2 & 3 Day Classic Kayaking Tour
Kayak and Camp - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
3 Days, 2 Nights
Trip Overview
Trip Length: All-Inclusive 3 Days, 2 Nights
Trip Cost: $979 per person
Group Size: 2-12 guests
Ages: 13+
Description: Spend three days paddling in the pristine coastal waters of the Salish Sea. Our Expedition Guides are with you every step of the way! This all-inclusive expedition means that we bring the knowledge and gear, and you just bring your personal belongings and excitement! We provide all of the gear and expertise you'll need to safely cross various waterways with constantly shifting tides and currents. Be on the lookout for harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and orca whales! Get to camp and relax as our Guides prepare fresh, hot meals like curries, tacos, and pasta! Our top-of-the-line camping equipment was selected to maximize your comfort in PNW environments.
Trip Highlights
- Soak in the magic of Washington's San Juan Islands on an active weekend getaway
- Spend two nights camping on Stuart Island while dining on fresh, guide-prepared meals
- Kayak 7-10 miles per day, with optional sunset or bioluminescent paddles
- Spend your afternoon exploring the islands' hiking trails or relaxing at camp
What's Included: Dedicated Expedition Guide throughout the entire trip, all kayak gear (boats, paddles, Personal Flotation Devices, dry bags), all camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillows), all meals (hot, fresh, and delicious!).
Contact Us For Reservations!
San Juan Islands Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
2027 Departure Dates
Friday, May 28 → Sunday, May 30 - Available
Friday, June 4 → Sunday, June 6 - Available
Friday, June 11 → Sunday, June 13 - Available
Friday, June 18 → Sunday, June 20 - Available
Friday, June 25 → Sunday, June 27 - Available
Friday, July 2 → Sunday, July 4 - Available
Friday, July 9 → Sunday, July 11 - Available
Friday, July 16 → Sunday, July 18 - Available
Friday, July 23 → Sunday, July 25 - Available
Friday, July 30 → Sunday, August 1 - Available
Friday, August 6 → Sunday, August 8 - Available
Friday, August 13 → August 15 - Available
Friday, August 20 → August 22 - Available
Friday, August 27 → August 29 - Available
Friday, September 3 → September 5 - Available
Dates are subject to lodging availability and may change.
Don't see the dates you're looking for? Contact us to book a private departure.
San Juan Islands Kayaking - Roche Harbor to Stuart Island
Your Adventure Itinerary
Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, Washington, located in the San Juan Islands archipelago. We meet a few hundred feet from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, then transfer to Roche Harbor to prepare for our kayaking excursion. Packing into dry bags, we load our kayaks and begin paddling across the open water of Spieden Channel and skirt Haro Strait, a favorite area for orca whale pods to find salmon. Tides and currents permitting, our picnic lunch stop will be on a picturesque beach on Posey, Gossip or Stuart Island. Returning to our kayaks, we paddle to Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island and set up camp for the next two nights. There is free time to relax, or perhaps head out for an evening paddle or hike. Tonight's dinner, made with locally sourced ingredients, is prepared by our guides. Lunch and dinner included.
Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents.
After a delicious hot breakfast prepared by our guides, we load up our kayaks with lunch, water and snacks, then kayak around Stuart, Johns, and Spieden Islands. There are several wildlife refuges in the area, and it is not uncommon to observe marine birds and harbor seals in the hundreds. Porpoise are also a common sight throughout the day, and in Boundary Pass or Haro Strait we hope to see orca whales. We make several stops to eat lunch, take a short hike and enjoy the beaches. In the late afternoon we return to our camp and head out for a hike, or take time to relax and soak in the views. Dinner is prepared in camp. All meals included.
Sea kayaking: 10-12 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents. Optional hike: 6 miles
Our final day on the water is spent paddling from Prevost Harbor towards Turn Point in Boundary Pass. We expect wonderful views of Mount Baker and the Canadian Cascade Mountains. Reaching Haro Strait, a clear day brings views over 100 miles to the south of the Olympic Mountains. After a break for lunch on the west side of Stuart or Posey Island, we paddle to Roche Harbor to unpack our kayaks. The trip concludes with a later afternoon transfer to the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal. Extend your time in the lovely San Juan Islands or begin the journey home. Breakfast and lunch included.
Sea kayaking: 7-10 miles on open water with waves, tides, currents
Weather
The San Juan Islands average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the south and west. During summer months, expect daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s with evening temperatures in the 50s. Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning, however rain is a possibility at any time making adequate rain gear essential.
Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, we will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternative Itineraries
Our Classic Itinerary is from Roche Harbor to Stuart Island. For families with young children, or folks seeking a more relaxed itinerary, we recommend Jones Island. Visit our Family Multi-Day Kayaking page if you will be traveling with children and are interested in booking a trip for your family.
More on these two destinations below:
Stuart Island is one of the most northwestern islands in the San Juan archipelago and is only accessible by private boat or sea kayak. Stuart Island Marine Park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and has over 33,000 feet of shoreline to explore by foot and sea kayak. Stuart Island has great old-growth hiking trails and rocky shorelines for tide-pooling. Stuart Island Marine State Park offers an easy two-mile hike to the iconic Stuart Island Light Station on the northwestern most point of the island. This, along with Lovers Leap, is a favorite sunset viewpoint with sweeping views of the Canadian Gulf Islands.
Best For: Experienced paddlers, or novice paddlers in good physical condition, outdoor enthusiasts or those new to outdoor activities who are up for an adventure.
Jones Island State Park has great hiking and walking trails, rocky shorelines for tide-pooling, and epic views of the San Juans and sunset. Located to the east of San Juan Island, the paddle to Jones island is in the protected waters of San Juan Channel, making this crossing easier and shorter for novice paddlers.
Best For: Novice Paddlers or Participants Seeking an Intermediate Tour Experience
Family Multi-Day Kayaking
Geared towards families with kids ages 6-12, this itinerary gives children a hands on and close up look at jellyfish, sea stars, and more!
