Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands
- San Juan Islands
- July, 2026
Dates: July 17 - 19, 2026
Now in our second year — join hosts Caitlynn and Sarah for an unforgettable 3-day women’s kayaking adventure through the San Juan Islands! This trip has all the vibes of summer camp and invites women 18+ to paddle crystal-clear waters, spot curious seals and soaring eagles, and connect with like-minded adventurers. Each night, unwind at scenic waterfront campsites while experienced guides prepare gourmet meals under the stars. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or seasoned kayaker, this adventure offers the opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with yourself and fellow adventurous women.
Explore the Itinerary:
Day 1
THE TRIP IS FINALLY STARTING *insert dance break here*! Your Outdoor Odysseys guides will meet you in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Our van will take the group, which generally averages from 11-13 participants (maximum of 16), to our launch site on the south side of San Juan Island.
After packing all camping and personal gear, we’ll have a thorough orientation covering the fitting of the boat, paddling technique, safety and boat handling. We won’t get on the water until everybody feels comfortable about paddling.
We’ll paddle north, kayaking along the picturesque Haro Strait, with views of the Canadian Gulf Islands to the west. We’ll keep a sharp eye out for whales and other wildlife chasing the Fraser River bound salmon. After paddling for a couple of hours along the rocky, tidally rich coastlines of San Juan and Henry Islands, we’ll stop for a long lunch prepared by your tour guide and chef. After refueling, we’ll cross the Spieden Channel to Stuart Island.
Our destination for the next two nights is Reid Harbor on Stuart Island, which is only accessible by private boat. The campsites are nestled in a forest of red barked madronas, cedar, and Douglas fir trees. After camp is set up, you can relax while your guide prepares a three course dinner. Life doesn’t get much better than sitting at a scenic, secluded waterfront campsite, sipping a glass of wine and eating gourmet appetizers, after a hearty day of paddling. Open your adventure goodie bags when we get to camp. Spend the evening reflecting on travel, making friendship bracelets, and connecting with the ladies on the trip! Finally, your guide will prepare dinner while you get to relax with a glass of wine and appetizers.
Day 2
On our second day we’ll do “le grand” circumnavigation around Stuart Island, passing by numerous uninhabited islands in the Boundary Pass and John’s Pass and staying in prime whale watching habitat. We’ll kayak beneath the cliffs of the Stuart Island fog and light station and look out to Mount Baker all while sharing the coastline with resting harbor seals and nesting bald eagles. Match your exploration on water, with a hike in the afternoon to the Stuart Island one room schoolhouse and light station or relax at camp while your guide prepares another gourmet meal. Finish your evening by the campfire and under the light of the stars, or see the “stars in the water” on an optional guided bioluminescence kayak tour.
Day 3
The adventure is far from over on the last day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up camp and revisiting the waters of the Speiden Channel and Haro Strait, maximizing our time in prime whale territory and increasing our chances of seeing the J, K, and L resident or more popular Biggs orcas. We’ll dine on one last artfully prepared lunch before completing our paddle and landing back on the west side of San Juan Island. We’ll load our gear and our paddlers and have you back to Friday Harbor between 3-4 PM to meet your Washington State ferry or continue your time on the islands.
This Trip Includes:
- All Meals
- Kayaking instructions and guiding
- Tour naration
- Kayaking Gear
- Dry Bags: 10L to carry and 30L for packing
- Tent
- Transporation to and from launch site
Ready to Book?
You can register for this event with our Sea Kayaking Partner, Outdoor Odysseys, for a 50% deposit.
Spots are limited, so snag your spot!
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Meet Your Host -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
the insider scoop
Be the first to know about the next event
New events are in the works as we speak, bestie! I don’t want you to miss out on the fun. Subscribe to Notes From The Northwest to be the first to know when registration goes live.
your event host
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
Join Us As a Sponsor
Want to sponsor an event? Let’s talk details! Through sponsorship, you can help keep these events running, empower folks on new adventures, and make the outdoors more accessible for all! Shoot me an email and we can create some trail magic.