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See
us kayaking with Orca Whales in the San Juan Islands
on ABC news by clicking on this
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Sea Kayaking Washington - San
Juan Islands Kayaking Tours
Our beautiful islands are one of the most popular summer
destinations for kayaking vacations in the world - and for many good reasons. Easily
accessed from Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver, the San Juan Islands of
Washington State lie within the beautiful and
fertile Puget Sound. The rural archipelago straddles the Washington-British
Columbia border, encompassing several hundred islands, rocks, and reefs. There are a
nearly equal number of twisting shoreline miles, perfectly suited for exploration
on
sea kayak tours. The unique micro-climate of the San Juan Islands is often referred to as a
"banana belt" - a result of the "rainshadow" cast by the Olympic
Mountains. Plants of both rainforest and desert share the same islands making it possible
to witness massive 200-foot firs and dwarf cactus growing within sight of each other!
One of the most exciting aspects of
a San Juan Islands kayaking
trip is the chance to witness abundant marine wildlife -
often at close range. There are tidepools full of fascinating creatures, more than a
hundred bald eagle nests, thousands of harbor seals, millions of migrating salmon...
Perhaps the most dramatic resident of the archipelago are the orca whales
(also known as killer whales). Pods
with up to fifty family members use the San Juan Islands as their core range and sightings of
these intelligent creatures occur on more than half of our expeditions. In fact, all of
our kayaking trips are planned to visit the orcas' favorite feeding, traveling, and play areas,
thereby maximizing your chances for an encounter with these awesome and inspiring animals.
Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions
are
staffed by extremely experienced sea kayaking trip experts who also double as biologists and
environmental scientists. The presence of these highly-trained educators makes
our kayaking trips different from all other outfitters. We believe a knowledgeable biologist or
environmental scientist can greatly improve your San Juan Islands kayaking
vacations. We call our San Juan Islands kayak trips "adventures in learning"!
Furthermore, we provide our guides with the most
in-depth skills and safety training of any outfitter on San Juan Island.
Our intensive training period is a full two weeks long, followed by an
apprenticeship as an assistant guide before graduating to full trip
guide. This compares very favorably to the two or three days that our
typical competitors offer their staff. As you can tell, we are very
committed to the preparation of our guides and making your sea kayaking
trip the safest experience possible!
Our groups average six to eight participants, with a
maximum of twelve, thereby ensuring a close-up view of our natural world. Our campsites
are selected to show off the finest qualities of the islands. All of our campsites are
accessible only by boat or seaplane, unlike those used by many other outfitters in
the area. In fact, our primary campsite in the outer islands is
privately-owned and exclusive to only Sea Quest guests. Go with us and
you'll avoid the often noisy and overcrowded public campsites used by
other outfitters!
Hopefully, Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions will be a part of your vacation
plans and I look forward to serving you in the future. Please call me if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
Martine Springer
Kayak Expedition Director
P.S.--This website lists
scheduled
sea kayaking trips, dates,
costs, and information on
making reservations. Remember,
expeditions and local accommodations fill fast so reserve now to avoid disappointment!
San
Juan Islands Whale Watching Trips &
Kayak Orca Watching
 The San Juan Islands are one of the premier
orca whale watching locations in the
world. The first park in the United States dedicated to orca watching was created here.
Besides the often-sighted orca whales, there are several other species of whales found in these
waters. The minke whale, gray whale, Dall's porpoise, and harbor porpoise are the
additional four species most frequently seen.
All Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions
are designed
as orca whale watching kayak trips! Our sea kayaking routes are designed to maximize your chances
to kayak with orcas. Many other kayaking companies in the San Juan
Islands advertise kayaking with the orcas, but only a couple of them
actually spend any time at all in the primary orca whale watching area.
It is very unlikely that you will truly be killer whale watching on their
kayaking trips! A few companies will briefly visit the primary orca
whale watching waters, but not spend more than an hour or so in the
proper location, another formula for failure. Spending insufficient time
in the orca whale watching core area greatly reduces the chances of
kayaking with the orcas, and several hours of being in the right places
is normally required for successful killer whale watching. Remember,
these are wild orca whales and they don't perform on schedule so we
can't guarantee success on every trip!
So, if you are comparing sea kayaking companies, you
should ask about their paddling routes to see if they can back up their
orca whale watching claims. And if you have any questions about this, we
can explain exactly why our routes are the most successful for killer
whale watching. And remember, our tours are staffed with actual
biologists and environmental scientists that can tell you about the
lives of these amazing animals. Our record of success
is the best!
When averaged through the entire season, orca whales are seen on
over two/thirds of our overnight kayaking trips; Dall's porpoise on more than three/fourths.
Chances are even better if you come during the peak season listed below and select the
longest possible kayaking trips. Orca whale watching is most reliable from late April through early
October with killer whale activity peaking mid-May to mid-August. Minke whales, more difficult to locate
than orca whales due to their solitary habits, occur during the same period but most sightings
are made from mid-July through early October. Our two smallest whales, the Dall's and
harbor porpoises, may be seen any time. Other species, such as the gray
whale, humpback whale, and
white-sided dolphin are less frequently seen.
Many people ask us if it is safe
to kayak with orcas. The answer is an emphatic YES! These intelligent predators have
never injured a human in the wild. (Only ill-treated captive orca whales have harmed
people.) Orca whales are extremely aware of their surroundings and NEVER collide with
boats. They approach kayakers with the same respect that we offer them. The resident orca
whales
of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands are some of the most studied and well-known whales in the
world; they in turn have observed humans closely for at least six thousand years. Stable
family groups, called pods, represent several generations from grandmothers (these
are the pod
leaders), adolescents, infants, and huge bulls. Each family member may be recognized by its
distinctive markings and can live as much as seventy or more years. Much of what is known
about the orca whale's highly-organized social life has been learned from the resident pods you
can watch in the San Juan Islands,
Washington.
Sea Kayak Washington -
San Juan Islands Kayaking
Trips
Do I Require Previous Sea Kayaking Experience?:
Anyone in average physical condition can participate
if you can hike,
bike, or swim, you can sea kayak! No
previous paddling experience is necessary. We use
extremely stable two-person sea kayaks - very
unlike tipsy whitewater river kayaks. "Eskimo rolls" are not performed
in these state-of-the-art crafts and you will be surprised how easy they
are to paddle and maneuver. Your staff will instruct you on basic
paddling technique and sea kayaking trip safety before leaving the
beach. Our pace is relaxed: we will kayak about four to five hours each
day, mainly with the prevailing currents. Although our expeditions are
not extremely strenuous, we recommend that participants condition muscle
groups of the upper body by doing light exercise (calisthenics, rowing,
swimming, etc.) for two full weeks prior to the expedition. The only
other preparation is to carefully review the pre-trip information and
equipment list. Regardless of your age or skill level, you will find
that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience
with us safe and rewarding.
Expedition
Staff: Kayaking trip directors
of our expeditions are notably experienced in both sea kayak tours and natural history instruction.
We are very proud of their experience, training, and skills. Our Washington kayak
tour guides are
primarily biologists and environmental scientists. They
have in-depth knowledge of the San Juan Island's best spots for sea kayak
tours and wildlife-watching and will make
sure that you see the most and learn as much as your curiosity desires. They are gifted naturalists, teachers, camp cooks, and
kayaking trip
leaders who have dedicated themselves to continually improve their
skills. Our sea
kayaking
guides undergo the most rigorous and lengthy training program of any
outfitter on San Juan Island, Washington. In addition to the previous experience
they bring, our guides must spend two full weeks in our own intensive
sea kayaking guide school. This is a rigorous two-week course where they
learn sea kayaking safety techniques, navigation, weather
interpretation, and much more. This is
followed by an apprenticeship as an assistant guide before graduating to
full trip guide. Most other
outfitters in this region spend only one to three days in preparing
their guides for this demanding occupation. Some don't provide
any training at all! Here at Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions, we make sure your guides are
properly trained, educated, and fun to be with!
This high level of skill sets us apart from all other outfitters and ensures
a more enriching and safer experience for you.
Expedition
Route:
Our paddling routes through the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound vary with several factors:
length of the expedition, anticipated weather and tidal currents, etc. All routes are
designed to showcase the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands, and to visit the best
whale habitats for orca whale watching. Our primary campsite in the
outer islands is privately-owned and available for our exclusive use. We avoid the
frequently noisy and over-crowded public
campgrounds that are used by all the other outfitters in the region. Expect to kayak
about half of the day (although some days may be shorter or longer as
necessary due to weather, currents, wildlife, etc.). To make this
manageable for the average person, our kayaking time is broken up by frequent
"floating" rests and beach landings to get out and stretch or eat. Our pace will
be relaxed, yet steady, so as to remain in harmony with sea currents There will be time
for photography, fishing, beachcombing, or just lounging around. Your expedition staff
will be available at all times to lead walks, identify flora and fauna, and discuss the
natural history of the area.
Sea
Kayaking Washington State - Kayak Friday Harbor
Itinerary:
We will meet you and
the rest of the trip members on the morning that your journey begins. The
rendezvous site is the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Camping expeditions meet at 8:00am, soon after the
state-operated ferry arrives from Anacortes. Day trips
meet at 10:35am through June 21st. From June 22nd through
September 27 daytrips meet at 10:30am. From September 28 onwards please check
with our office for the meeting time. Ferry schedules change
through the season so make sure that you know the correct time of sailing!
After
boarding our van we will drive to the launch site for orientation and instruction class.
Expect to have an enjoyable time kayaking along the beautiful route
alternating with time spent on the beach for rest and lunch. We also take
floating rest breaks to enjoy the view, observe wildlife, and take some
photographs. Evenings will find us camped on one of the smaller islands. On
the final day of an overnight expedition we will paddle back to San Juan Island, and after
loading up the gear, arrive in Friday Harbor around 1:00pm-3:00pm. Day trips will return
to Friday Harbor around
4:00pm-4:00pm. Both return times provide plenty of leeway for
catching departing ferries.
Please click the links below to
see detailed
itineraries of our
kayak tours in the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound:
Half-day |
Full day |
Camping tours of 2-, 3-, and 5-days
Woman kayaking trips |
Family,
Group, and Custom Tours
Logistics:
Transportation to the staging area is the responsibility of the
participant. Friday Harbor is accessible by regularly scheduled air flights, tour boats,
and ferries. Most travel itineraries require passing through either Seattle, Vancouver, or
Victoria. From these cities, as well as Bellingham and Anacortes, you can easily connect
with one of the many scheduled flights or sailings to Friday Harbor. Flight reservations
on the small island carriers should be made far in advance during
summer months. We strongly recommend that you visit our "Travel to the
San Juan Islands" webpage that is linked below. It provides excellent
and detailed information on how to get to the San Juan Islands and
Friday Harbor for all major, and some minor, nearby cities!
Please click here for more detailed
information on
TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATIONS to the San Juan Islands.
There are many excellent bed & breakfast establishments on San Juan
Island and in Friday Harbor. A few favorites are listed on our web page
linked below. If you need overnight
accommodations, we suggest first calling the San Juan B&B Association. Tell them your needs, particularly
if you will not have a car on the island. There are only two truly nice places to camp
with vehicles on the island and reservations are strongly advised. Reservations for
all types of accommodations should be made far in advance!
Sea Kayak San Juan
Islands - Kayaking Puget Sound
Equipment:
Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions
provides all of the equipment except personal items such as sleeping
bag, clothing, etc. A complete personal equipment checklist and packing
instructions will be provided upon confirmation of your reservation. All of
the equipment we provide is of the finest quality and
reflects our concern for safety and comfort. Our emergency gear includes
wireless communication equipment and an expedition first aid kit. Our kayaks are all brand new, and incorporate the best safety features
currently available, including extra bulk-headed floatation compartments.
Unfortunately, some companies in our area use dangerously old and
improperly maintained kayaks that have actually sunk!
Meals:
Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions
provides all breakfasts and dinners, prepared from fresh foods. Although
we prefer to call our meals wholesome and delicious, many of our
participants claim that we understate the quality of our food and have
urged us to describe the cuisine as "outdoor gourmet". Please inform us
if you have any dietary restrictions immediately--vegetarians are
cheerfully accommodated. We also provide hot beverages such as tea,
cocoa, and copious amounts of the gourmet coffee that our region is
famous for! You
are responsible for bringing your own cold beverages,
lunches, and snacks on our San Juan Islands kayaking trips. It is also
very nice to bring along a few of your favorite snack foods to share with your fellow
kayakers if you feel so inclined. Our detailed equipment list, provided at time of reservation, gives food packing
suggestions. Weather:
The San Juan Islands boast one of the finest micro-climates in the
entire Pacific Northwest. Strategically positioned within the rainshadow of the Olympic
Mountains, the archipelago is typically sunny and very dry throughout the summer. Due to
the strong maritime influence, air temperatures are mild, averaging 60-75°F by day and
50-65°F at night. Strong winds are uncommon during summer and early fall so wave action
should be minimal. The islands are situated quite far from the effects of ocean swells and
surf. Sea temperature hovers around 50°F in mid-summer so don't plan on doing much
swimming unless you have the blood of a polar bear. Divers and snorkelers wear full
wetsuits or drysuits in the San Juan Islands. Of course, when it comes to packing clothes
for sea kayaking trips, hope
for the best but prepare for the worst!
Click here for current satellite
weather images and forecasts.
San
Juan Islands Kayaking Trips & Tours near Seattle
About
the Destination:
The San Juan Islands are located in the northwest corner of Washington
State, north of Puget Sound proper and at the eastern terminus of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
This group of over 400 scenic islands and rocks is characterized by an extremely rich
marine environment and a rural countryside. The archipelago is a popular recreation area
for boaters of all types, bicyclists, scuba divers, fishermen, and general tourists. Friday
Harbor, the largest town in the county (pop. 2500), is located on San Juan Island, the
namesake of the entire archipelago. The state ferry terminal, located in the center of
town, is where you will be met by your guides. Friday Harbor has many stores for
purchasing groceries and other supplies. Click on these links for
important phone numbers, travel
advice and accommodations and fun ideas for
things to do in San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
before or after your sea kayaking vacation.
San Juan Islands Kayaking Trip Itinerary Details
| Travel to
San Juan Island Info
About Our Company |
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Kayaking Washington - Whale Watching
Orca Watching by
Kayak with Killer Whales
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Preparing for a San Juan Island kayak tour in Washington
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