San Juan Island to Stuart Island, or Jones Island (depending on conditions and the needs of the group)

Friday Harbor - Upon disembarking from the San Juan ferry, you will step off the boat in Friday Harbor. Just a short walk from the ferry is a roundabout where your shuttle will be waiting for you.

San Juan County Park - We have two potential launch sites, selected based on current weather conditions and the group’s preferences. San Juan County Park is a serene spot on the west side of San Juan Island. While your guide prepares the kayaks, you can enjoy stunning views across the water into Canada. Keep an eye out for whales, as they sometimes pass by quite closely here.

San Juan Islands - Your journey begins at the westernmost point of the San Juan Islands. Just a few miles away lies the Canadian border. With five days at your disposal, you will become well-acquainted with this extraordinary group of islands.

San Juan Island - San Juan Island serves as the county seat of the San Juan Islands archipelago. The town of Friday Harbor is a lively tourist destination during the summer, offering plenty of excellent accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

Stuart Island State Park - Often described as the northwesternmost point of the continental United States, Stuart Island features two beautiful camping areas within the state park. A small dirt road leads to the historic lighthouse on the island’s west side. Sunsets here can be breathtaking. Stuart Island is often our first stop on this trip. We will spend one night here before heading towards Anacortes. (Note: some trips paddle directly to the charming camps on Jones Island, depending on weather conditions and the group’s needs.)

Jones Island State Park - Jones Island is the largest island in the group known as the “Wasp Islands.” This is one of our favorite camping spots. All campsites are picturesque, and the sunsets are spectacular. Walk the perimeter trail and keep an eye out for small cactus colonies. This is one of the northernmost places where cactus can be found in America! We usually spend one night on Jones Island.

Anacortes - Your trip begins and ends in our seaside town. We highly recommend reserving a day or two before or after the kayak trip to explore our outstanding forestlands. We have over 40 miles of trails, with beautiful viewpoints, hidden lakes, and groves of old-growth trees. Ask us for local tips! Anacortes offers plenty of excellent accommodations, restaurants, and shops, as well as two large grocery stores for any last-minute supplies you might need.

Fidalgo Island - The only island in the San Juan that has three bridges connecting it to the mainland. Plan to spend some extra time here to explore the Anacortes Community Forestlands or the beautiful Deception Pass State Park.

Stuart Island to Jones Island, or Jones Island to Obstruction Pass

Stuart Island State Park - We plan our daily routes to take advantage of the tidal currents and prevailing weather, so your destination often depends on these factors. These itinerary descriptions reflect the usual islands that most trips visit, not a guarantee. Your comfort and enjoyment are our primary concern. Readers should interpret these descriptions as a general sense of what to expect rather than a guarantee of which camp areas they will stay at.

Jones Island State Park - Depending on where you stayed overnight, you will either enjoy a hearty breakfast here on Jones Island or stop for a lunch break. Relax and enjoy the sublime views of the Wasp Islands!

Orcas Island - The largest of the San Juan Islands is Orcas Island. Along the route we usually take, you will see its shorelines to the north for much of this trip. Mount Constitution rises above the archipelago at 2,409 feet, making it the second-highest mountain on an ocean island in the lower 48 States.

Jones Island to Obstruction Pass, or Obstruction Pass to Cypress Island

Jones Island State Park - If you stayed here on the second night, then Obstruction Pass is usually the planned destination for the third night. Enjoy the amazing day as you paddle through the heart of the San Juan Islands!

Cypress Island - Of all the islands in the San Juan Islands National Monument, none are quite like Cypress Island. Ninety percent of this island has been set aside from future development and is classified as a Conservation Area. The waters surrounding the island are designated as a Marine Protected Area. Consequently, the place is teeming with wildlife! Without question, this is our favorite destination in the San Juan Islands. We operate many trips there during the summer months and visit Cypress Island for personal trips throughout the year. It’s simply outstanding.

San Juan Islands - Paddling through these islands at a leisurely pace allows visitors to see details that most miss. Seals resting on rocks, eagles watching for prey from lofty perches, and the sharp sounds of porpoises surfacing to breathe enhance your experience. You won’t want to leave!

Obstruction Pass to Cypress Island, or Layover Day on Cypress Island

Cypress Island - Cypress Island is often the campground we use on the last night. It is an incredible place of wild beauty, with stunning views of the islands and the ice-capped peak of Mount Baker in the Cascade Mountain Range. Miles of hiking trails offer adventurous individuals the chance to stretch their legs after paddling all day. The location of Cypress Island is also perfectly situated to provide a comfortable paddle back to Anacortes on the last day.

Cypress Island to Anacortes

Cypress Island - Your last morning! Wake up to a hot cup of coffee and gaze across the water. Five days have passed in a blink. Although you are ready for a hot shower and a change of clothes, you can sense the change in your consciousness. All the background noise of day-to-day life has melted away. You’ve settled into the routine of camp life and can’t wait for another adventure! After enjoying your last beachfront breakfast of the trip, you and your guide pack up the kayaks and head for Anacortes.

Anacortes - Most groups arrive in Anacortes between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, depending on the prevailing conditions. We have several landing areas that we can utilize as needed. Once you arrive at the beach and unpack the kayaks, we will ensure you get back to our office to sort out your personal gear. We will also make sure to return you to your vehicle at the ferry landing. If you are staying in Anacortes, be sure to ask one of us about places on Fidalgo Island to explore and great restaurants to dine at. Thanks for joining us!

• A fun and professional guide!
• Lunch
• All kayaking gear
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All camping equipment, and kitchen equipment
• Transportation back to your vehicle after the trip
• Transportation from Friday Harbor to the launch site

• Alcoholic beverages (feel free to bring your own!)
• Personal favorite snacks and drinks (we have an assortment of both, but bring what you’d like)
• Personal Hygiene items
• Personal clothing (Be sure to ask us for a packing list)
• Bring a camera, a book, cards, or other items for camp
• Transportation to the ferry, or ferry fares, at the beginning of the trip
• Bring water compatible shoes, and comfortable shoes for camp.
• Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat!

• Participants weighing more that 265 points may not be comfortable in our kayaks. If you have anyone in your group that have questions they please call before booking.
• Participants over 6’5” tall should call us before booking. You may not be comfortable in the kayaks.
• Children under 12yrs old often do not provide much assistance in the tandem kayaks. If you have younger children, or are worried about your child’s strength then please call. We may be able to arrange a special departure.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.