Price from:
103 USD
Kayak the San Juan Islands on a three hour tour!
Duration
3 Hours
About
Just one mile south of Friday Harbor, Griffin Bay is a world away from it all! This trip offers peace and quiet and superb views of glacier-covered Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountain range. Unhindered by strong tidal currents, it is an ideal trip for families and anyone wanting to experience sea kayaking in a uniquely peaceful, beautiful environment. We will explore picturesque Dinner Island and it’s colony of chubby resident harbor seals, then turn south toward quiet coves. You may see bald eagles, Dall’s or Harbor porpoise, river otters, mink and oodles of migratory sea birds such as scoters, harlequin ducks, loons and mergansers along with our local herons, cormorants, gulls and kingfishers! This trip moves at an easy pace and offers a chance to get away from the crowds.
What's Included
All kayaking equipment including boats, paddles, splash guards, life preservers, dry bags, etc.
All guests paddle in tandem kayaks
Things to know:
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Individual weight limit of 250lbs.
Islands Explored: 3
Minimum Age: 12 (with limited space for 8-12 year olds in a triple kayak, please call to inquire)
Updates & Information
Check-In Procedures
Check-In will be at our kiosk location at 25 Nichols Street. Our kiosk is in the side yard of the brown corner building. Look for colorful chairs, patio umbrellas, and signs pointing you in the right direction. Your guide typically arrives 15 minutes prior to departure but if you think you are in the wrong place or have any last-minute questions or concerns, please call the office at (360) 378-4436.
Waivers and Release of Liability
Please complete the online electronic waiver below as this will reduce the time at the kiosk. In the event electronic waivers are not signed ahead of time, waivers can be completed at check-in.
Transportation
Transportation is provided from our office to the beach and back. Parking near the kiosk is tough but there are 8-hour spots on First Street near the courthouse only a few blocks away.
Odd Number Groups and Solo Paddlers
All participants will be assigned to tandem (2-person) kayaks. If you are traveling solo or in a group with an odd number, you will be paired with a guide or another participant.
Arriving By Ferry
If you are arriving by WA State Ferry we advise all guests to select a ferry sailing that arrives as early as possible to San Juan Island. Missed tours due to ferry delays or missed ferries treated as same-day cancellations. No Refunds but we can potentially work with you to reschedule.
Level of Participation
Participants understand and agree that sea kayaking tours require participation at an individual and team level. Participants will assist in moving equipment (kayaks) and gear in a team fashion. Participants agree to follow guide instructions.
Weather and Paddling Conditions
Participants understand conditions change day to day. The level of difficulty can range due to tidal currents and wind. San Juan Kayak Expeditions reserves the right to change launch locations due to weather conditions. We do not cancel kayak tours due to rain.
Age Restrictions
Participants must be 12 years old or older to participate in Griffin Bay tours and 14 years old to participate in Lime Kiln half and full day tours. Children younger than 12 can be denied participation. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a forfeiture of payment and a denial of trip participation for the entire party.
Booking Notes
##We look forward to seeing you soon!
##Things to know
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Minimum Age: 14 (With limited space for 10–13-year-olds in a triple kayak)
##Where to meet
Please arrive at our kiosk located at 25 Nichols Street in Friday Harbor 10 minutes prior to your scheduled trip. From the ferry dock follow the sidewalk (between the Salty Fox Cafe and the cars lined up to get on the ferry) up the hill on Granny Street, cross to “A” Street, go past Serendipity Books, Market Chef and Tenth House. We are on the corner of “A” and Nichols Streets on the side of the brown corner building. Look for a yellow kayak or blue “kayak tour” signs.
##Ferry Tips
Washington State Ferries have been experiencing frequent delays in recent years. We do not recommend taking any ferry arriving *right* before your appointed kayaking trip as you may miss your trip. If you are coming to Friday Harbor by Washington State Ferry, be sure to plan according to the ferry schedule. Ferries can often run behind schedule, so it would be wise to select a ferry crossing that considers potential delays. For instance, the 9:00 AM ferry is cutting it really close for our 10:30AM full-day kayaking trip, especially if you are driving on/off the boat. There is no cellular service in that part of the Puget Sound so you may have difficulty making or receiving phone calls. If you are concerned you may be running late for your scheduled trip, you stand a much better chance of connecting with someone if you make the call from Anacortes ahead of departure. No refunds will be provided due to missed or late ferries. Call us if you have any questions regarding trip/ferry planning - we are happy to help!
##Parking
We recommend you leave your car in the Anacortes ferry overnight parking area and walk onto the ferry. Note you cannot drive on the 9AM ferry on the same day you are booked on a 10:30AM Lime Kiln Full Day trip. If you are staying in town, we recommend you leave your car at your accommodation and walk to our kiosk. If you are staying outside the town of Friday Harbor, allow yourself 30 minutes prior to the start of your trip to find 8-hour parking on First Street past the Whale Museum and walk to our kiosk.
##What to Wear
Jeans are never a good idea.
Warm weather clothes, T-shirts and shorts. Bring along a windbreaker or fleece as an extra layer.
In cool weather fleece jackets, synthetic or quick drying shirts and pants, beanies. Layers!
Water shoes – Your feet will get wet. (Tevas, Chacos or similar sandal with a heel strap; aqua socks, wetsuit booties, Crocs, old tennis shoes…)
What else to Bring: We will give you a dry bag to carry your personal gear onto the kayak. All other personal gear can be stowed at our kiosk or in the van.
Hat for sun protection
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Rain gear: coat with hood or rain poncho. (We can supply rain ponchos)
Optional dry shoes for trail walking (full-day tour only)
One quart or liter bottle full of water per person (we carry water for refills)
Snacks
Camera and binoculars
##Tip money – your guide(s) will work very hard to ensure that you have a safe, educational and fun adventure. If you are completely happy with your experience, please feel free to offer your guide a gratuity.
