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3 of the Best Tours for Kayaking the San Juan Islands

Kayaking - credit Ananda van Welij-Outdoor OdysseysKayaking the San Juan Islands is a favorite outdoor activity, particularly in the warm summer months when the waterfront breezes are a nice refreshment during a hot, sunny day. There are plenty of kayak outlets to choose from during your stay, and with this variety comes several options of kayak touring. Whether you’re kayaking Orcas Island, kayaking Lopez Island, or kayaking the Olympic National Park, here are just a few kayak tour options that will enhance your San Juan Island vacation experience!

Whale Watching Tour

San Juan Islands kayaking tours come in a variety of forms, since sea kayaking is such a popular local activity. One of our favorite kayaking San Juan Islands tours is a whale watching tour! You might have thought that a larger vessel was the only way to view whales. But, you’re wrong about that! Sea kayaking in the same waters as these magnificent creatures is truly the best way to get up close and personal with whales during your kayaking San Juan Islands adventure, though a whale sighting is not guaranteed. Bring your camera and hope to catch some epic pictures of Orcas leaping from the water or poking their fins out. Guided by biologists and environmental scientists, the whale watching journeys at San Juan Outfitters will include some facts about these wonderful creatures on a 5-hour Orca Sanctuary trip that departs from Snug Harbor. 

Sunset Tour

The main focus of an evening tour is to catch the magnificent sunset! This is a great idea for those who have limited time for kayaking San Juan Islands but still want a spectacular experience. It’s also a romantic way to spend the evening with your loved one. Crystal Seas will provide great instruction with fun and knowledgeable tour guides. You will find a peaceful calm as the golden sun sinks into the horizon and melts in a flourish of colors across the surface of the water. It’s truly a breathtaking sight. Follow up your sunset adventure with dinner and a bottle of wine to really set the mood for your romantic getaway!

Bioluminescence Tour

If you’re feeling daring with your kayaking San Juan Islands tour selection, then why not try a nighttime kayak tour? The Bioluminescence Tour with Discovery Sea Kayak is a truly unique experience. The calm of the night waters mixed with a sky full of gorgeous, sparkling stars will bring you to your happy place. The San Juan Islands tidal exchanges develop highly nutrient rich bodies of water, which is the perfect breeding ground for a variety of microorganisms. Some of these are bioluminescent (glow-in-the-dark)! While kayaking the San Juan Islands at night, you will see those microorganisms as sparkles of green along the surface of the water. Don’t miss this magical display during your San Juan Island stay!

After Kayaking the San Juan Islands

After kayaking the San Juan Islands, come back to Tucker House Inn for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a delicious meal at our adjacent Coho Restaurant and then after a wonderful night’s sleep, wake up in the morning to a gourmet breakfast. Here at Tucker House, guests come as strangers, leave as friends, and return as part of the extended family! We can’t wait to see you in paradise. Download our free vacation guide for more activities and attractions in the San Juan Islands.

 

Feature Image Credit: Outdoor Odysseys

Inserted Image Credit: Ananda van Welij, Outdoor Odysseys

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