Your time is precious. Avoid the hassles associated with the Washington State Ferry and depart directly from beautiful Fidalgo Island, the only San Juan Island connected to the mainland by bridges. Join us! Here are a few reasons you will love this popular trip:
- Excellent wildlife viewing possibilities: seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and more! (whale sightings are unpredictable by nature.)
- Beautiful San Juan Islands scenery, a historic lighthouse, Olympic mountains views.
- Undeveloped shorelines and quiet waterways. Avoid the summer crowds.
- No Ferry Hassles! Save time, save money.
No Ferry Hassles!
Washington State has so many wonderful places to see. Maximize your time by experiencing kayaking in the San Juan Islands without planning around a ferry schedule. During the summer months the San Juan Islands ferry can often become a burden. Crowded boats and sailing delays are common and can frustrate your plans to see other places.
Anacortes is located on beautiful Fidalgo Island, the only island connected to the mainland by bridges, and you can drive directly to us. Our convenient location is just a short drive to many of Washington State’s most popular destinations.
Abundant Wildlife
The narrow passages between the islands on this kayak trip are home to one of the most studied populations of Harbor porpoises in Washington. Encounters are not uncommon as they relentlessly pursue the abundance of food here. The nearby wildlife refuge provides protection for a large population of seals who give birth to their pups in the summer months. These curious animals often approach kayaks as if begging to be photographed. Loads of exciting marine mammal encounters can be had around Burrows Island. We never know when or where it will happen, nor is it possible for kayakers to actively pursue sightings, but keep your eyes open and maybe you will get lucky!
bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and a variety of interesting sea birds. Deer and coyotes also swim between the islands which can often be viewed along the shoreline. On low tides a strange new world becomes exposed to kayakers and you will love to see these fascinating intertidal creatures.
Beautiful Scenery
The San Juan Islands are one of the most popular destinations in Washington State for a good reason. The mild climate and natural beauty cannot be beaten. Kayaking from Fidalgo Island you will be treated to views of the Olympic Mountains and the maze of the San Juan Islands laid out before you.
The beauty isn’t limited to distant landmarks. You will be kayaking near Burrows Island, Allan Island, and Young Island. All three islands are characterized by rocky cliffs topped with grassy slopes, giving way to tangled forests of evergreen trees and flowering shrubs. 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 both seals and sea kayakers.
No Experience Necessary
Like all of our tours, this 3-hour sea kayak trip requires no paddling experience. Your guide will take care of the details so that you can relax and enjoy the trip.
We have designed our day 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.
Meeting Place and Time for Anacortes Kayak Trips
For our 3-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.
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.
Due to the shorter length of this kayak trip you are not likely to stop on the beach for a break. If you feel that you need to stop then your guides can accommodate you, just give them plenty of notice. The beautiful cliffs surrounding the islands have only a few beaches that are suitable for landing and they will have to be able to anticipate a stop. Restroom facilities on these undeveloped islands are limited to one small camp area, but there are plenty of bushes and trees to provide privacy!
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). 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 belongings
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
We require 48 hours notice for groups of 1-4 people and one week for groups of 5-9 people. Groups 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 me.
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 better.
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 net.”
John and Kaye
We’re psyched
We’re psyched about our trip! Thanks, you have been very helpful. Your web site rocks.
Sandy
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 you.
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 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 summer.
Kathy
