Sunset Kayaking Tour

"I just went on the sunset tour and had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed the peacefulness of being on the water, the sunset and the whole experience. It was definitely the highlight of my trip, giving me a better perspective on life. The whole experience was truly inspiring. Thank you!" - Chera Prideaux

Departing during the early evening, our sunset sea kayaking tour is perfect for our guests who have accommodations on the islands or reside nearby. These spectacular tours begin by embracing the beautiful early evening weather and end savoring the tranquility and romance of some of the most breath-taking sunsets you may ever see.

• Kayak in the prime orca whale waters of San Juan Island's "west side"
• Depart from our private kayak docks and keep your feet dry
• Small groups of 8 or less
• Free transportation from Friday Harbor to our kayak docks
• No experience is necessary

Sunset Tour: At our launch site we will familiarize you and provide you with the equipment necessary for sea kayaking Washington and give you an informative kayak/safety lesson. Once we are all comfortable and ready to launch we will depart on the first leg of our 5-6 mile round trip paddle along the beautiful coastline of San Juan Island's "West Side." With the magnificent mountains of Washington's Olympic Peninsula and British Columbia's Vancouver Island in our view we will paddle by vivacious kelp forests and evergreen covered terrain. Half way through the trip we will take a brief floating break and then begin our trip back watching the path of the setting sun.

Examples of some commonly seen flora and fauna: Bald Eagles, Pacific Harbor Seals, Orcas (Killer Whales), Dall's Porpoises, Great Blue Herons, Ochre Sea Stars, Pacific Madrones, Douglas-firs and forests of Bull Kelp.

Location: These tours leave from our custom kayak docks at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort located on beautiful Mitchell Bay which is located on the west-side of San Juan Island

Recommended to bring: Layered clothing (T-shirt, sweatshirt, wind breaker or an outer shell), long pants or shorts, sunglasses, sun block, hat, lip balm, comfortable foot wear, water, a small snack, camera (may possibly get wet) and a great attitude.

Cost: $75 (includes complimentary transportation from Friday Harbor to our west side San Juan Island kayak docks, includes launching and landing fees, does not include sales tax).

Time: 6pm (custom tours available)

No experience necessary. 

Kayaking and Whales: People often ask, "What are the chances of seeing a killer whale and kayaking near them?"  To answer this... the orcas do not follow a predictable schedule but they do frequent certain areas and the best odds of seeing them while kayaking are during the summer months.  We follow the local, state and federal laws on our tours, but there are times when we will be fortunate enough to see them at relatively close distances... you just never know.    Why? The resident killer whales swim about one hundred miles per day and are constantly moving in search of their favorite food: Chinook salmon.  The route that we kayak is deep nutrient rich water and a salmon migration zone so this is where the killer whales are most commonly seen. During the summer months, we see them often on our tours but we are not able to predict when during the day they will come through our kayaking route. Kayaking with orcas passing by is a very special moment and we take great effort to educate our guests about the Be Whale Wise Guidelines as well as following our state and federal laws in the event that they do get to be near the orca whales during their guided kayaking tour.  Besides paddling an amazing coastline with majestic snowcapped mountains in virtually every direction, the wildlife is why San Juan Island sea kayaking is so great!

More Information: Schedule & Rates   Photo Gallery   Tour FAQ   Book this Tour

See also:  Exploratory "Day" Tours, 3-Hour "Taste of Sea Kayaking" Tours, Multi-Day Kayak Camping Tours, Multi-Day Kayak Inn to Inn Tours, Multi-day Bicycle & Kayak Camping Tours and Multi-Day Bicycle & Kayak Inn to Inn Tours