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
My fiancé and I would like to thank you for an awesome experience among the 3 pods of orcas we fortunately came across. Our guide was excellent, the equipment was in great condition and the sunset was splendid!
Rob Barth

Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour

Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour in the San Juan Islands

Sunset Tour Summary

The Sunset Tour is for the romantic at heart. It begins in the late afternoon or early evening and ends by watching the sun gently dip behind Vancouver Island turning the sky crimson. The duration of this tour including the lesson is dependant upon daylight length and is generally 2.5 to 3.5 hours long. Your naturalist guide will give you a brief introduction to paddling technique, safety and wildlife viewing laws and practices and then take you out along the evergreen coastline into prime orca habitat. Keep your eyes alert as you might witness orca whales, seals, migratory birds, bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise, minke whales, mink, deer, river otters, and harbor seals. Your guide will point of places of interest, talk about the wildlife you are seeing and answer any questions you might have. Singles, couples and groups welcome.

Recommended to bring:

  • T-Shirt + sweatshirt + windbreaker
  • Water resistant camera
  • Water + small snack
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Pants or shorts
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block
  • Lip balm
  • Hat

Helpful Travel Info

Coming just for the day? It’s easy! Just leave your car parked in Anacortes and walk on the Washington State Ferry to Friday Harbor where we will pick you up in our shuttle and take you to our private kayak docks.

Already going to be here? We are happy to pick you up at the ferry terminal in Friday Harbor or you can meet us at our private kayak docks.

  • Bald Eagles
  • Shorelines
  • Sea Stars
  • Seals
  • Dall's Porpoise
  • Orca Whales
  • Beaches
  • Sunset
  • Madronas
  • Blue Herons
  • Bull Kelp

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this the best area for killer whale kayaking and when can we see them?

The San Juan Islands offer a unique opportunity during May through September to see orcas in the wild. The area where we paddle is deep nutrient rich water; perfect conditions for migrating salmon. So this is where the resident orcas come every year to find their favorite fish; the Chinook salmon. We do not guarantee that you will see orcas on your tour because they are wild and swim up to one hundred miles per day but we do kayak where they are most commonly seen, giving our guests the best opportunity for seeing an orca by kayaking in Washington State.

How safe is sea kayaking near orca whales?

There has never been a single incident of aggression against a kayaker or boater by an orca whale. 98% of the diet for the resident orcas consists of one type of fish; the Chinook (king) salmon. Other than that they eat fish. Orcas are the largest of the dolphin family so sometimes they can be seen being playful. At times they will peak their heads up out of the water which is called spy hopping...just to look around. When the orcas do get near, they will just pass gracefully by. We have a special protocol to follow when we see the orcas coming our way. We follow the Be Whale Wise Guidelines as well as local, state and federal laws anytime we are in a kayak with orca whales in the vicinity

Sunset San Juan Island Sea Kayaking Tour Schedule:

April 1 2012 - June 16 2012

  Pick-up at Friday Harbor ferry terminal. Tour start at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Tour end at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Drop-off at Friday Harbor ferry terminal.
Sunset Tour 5:30pm 6:00pm 8:30pm to 9:30pm * 9:00pm to 10:00pm *

June 17 2012 - September 22 2012

  Pick-up at Friday Harbor ferry terminal. Tour start at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Tour end at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Drop-off at Friday Harbor ferry terminal.
Sunset Tour 5:30pm 6:00pm 8:30pm to 9:30pm * 9:00pm to 10:00pm *

September 23 2012 - October 31 2012

  Pick-up at Friday Harbor ferry terminal. Tour start at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Tour end at Snug Harbor Marina and Resort. Drop-off at Friday Harbor ferry terminal.
Sunset Tour 4:00pm 4:30pm 6:30pm to 7:30pm * 7:00pm to 8:00pm *

*Sunset Tour ending times vary depending on time of sunset.

Complimentary transportation. Prices, times and tour location subject to change. Includes launching and landing fees. Does not include 7.8% Washington state sales tax or gratuity. Prices per person in US$. *Sunset Tour ending times vary depending on time of sunset.

Please contact us for custom dates and trip lengths.

Follow us for ca$h saving specials:

877-SEAS-877 or 360-378-4223