San Juan Islands Kayaking: A Multi-Day Trip for Spotting Whales
Everything you need to know about a multi-day kayaking trip in the San Juan Islands, including where to spot whales, the best time to go, and what to pack.
Washington’s San Juan Islands are home to quaint towns, beautiful landscapes, and a multitude of outdoorsy activities. However, I’m not going to lie, the number one reason I planned a multi-day kayaking trip to the San Juan Islands is because I’m obsessed with whales.
That’s right, the San Juan Islands offer great whale watching opportunities, and what better way to see whales than on a multi-day kayaking trip?!
How to Get to the San Juan Islands for Kayaking
There are a few different ways of getting to the San Juan Islands, and each has its own benefits.
For a great way to see the islands from the water, either walk or drive aboard the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. This ferry will take you straight into Friday Harbor after stopping at Lopez Island, Shaw Island, and Orcas Island.
A seasonal passenger ferry from Seattle has run in past years, though it’s not currently operating — check current schedules before planning around it.
If you’re bringing a car to the island, we recommend making a reservation in advance — especially if you’re traveling between the months of May and September. Walk-ons don’t need a reservation.
For a unique opportunity to see the islands from above, there are several regional flight options into the San Juan Islands that fly out of Boeing Field in Seattle, Lake Union, or Lake Washington.
What to Expect Kayak Camping in the San Juan Islands
On my trip with Discovery Sea Kayaks,
we kayaked about six miles per day over two days, although the distance varies trip-to-trip depending on each group’s ability (you don’t have to be an expert kayaker by any means!).
While taking the two-day trip was a great adventure, looking back I absolutely wish I had given myself more time. After all, the more days spent on the water, the greater chance there is of seeing whales!
Discovery Sea Kayaks provides all the camping gear you’ll need on your trip, but know that you will be responsible for the set up and take down of this equipment at camp.
Additionally, all meals on your trip will be provided and I found them to be delicious, healthy, and locally sourced from organic gardens and local farms. If you have any dietary restrictions, let the team know ahead of time and they’ll be more than happy to accommodate your needs.
Read more: Kayaking With Whales in Johnstone Strait
Where to Spot Whales While Kayaking in the San Juan Islands
If you’re wondering exactly where your best odds are, the west side of San Juan Island is the spot paddlers and whale-watching operators talk about most. Haro Strait, which runs along that west shore, is where orcas most frequently hunt and travel as they spend summer months foraging for salmon, and it’s often cited as some of the best orca-kayaking water in the country.
If you’d rather watch from land first (or want a backup plan for a day the water’s too rough to paddle), Lime Kiln Point State Park on that same stretch of coast is nicknamed “Whale Watch Park” for a reason, with orcas commonly seen from its overlooks along the Haro Strait.
That said, I’ll be honest about my own experience: I didn’t spot whales from my kayak. We had a foggy day that made it unsafe to cross the strait toward where they were, so we heard them more than we saw them.
I did see orcas on a separate whale-watching boat tour, and I’d definitely recommend booking both if whales are your main reason for coming — a kayak gets you into their world, but a boat gives you a much better chance of sightings when weather or timing doesn’t cooperate. Seeing them from shore is possible but rare, and not something I’d plan a trip around.
Read more: San Juan Island, Washington: Best Things to Do, Eat & Where to Stay
My Multi-Day San Juan Islands Kayaking Itinerary
Note that this is a rough guide as itineraries tend to change based on the needs of the group, weather, tides, and other unforeseen reasons.
Day 1
To begin our adventure, my group departed from Jackson Beach near Friday Harbor and we made our way out of Griffin Bay and into the San Juan Channel. From there, we kayaked until we reached Jones Island State Park near Orcas Island, where we camped for the night.
Day 2
After leaving Jones Island State Park, we crossed San Juan Channel to Spieden Channel along the north shore of San Juan Island. From there, we took a break at the gorgeous Posey Island State Park before turning tail and heading back to Jackson Beach.
Although I was crunched for time, had I gone on to take the three-day tour I would have visited both Smallpox Bay and San Juan County Park on the west side of San Juan Island. Also, if you opt for a longer trip, your group can choose to spend a day of rest on one of the islands, hiking and taking short trips in your kayaks.
The Best Time to Kayak the San Juan Islands
While the weather in the San Juan Islands tends to stay fairly mild year round, if you visit between June and September you’ll find the warmest weather, least amount of rain, and best opportunities for whale watching.
Additionally, the summer months are also the best time to find bioluminescence in the water. The bioluminescence is due to a microorganism in the water called Noctiluca that, when disturbed, emits a sparking green light. To witness this awesome natural spectacle, tours can be arranged through Discovery Sea Kayaks.
Read more: Best Weekend Getaways In Washington State
How Long to Stay in the San Juan Islands for a Kayaking Trip
To fully grasp the island vibe and experience the best of what the San Juan Islands have to offer, I would recommend staying at least three, preferably four, days. Remember, the longer your trip, the better your chances of seeing whales.
I’d suggest bookending your kayaking trip with a night or two in Friday Harbor before and after, so you have time to explore the town, recover, and fit in extra activities like whale watching by boat. I stayed at Bird Rock Hotel, a boutique spot right in downtown Friday Harbor with homemade scones in the morning and complimentary beach cruiser bikes.
Read more: The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Campers
What to Pack for a San Juan Islands Kayaking Trip
Waterproof Gear
To keep yourself and your personal items dry, I recommend bringing along a 20L dry bag for clothing, a 10L dry bag for camera gear, a pair of waterproof pants, a rain jacket, a pair of water shoes, paddling gloves, and a waterproof case for your phone.
Layers
Packing clothing for a variety of outdoor conditions is key, and layering (non-cotton) clothing plays a big role in this. Be sure to pack base layer top and bottoms, a pair of fleece-lined leggings, a quick-dry hoodie, moisture wicking underwear, a long-sleeved fleece, and moisture-wicking socks.
Toiletries
Being exposed to the elements, you’re going to want to bring along both bug spray and sunscreen.
Whale Watching Gear
To capture your whale experiences, be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars, a waterproof casing for your camera or a GoPro, and a telephoto lens for either your phone or camera.
San Juan Islands Kayaking FAQ
Not necessarily. I’m not an expert kayaker, and I was perfectly comfortable on our multi-day trip. Our group kayaked about six miles per day, but the distance and pace can vary depending on the group. If you’re new to kayaking, I recommend going with a guided tour so you have someone who knows the local waters, tides, and weather conditions.
You can, but there are no guarantees. I was hoping to see whales from my kayak and unfortunately didn’t get to see them. We did hear them, but the weather was too foggy for our group to safely cross the channel to where they were. I did see whales on a separate boat tour, so if seeing whales is high on your list, I would recommend doing both a kayaking trip and a dedicated whale watching tour.
I would plan your trip between June and September. These months generally have the warmest weather, less rain, and some of the best opportunities for whale watching. Summer is also a good time to look for bioluminescence in the water.
I would give yourself at least three days, although four days would be even better. I did a two-day kayaking trip and loved it, but I definitely wished I had more time. A longer trip gives you more time to explore the islands, relax at camp, and hopefully spot some wildlife.
Layers are your best friend. The weather can change throughout the day, so I recommend moisture-wicking layers, a fleece, a rain jacket, and waterproof pants. You’ll also want water shoes and clothing that dries quickly if you get splashed.
Yes. On my trip, we camped overnight at Jones Island State Park. The kayaking company provided the camping gear, but we were responsible for setting everything up and taking it down at the end of the trip. Meals were also provided, which made the whole experience much easier.
Absolutely. The combination of being out on the water, camping on the islands, and having the chance to see wildlife makes this one of my favorite ways to experience the San Juan Islands. I especially loved that the trip felt like an adventure rather than just another sightseeing tour.
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