Would you like to develop your sea kayaking skills and become a safer and more confident paddler? Perhaps you want to lead your kayak expedition or feel better prepared for your daily kayak workout. We can help you reach your goals via a private kayak lesson or our scheduled three-day kayak instruction class in the San Juan Islands.
You can pick any topic for a private kayak lesson or a custom instruction class. We can teach you everything from the basic paddling strokes to a variety of different assisted and self-rescues. More experienced kayakers often want to learn how to brace in rough seas, or perform a roll. And then there are lessons for trip planning, navigation, weather and tide prediction, and much more. If you would like the broadest overview of sea kayaking techniques, we recommend our scheduled three-day kayak lessons class on San Juan Island. We cover it all and you will be able to practice these skills in a safe learning environment under the supervision of experienced instructors. Our sea kayak school has three different sections over the three day class. Part one takes place on a calm lake where you will learn self-rescue and how to rescue others. Part two will take place on the ocean in a protected bay. Here you will learn how to use the various paddling strokes, bracing, and other skills. Part three will emphasis weather interpretation, reading charts and tide tables, navigation, and more. By moving into open waters for part three, we will be able to put this knowledge to work and enjoy the currents and weather that create the kayaking environment.
Reviews
Jon M.
9/25/2023 - Google
Had a great time! Super fun guide, well maintained equipment, and excellent instruction made this a fun, safe, and memorable day trip. Will definitely be going ...read moreHad a great time! Super fun guide, well maintained equipment, and excellent instruction made this a fun, safe, and memorable day trip. Will definitely be going back!read less
Banu R.
9/24/2023 - Google
- great weather and trip to view the bioluminescence - excursion went great and is recommended even for novices -the guide was knowledgeable and provided good i...read more- great weather and trip to view the bioluminescence - excursion went great and is recommended even for novices -the guide was knowledgeable and provided good information and advice - tour is highly recommended and definitely worth itread less
Melanie S.
9/19/2023 - Google
Sea Quest Kayak Tours is excellent. Our guide Martine was awesome. It was everything we had hoped for and more. A wonderful memory for our family!
joshua d.
9/18/2023 - Google
Fantastic overnight tour with Cody! From the great food, to organized schedule, friendly folks and multiple picturesque stops - Would definitely recommend!!
Stacy M.
9/18/2023 - Google
Had a wonderful time night kayaking to see the bioluminescents. The guides Ben and Will were great and kind and helpful. The bioluminescents were so beautiful a...read moreHad a wonderful time night kayaking to see the bioluminescents. The guides Ben and Will were great and kind and helpful. The bioluminescents were so beautiful and I am glad I had this experience with Sea Quest Kayak Tours.read less
Josh B.
9/18/2023 - Google
Great trip with Martine as our guide. We were in for a family wedding with limited time and she absolutely helped us make the most of it. We saw plenty of harbo...read moreGreat trip with Martine as our guide. We were in for a family wedding with limited time and she absolutely helped us make the most of it. We saw plenty of harbor seals, some bald eagles and lots of other wildlife. As a side from reading other reviews: kayaks are not exceptionally heavy and we all carried it down the 40 feet or so as a group. Two men and 2 women, zero trouble. I’m not certain why anyone would book a tour which requires you to be physically active and then be upset when you have to actually be active. Great operator and would absolutely use again.read less
ing w.
9/17/2023 - Google
our paddle under the stars with Julia was amazing! She was terrific and seeing the bioluminescent water was magical
dentonphillips
9/16/2023 - Google
This was a spectacular experience to see the bioluminescence in the water while kayaking. Our guides JJ and Nathan took great care of us and lead an amazing tou...read moreThis was a spectacular experience to see the bioluminescence in the water while kayaking. Our guides JJ and Nathan took great care of us and lead an amazing tour. We all had a fantastic time.read less
Kenyacktie H.
9/12/2023 - Google
I recent went on the Quest Kayak Tour along with a friend. It was my first time in a kayak. Quest made the tour safe, engaging and informative. I had a great ti...read moreI recent went on the Quest Kayak Tour along with a friend. It was my first time in a kayak. Quest made the tour safe, engaging and informative. I had a great time and gained a new experience.read less
Ian L.
9/11/2023 - TripAdvisor
Had a great time! Sea Quest had our rental right in time. Delivered it to the ferry dock and had us on our way. The equipment worked great, no break downs, no p...read moreHad a great time! Sea Quest had our rental right in time. Delivered it to the ferry dock and had us on our way. The equipment worked great, no break downs, no problems. Had only good times paddling thru amazing scenery. They made the drop off go so smoothly, just took out our gear and the picked the boat up. Couldn’t have had a better time!read less
Kayak Instruction & Classes in the San Juan Islands
Private Kayak Lessons – scheduled on a custom basis so call us with your needs. $399 per day.
Pre-scheduled 3-day Kayak Instruction Classes – call/email for dates and availability
Meeting Time & Place: Per custom arrangements, usually Friday Harbor or another location on San Juan Island.
Duration
1 to 5+ days
Group Size
All Group Sizes
Age Range
All Ages
Activity level
Beginner Friendly
Starting From
$399
DEPARTURES
Every Day
Custom
LOCATION
San Juan Islands, WA
Rated 4.8 / 5 (134 Reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide the kayaks and gear?
Yes the price for the lesson includes access to equipment. Kayaks and equipment can be purchased from us after instruction period.
Do I need kayak lessons?
If you are asking the question the answer if likely yes! We highly recommend kayak lessons for anyone who has ambitions of sea kayaking. There are a lot of dangers most people are unaware of until they take a class and most of these dangers can be mitigated with specific techniques.
How much are private kayak lessons?
Kayak lessons cost $350/day for private instruction.
How do I roll a kayak?
You can roll a kayak in a number of different ways. Most people roll their kayak with their paddle but you can also deploy a paddle float and stick it on the end of your paddle for increased buoyancy.
How do I re-enter a sea kayak after it has capsized?
You can can back into a sea kayak in manner different ways. These include but are not limited to:
The cowboy re-entry
The vault re-entry
The scramble re-entry
The paddle float outrigger re-entry
The re-enter and roll
The storm roll (with assistance of paddle float)
How can I turn a sea kayak?
You can turn a sea kayak using the following techniques:
Forward sweep stroke
Reverse sweep stroke
Edging/weighting the kayak to one side
Alternating paddle sides and directions
How can I move a sea kayak sideways?
You can move a sea kayak sideways using the following techniques:
diving draw stroke
sculling draw stroke
How can I paddle my sea kayak backwards?
You can paddle your sea kayak backwards using the following techniques:
Lean all the way back
Place paddle into the water as far back as possible
Push/pull you paddle forward while performing a sit up
Continue the sit up into a crunch and push as far forward as possible
Repeat on the other side
What is the most powerful sea kayak stroke?
The most powerful sea kayak stroke blends the use of all muscle groups in your body. You want to focus on locking our your arms somewhere between 90 and 180 degrees at the elbows and then focusing on driving the power from your core and torso. You should be engaging your arms, shoulders, upper back, lower backs, obliques and core all at the same time.
What is the most dangerous thing about sea kayaking?
Capsizing and hypothermia are the two greatest dangers while sea kayaking. It is important that you have the skills necessary to reenter your kayak and perform proper kayak maintenance to avoid these dangers!
Gear List
We provide the following:
Sea kayaks, all related sea kayaking trip gear, safety equipment, transportation to and from Friday Harbor and the launch beach, instruction and expert guides.
We can also provide more technical paddling gear upon request for an additional fee.
What you need to bring:
Beach clothing, beach foot wear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lunch. Bring a hat, warm sweater and rain jacket if cool, cloudy, windy or rainy. A detailed packing list of camping related household items will be provided after you book your tour!
Depending on the skills you desire to learn you may need a wet suit or dry suit and dive mask.
We offer highly customized and flexible training and itineraries for kayak lessons. If you can dream it we can make it happen! Reach out to use over phone or email if you have something specific in mind.
National Geographic chooses our San Juan Islands kayaking tours in "10 Best Trips in the World for 2011."
National Geographic chooses our San Juan Islands kayaking tours in "10 Best Trips in the World for 2011."
Sea Quest Kayak Tours is on ABC News! See us Kayaking with Orca Whales in the San Juan Islands. View the video now.
San Juan Islands Kayaking Trips in Killer Whale Waters of Washington - a World's Top 10 Adventure Bargain!
San Juan Island Kayaking Trips in Orca Whale Waters in Washington State - Selected as a Top 20 American Adventure!