5-Hour San Juan Islands Kayaking Trips from Anacortes / Fidalgo Island

Paddle your sea kayak through narrow waterways rich with wildlife and circumnavigate three beautiful and undeveloped islands. Stop at a historic lighthouse and take in the views of surrounding islands and the Olympic Mountains while learning a little bit of Washington State history. Search for pods of Orca whales that frequently make appearances here. This trip has it all. A convenient location, lots of wildlife, fun and professional guides. Join us!

Due to COVID solo travelers will have to join 3 and 5 hour Anacortes trips in a single kayak. There is a small additional fee. Learn more about single kayak rentals.
April - September / Limited October - March

Per Person: $109
Single Kayak Option: $135
Price per person. More Info: Rates & Schedules

Departing: Variable morning departure times according
to tidal currents.

  • Book Now
  • Single Kayak

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, porpoise, Bald eagles, Orca whales, deer, and more!
  • Beautiful scenery; Olympic Mountains, San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Mountains.
  • Undeveloped shorelines and quiet waterways.

No Ferry Hassels!

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 Transient Orca 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, 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 weatherl 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 porpoise 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.