
In recent years the population of several species of whales has exploded in the San Juan Islands, and the waters near Anacortes have suddenly become a hotspot of activity as the whales patrol the area hunting for food. Although we cannot predict when or where they will appear, nor do we actively seek encounters because we travel too slowy, we’ve been excited to report many sightings on these kayaking excursions, so keep your eyes open!
Aside from the marine mammals, you are very likely to see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and a variety of interesting sea birds living here. There are also many fascinating undersea creatures to learn about. On low tides a strange new world becomes exposed to kayakers and you will love to see these fascinating animals.
Beautiful Scenery
The San Juan Islands are one of the top destinations for visitors to Washington State for a good reason. The entire area is gorgeous! Kayaking from Fidalgo Island you will be treated to views of the Olympic Mountains, which rise dramatically from the sea. Across the water the high forested slopes of the Cypress Island Marine Reserve dominate the scene, while the low hills of Lopez Island protect you from weather rolling in from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The beauty isn’t limited to distant landmarks however. The islands you will be exploring are undeveloped and wild. Rocky cliffs topped with grassy slopes give way to tangled forests of evergreen trees and flowering shrubs. The water here is often a deep emerald green, almost tropical in appearance on certain days. And rising out of the depths are vast undersea forests of kelp which are home to an array of sea creatures and provide a protected rest area for seals and kayakers.
No Experience Necessary!
Like all of our tours, this 5-hour sea kayaking trip requires no previous paddling experience. Your professional guide will take care of the details so that you can relax and enjoy the trip.
We have designed our 5-Hour Trips to be comfortable and fun outings. The goal is not to cover vast territory, but rather to move slowly and take in your surroundings. After all, the slower you go, the more you will see! If you would prefer this to be a more strenuous activity then please give us a call. We may possibly be able to arrange a trip that suits your needs.
Single and Tandem Kayaks Available
Anacortes Kayak Tours is currently the only outfitter in the San Juan Islands to offer the choice of single kayaks or tandem kayaks for our guests. While tandem kayaks are the more comfortable choice for most people, we understand that some folks want to paddle their own kayak. If you choose a single kayak we recommend that you be in moderately good physical condition because you will not have a partner to help you propel the kayak. Supplies of single kayaks are limited so you should reserve early to ensure that you can secure one. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
Picnic on an Island
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. There is a historic lighthouse perched on the western edge of Burrows Island. It is a favorite place to stop and take a break. Stretch your legs and climb up to the grassy field where you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding islands as well as seals and porpoises frolicking offshore. There will be ample time for a bite to eat or perhaps a short walk to a hidden lookout over one of the narrow channels in between the islands.
Meeting Place and Time for Anacortes Kayak Trips
For our 5-hour Sea Kayak Trips please meet 30 minutes prior your scheduled departure at our store (2009 Skyline Way) in Anacortes, unless instructed otherwise by our office staff. We are located just past the San Juan Island Ferry Terminal, in Skyline Marina.
On-Site Parking Fee: $5.00
The Trip
Check in with our friendly office staff and you will receive your parking pass with directions to the parking area across the street. After parking you will be greeted by your guide who will outfit you in your lifejacket and offer you a dry bag for your personal items. After some brief introductions your guide will lead you down to our custom kayak docks. Here you will be comfortably fitted into your chosen kayak and participate in a quick safety briefing and kayak instruction. Now it’s time to launch!
Kayaking out of Skyline Marina gives you plenty of time to settle in and get comfortable before entering the open water. Further tips on paddling technique can be delivered to you here if you desire, just ask your guide for more instruction.
The first body of water you enter is Burrows Bay, the protected area nestled in behind Burrows, Allan, and Young islands. You’ll be treated to nice views of the western shorelines of Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, and also a peekaboo view of the rest of the San Juan Islands through a narrow channel to the west.
Because this kayak tour departs many different times throughout the day the route changes frequently. Your guides are very familiar with the tidal currents flowing through the islands and will plan your route accordingly in order to maximize your enjoyment. Most trips circumnavigate Burrows Island during the trip. Fast groups may kayak around all three islands, but that is an infrequent event. Occasionally the group dynamic or the prevailing conditions may prevent a complete circumnavigation. Your guides are always working hard to provide you with the best possible experience and to bring you to places that offer the most rewarding wildlife viewing. If you have any specific expectations or desires then please let us know when you are booking the trip. We can help make sure that we get you on the most appropriate departure.
We will make a stop sometime during the middle of the trip for a beach break. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic on the island while you stretch your legs and take in the beautiful scenery!
You will return to the same kayak docks that you started the trip from. Your guide will be able to then assist you out of your kayaks before escorting you back up to our facility.
We hope that you enjoy your experience, and we thank you for choosing Anacortes Kayak Tours!
Gear You Will Need
Dress appropriately for the weather. We like to say “as if you were going for a walk in the forest that day.” Usually this means layers, preferably non-cotton if you have the choice (no big deal if not). Summertime weather in the San Juan Islands is usually mild and so most days you will likely be fine in shorts, t-shirt, and water-compatible shoes (or old sneakers), but come prepared. Bring an extra layer, a windbreaker, and a change of clothes to leave in your car in case you get anything wet.
- Shorts or pants (non-cotton if possible)
- T-shirt (long or short sleeved, non-cotton if possible)
- Extra layer: fleece/wool sweater/synthetic insulating layer
- Light rain-jacket or windbreaker
- Shoes you don’t mind getting wet (flip flops are okay)
- Sunglasses (important)
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Baseball cap or sun hat with chin strap (wool or fleece hat if it is chilly)
- Light snack for on the water (candy bar, granola bar, GORP, etc.)
- Water bottle (very important, 1 liter per person at least)
- Protective case for any devices
- Any appropriate medications that you might need
Anacortes Kayak Tours will provide
- All kayaking gear (boat, paddles, spray decks, life jackets)
- A professionally trained and fun guide, with a comprehensive safety kit
- Dry bags for your personal gear
Age Limits
If you have younger kids (under 12) then please call before making a reservation.
We’ve found that most kids younger than three years old have a difficult time sitting in a kayak for the duration of the trip. Some older children may also need to move around more. As parents you know your children’s capabilities better than anyone, but feel free to call us if you have concerns. Also, you’ll be paddling with your child, either by yourself in a tandem kayak or with another member of your family in a triple kayak, with your child in the center seat. Alone in a tandem means that there will be more work involved and you may need to consider your physical strength.
Anacortes Kayak Tours prides itself on being the most family-friendly kayaking company in the San Juan Islands. We consider your kids to be an investment in the future and we want to get them out on the water and developing an active lifestyle and an appreciation of the natural world!
That being said, kids under 12 are best suited for private trips for better group dynamics and safety on the water.
Weight Limits
For your safety and comfort, we have a weight limit of 265 pounds (per person) in tandems and 225 pounds (per person) in singles. Call if you have any questions.
Health / Physical Limits
Our #1 priority is to bring you home safely. In the unlikely event of a capsize we need to know that you are physically capable of keeping your face above the water, that you are able in some fashion to assist with the rescue, and that your heart can take the stress of the immersion and exertion of an unplanned accident. If you think that you may be at risk, or that your health conditions are of concern then please talk to your physician and then give us a call. We’d love to try and help you find a solution, and if possible to get you out on the water.
Deafness and blindness will not prevent you from enjoying our tours, but please let us know at the time of booking.
If you have health issues on the day of your trip, please pull your guide aside and let him or her know. This includes even small issues (like diarrhea) that can turn a great trip into a problem for you. Our guides can then plan the trip accordingly.
Cancellations
For 1-4 people we require 48 hours notice for cancellations. Groups of 5-9 people - one week, 10+ please enquire.) Please refer to our Cancellation Policy page for details.
Weather
We enjoy about 250 days of sunshine per year, mostly in the summer. Even when it does sprinkle on us it rarely lasts more than a few minutes. We won’t cancel for rain.
The only weather that will cancel a trip is windy weather that causes hazardous sea conditions. Your comfort and safety are our biggest concern.
A Few Rules–Please Read!
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- No Smoking in the kayaks on these trips. This is a safety concern for us, many people get seasick after being exposed to cigarette/cigar smoke.
- Please do not litter. Pack out everything that you pack in.
- Sorry, no dogs. We like them, but they tend to tear the heck out of the boats, can disrupt the enjoyment of other guests, and can also create safety concerns.
- Your guide needs you to follow their instructions. Please respect this.
- Respect the wildlife who make the San Juan Islands their home. We give the whales plenty of space when they are around, we try not to frighten seals that are hauled out on the rocks, that sort of thing. Your guide will explain this more out on the water.
And at last, The Fine Print
We strive to make sure that we are being entirely open and honest with our marketing language and also when we speak to people about what our trips are like. We’ve been burned before on our travels and we never want to be remembered as a disingenuous company when you’re reminiscing with your friends later.
To assist us in placing you on the most appropriate trip please let us know if you have any special requests, concerns, or expectations when you call. That will allow us to either recommend the best trip for your needs or at least to give you a proper explanation about what we can realistically accomplish for you.
Using Single Kayaks on a Day Kayaking Trip
Over the years we have been hearing from some of our guests that they would prefer to use a single kayak for their trip. Although our tandem boats are very comfortable, stable, and the best choice of most of our folks, we understand that there are some of you that would prefer the experience of paddling by yourself. Currently, we are the only kayak tour company in the San Juan Islands that offers the use of single kayaks on our tours. There is a limited supply of them that may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
We feel comfortable doing this because our trip leaders receive safety training that is far more comprehensive than the current industry standards for the area. They are prepared to ensure your comfort and enjoyment of the trip.
As we continue to grow and develop this new program we encourage your feedback so that we can provide the best possible service to our guests. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thanks!
Please read the following information carefully as it contains important things that you need to know about reserving single kayaks.
Why does it cost more?
The use of single kayaks on these trips will only cost more if a guest asks to reserve the use of one.
Some trips will have singles present in order to accommodate odd numbered groups. In these cases there is no extra charge because we prefer that our staff lead the tours from their own single kayaks for safety reasons, and to be able to interact with participants more efficiently.
If you specifically reserve the single kayak then we will be booking the trip accordingly which will reduce the size of the group, and the availability of that single kayak for others to use. Due to the limited supply of singles in our fleet, and a limit on the number of kayaks that we are allowed to use on each trip, we feel that to be fair to everyone a reasonable surcharge is appropriate.
Thanks for understanding!
Who is best suited for use of our single kayaks?
- Experienced kayakers who don’t have access to a boat, or are interested in building local knowledge of the San Juan Islands.
- Novice kayakers who have paddled before and are interested in learning more kayaking skills.
- Totally inexperienced people with reasonable athletic abilities, moderate fitness, and a taste for adventure!
Limitations on who should sign up for this option
- Unless prior arrangements are approved, the use of single kayaks is limited to guests 18 years and older.
- For your comfort and enjoyment of the trip you should be moderately fit, reasonably athletic, and have no physical limitations. Paddling a single kayak is a bit more work than when you have a partner in a tandem kayak and keeping the boat tracking straight is not as straightforward in the smaller boats. Also, your sense of balance should be fairly well developed as the single kayaks are not as stable. Capsizing is more likely when paddling a single kayak, so you should be prepared for that possibility. We do have wetsuits available for people who want to be ready for immersion, and we highly recommend that you use them (some days it may be required by your trip leader).
- Our individual weight limit is 225 pounds and 6'3" in height. Larger folks may find the boats to be slightly uncomfortable for the duration of the trip. Please call if you have questions about this, these limits are not “carved in stone” but are guidelines that we have found to be fairly accurate.
- Our guides are very good at Risk Management and we trust their judgment. If a trip leader feels that any individual may compromise the safety of the trip then they may be asked to join the tour in a tandem kayak (at the lower rate), or receive a full refund if they choose not to go. Thank you for understanding!
- If the prevailing weather or tidal currents create conditions that might compromise a guest’s security in a single kayak then we reserve the right to cancel the reservation of that boat. Participants will be offered the use of a tandem boat, at the lower rate, or be offered a full refund if they choose not to join the trip. Again, thank you for understanding, your safety and comfort is our primary concern!
Caveat
- We have a limited supply of single kayaks, so reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. We may not be able to facilitate all requests.
- Environmental conditions (weather, etc) may preclude the use of singles on a trip, this decision is at the discretion of AKT management and AKT trip leaders. In the event that we feel that we cannot use single kayaks on a trip participants will be invited to use our more stable tandem boats, at the lower rate, or be given a full refund if they choose not to go out.
- Please know your limits! If AKT management, or AKT trip leaders, determine that an individual will compromise the safety of the tour then the participant may be asked to switch into a tandem kayak. Be aware that this may occur at any point during the tour. In these cases the participant will be reimbursed for the cost of the single kayak and be charged for the use of a tandem instead.
What Our Clients Say
Very relaxed and nice pace
We had a wonderful trip. Blake was a great guide. Very relaxed and nice pace. The side trip to the lighthouse was magical, and nice to get out and stretch. You do a good job of getting people out on the water safely and comfortably. The equipment was top notch. Well done!!! We will let friends know about the great… Read more “Very relaxed and nice pace”
Barbara Beattie
Made our first experience memorable
We were on our first kayak tour today with Andy and Leslie at 9am. What a great experience! Our 9 and 5-year-old daughters can’t stop talking about what they saw and the fun they had kayaking. Just wanted you to know that Andy and Leslie were fantastic and made our first experience memorable. Please send our thanks again to Andy… Read more “Made our first experience memorable”
Gary Brennan
Tremendous value for the money
Fantastic trip! Pete and Alex were fantastic! They were both knowledgeable and professional. The trip was a tremendous value for the money; great food and top-notch equipment! Thank you so much! Please thank Pete and Alex again for… Read more “Tremendous value for the money”
Carl Roth
Thank you so much for adding the 5 hour trip
I want to thank you so much for adding the 5 hour trip on Friday. I know that you went out of your way to accommodate me. I deeply appreciate it. I had a wonderful time with your two guides—James and Alex. James knew where to look to see all the wildlife at just the right moments. We saw seals,… Read more “Thank you so much for adding the 5 hour trip”
Steve Kirchen
Truly was a trip of a lifetime!
I just wanted to thank you for arranging an incredible kayak trip for my sister and I — it truly was a trip of a lifetime! Peter was an incredible guide who was so helpful and informative plus we were blessed with amazing wildlife to watch and perfect weather. It could not have been… Read more “Truly was a trip of a lifetime!”
Noelle
Tour was everything your website promised and more
I just wanted to let you know that the tour was everything your website promised and more. We saw bald eagles, harbor seals, purple starfish, anemones, water, sky, interesting geology and more. We tasted two kinds of kelp, learned about tide runs, skipped stones into the ocean, and met a fascinating young guide. What a great day! I wish you… Read more “Tour was everything your website promised and more”
Tim
Burrows Island Tour was fantastic!
Yesterday evening’s Burrows Island Tour was fantastic! I’m so glad I’ve already signed up for a tour tomorrow, too. I was impressed by everything—the scenery (of course, but I expected that); our guide, Wayne; and the quality of the equipment. I felt totally confident and comfortable, although it was my first time in a kayak and I hate swimming! I… Read more “Burrows Island Tour was fantastic!”
Kathy
We look forward to going on the longer kayak tour
Thank you for a wonderful kayak experience to Burrows Island last Saturday. We look forward to going on the longer kayak tour on our next trip to Anacortes. Wayne did a wonderful job as our guide and “safety… Read more “We look forward to going on the longer kayak tour”
John and Kaye
Great first-time sea kayaking experience
Just wanted to let you know what a great first-time sea kayaking experience you provided for my husband and I yesterday. We had a great time. Your approach was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and most of all…fun! Our kudos to Dave as well. As guides, you compliment each other very well. Your attention to detail and the fact that you provide… Read more “Great first-time sea kayaking experience”
Kim and Dan
We really enjoyed our trip.
Thank you again for taking the 3 of us sea kayaking a couple of weeks ago. We really enjoyed our trip. I look forward to going kayaking with you in the future. By the way, my parents will be in Seattle in about two weeks. I gave them your brochure and recommended them to… Read more “We really enjoyed our trip.”
Lee
…Your expertise, hard work, and generosity
On behalf of all of the Entirenet guests visiting Decatur Island this past weekend, please allow me to offer our deepest appreciation for all of your help in making our day on Decatur a resounding success! Everyone enjoyed the kayaking tours. I personally compliment you on getting the baby seals and eagles to cooperate. 🙂 Only with your expertise, hard… Read more “…Your expertise, hard work, and generosity”
Pam Entirenet
Thanks for making our fifth anniversary so cool
Thanks so much for another great kayaking trip! Our group had an awesome time, we could not have asked for a better adventure. We will be seeing you again soon. Thanks for making our fifth anniversary so… Read more “Thanks for making our fifth anniversary so cool”
Jason and Sarah
An incredibly perfect day!
All I can say is, what an incredibly perfect day! The only flaw was that it was over *way* too soon. I will definitely be back for another Outer islands kayaking trip. In any case, please keep me posted on any multi-day trips you plan for next… Read more “An incredibly perfect day!”
Kathy
