San Juan Islands: Base Camp… (trip)

San Juan Islands: Base Camp Whale Watch Kayak

  • Airport near San Juan Island, WA, United States
  • Boats, Barges & Small Ship Cruises
Washington, United States

from $549* per person3 DaysMay-September
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Adventure Associates of Washington 12 people max
There's nothing like it - paddling your kayak while eye-level with an Orca whale! Being close to one of the world's largest, wild mammals is an incredible experience! The west coast of San Juan Island is the prime viewing area for resident pods of Orca. These gentle marine giants follow the salmon run in Haro Strait. The islands are also rich with other marine life - seals, porpoises, eagles, sea birds and otter. Sea kayaking is an ideal way to explore tranquil settings, shorelines, quiet coves, dramatic headlands and shallow tidal areas. This trip is "base camp" style: we return to the same camp each night and take only what we need for the day's paddle in the kayaks. The San Juan Islands are a sea kayaker's paradise - in 2008, these gems of the Pacific Northwest were named by the National Historic Preservation as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations! Camping, kayak equipment and all meals included. No experience needed.

Loading map, please wait...

Locations visited/nearby

Washington, United States

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Adventure Associates of Washington:

  • Reviewer: Maria M. AA Real
    "Many people today, loyal to their own high ideals, walk toward the light of justice, honor, truth, and, the shadow of a good influence fall behind them. They too, attract rather than compel others toward goodness. They lure by the appeal of their own integrity and love."
    Thank you for a wonderful trip. I don't know who wrote this above, but it reminded me of you.
  • Reviewer: Debbie E. located in San Juan Islands
    "...the experience was fun and the fresh air and islands were exhilarating. Everything (including the food) was wonderful!! It was refreshing, invigorating and I felt very comfortable with the ladies, all of whom I'd never met previously. But it was the shared laughter that struck a chord for me, the memories still bring a smile to my lips. "
  • Reviewer: -Joan A. located in Peru
    "A wonderful introduction to the people and culture of Cuzco as well as a physically challenging trek to one of the world's great wonders, all in the company of supportive and fascinating women. My travels with Adventure Associates continue to be highlights of my life."

Comments from Facebook

Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
  • Offers some women-only departures.

Itinerary

DAY 1
The trip originates in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island approximately 10 am. You
must catch the early morning ferry from Anacortes (approx. a two hour drive north
of Seattle) to Friday Harbor. Adventure Associates will meet the group at the ferry
terminal in Friday Harbor and transport the group via vehicle shuttle to our base
camp. Spend the morning settling into camp, learning and practicing basic sea
kayaking skills with equipment and gear orientation. Please pack a brown bag
lunch today, as we will be eating lunch prior to launching or on the water. Evening
dinner and campfire conversation. (D)

DAY 2
After a healthy and hearty breakfast, we launch from San Juan Island and paddle
past an ideal destination for kayakers to view resident Orca pods. Typically, this
area is one of the best and most predictable regarding the presence of whales. We
pull ashore for a picnic lunch. We have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty and
remoteness of this forested island. In the late afternoon we return to our campsite
for an evening of quiet relaxation and sunset views. (BLD)

DAY 3
We break camp this morning after finishing an early breakfast and enjoying an
optional morning paddle. We’ll have some lunch snacks before it’s time to catch
the ferry back to Anacortes. If the ferry is on time, you can expect to be back in
Seattle by early evening. (B)

More information from Adventure Associates of Washington: