Depart from the north side of San Juan Island and steer your kayak out into the wildlife-rich waters near the Battleship Island National Wildlife Refuge. Seals are abundant here, and bald eagles are common, and there is always the possibility of encountering other exciting marine mammals if they are passing through the area.
This whole area is rich with history. The harbor here was formerly a bustling industrial center that mined limestone and fired it in kilns to produce the lime used in road-building from Seattle to San Francisco.
Overview
- Great wildlife viewing! A National Wildlife Refuge along the route ensures plenty of sightings.
- Historical sites.
- Learn about how this place was a part of Washington State history.
- Fun and entertaining kayak guides.
- Complimentary shuttle to the launch site.
Abundant Wildlife
The Battleship Island National Wildlife is along our route on this trip. Surrounded by thick forests of kelp, this island provides a protected area for a dense seal population. Curious animals frequently pop up near our kayaks as we cruise by. Listen for the call of bald eagles in nearby trees, and watch for deer swimming between the islands. (Note: Due to the relaxed pace of these trips we cannot actively pursue whale encounters. Sightings only occur when the whales happen to be in the area. See our Kayaking With Whales page for more information.)
Beautiful Scenery
Departing from a quaint historic resort, you begin your trip in a beautiful place. Exchange pleasantries with summer boaters as you head out of the marina. Exiting the marina your views will change dramatically. Wild vistas into the Canadian Gulf Islands open up, and several of the outer San Juan Islands come into view. The protected northwest side of San Juan Island provides warm and quiet marine air filled with an intoxicating fragrance of evergreen trees and sea life. On San Juan Island, there is no place more peaceful than here.
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 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.
Picnic on an Island
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. We will stop at a quiet beach for a break. Stretch your legs and take in spectacular views of the surrounding islands as well as seals and porpoises swimming offshore. There will be ample time for a bite to eat before continuing the kayaking.
Meeting Place and Time for San Juan Island 5-Hour Trips
Drive On
If you are driving your own vehicle and meeting directly at Roche harbor for your 5-Hour Trip, please follow these directions to Roche Harbor Resort and meet us at the Marine Activities Center kayak docks 30 minutes prior to your trip departure.
FYI: If you drive onto the San Juan Ferry then we recommend arriving at the Anacortes ferry terminal at least 2 hours early if you have no reservation. If you have a reservation then you need to be at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes prior to sailing time. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure that you make your sailing.
Walk On
If you are walking onto the ferry then there is a complimentary shuttle from Friday Harbor that will pick you up at at the Memorial Circle on the corner of Front St and Spring St in Friday Harbor. Please be there approximately 30-60 mins before your trip is set to depart. (Look for the white Gazebo furniture.)
Please check out the Washington State Ferry Schedule to ensure you make it to the ferry on time. We recommend that you arrive 30 minutes early to the San Juan Island Ferry terminal in order to ensure you won’t miss your trip.
If you decide to change your mind and drive onto the ferry then please let us know so that we can cancel your seat on the shuttle. Thank you!
The Trip
Kayaking out of Roche Harbor 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 let your guide know.
As you leave the harbor and enter the open waters north of San Juan Island, your guide will pause and point out landmarks of the area as well as letting you know the proposed route for the day. Most trips attempt to circumnavigate Henry Island, returning via Mosquito Pass to Roche Harbor.
Heading west now, you will see the distinct silhouette of Battleship Island. It is not hard to understand how it earned the name! Seals become more numerous as you approach this wildlife refuge. Rounding the top of Henry Island you will be treated to beautiful views of Vancouver Island, with the buildings of downtown Victoria peeking up over the low hills. Ahead of you are “Seal Rocks”, nicknamed by the guides for the abundance of seals that rest here. You will try to approach quietly and carefully as to not disturb them.
Soon enough your guide will direct you to the small beach where you can stop for a mid-trip break. It feels great to have the chance to stretch your legs a bit!
If weather permits you will continue down the west shore of Henry Island and make your way back to Mosquito Pass. This narrow and winding passage was historically used by native groups as a protected place to make summer fishing camps. They would also construct nets made of woven nettles and string them across the channel to capture birds. Westcott Bay, famous now for its oyster farm, is also the site of the historical English Camp National Park. You will want to make a visit here after your trip!
Returning to Roche Harbor, your guide will lead you back to the kayak docks and assist you out of your boats before bidding you farewell.
We hope that you enjoy your sea kayaking experience, thanks for choosing us!
**The exact direction you and your guides will choose to take is often dictated by the prevailing conditions. Your guides know this place intimately and will attempt to take you on the easiest route possible, using the tidal currents to your advantage whenever they can. Some trips may alter the route due to prevailing conditions. This description is representative of the majority of our tours but kayaking on the sea is a dynamic experience that sometimes requires adjustments for your comfort.
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). Summer time 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 develop 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. 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
We require 48 hours for groups of 1-4 people, one week for groups of 5-9, 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.
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