Roche Harbor 5 Hour Orca Search By Kayak
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More wildlife, more challenge
Looking for a little more?
The 5 Hour Orca Search by Kayak is best for paddlers looking for a little more time on the water, an extra challenge, and the best opportunity to spot the most wildlife in the San Juans. Added time on the water and more ground covered means your chances of viewing wildlife, especially orcas, is greatly increased.
Departing from Roche Harbor, the Orca Search circumnavigates Henry Island, a small mostly undeveloped island just northwest of San Juan Island. You won't repeat any ground on this loop itinerary. Stop on a pebble beach for a home-packed picnic lunch and a chance to stretch your legs. Enjoy sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Haro Strait, Vancouver Island, and the Canadian Gulf Islands. Give yourself the best opportunity to see eagles, seals, porpoises, and invertebrates in their natural habitat.
A staff favorite, the 5 Hour Orca Search by Kayak is one of the best day tours in the San Juans!
About the 5 Hour Tour
Paddling primarily in the Haro Strait, this itinerary gives you the best chances of encountering an orca by kayak. Viewing an orca by kayak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and San Juan Outfitters gives you the highest percentage of success. Our kayak guides communicate with our whale watch captains in real-time and know of any possible sightings within our sea kayak tour's range. While orca encounters do happen, it is important to remember orcas can travel up to 100 miles per day and over 30mph, and you will be paddling in a small section of their habitat. If encountering orcas is on your bucket list, consider joining our Adventure Whale Watch and Wildlife tour by vessel to maximize your percentage of sucess.
The 5-Hour Orca Search by Kayak is best for paddlers that are in good physical shape. The total paddle time is approximately 4.25 hours. Similar to a day hike, it is not uncommon to feel sore and/or fatigued after your tour.
5 Hour Tour Itinerary
15 minutes prior to tour time - Check-in at our dock, right off the shoreline from the Madrona Bar & Grill (which is a great spot to grab lunch or dinner after your tour!). If you haven't already, we will fill out waiver forms. Arriving early allows time to utilize the restroom facilities, fill up water bottles, grab a snack at the General Store, or chat with your fellow paddlers!
Tour Start - We will guide you through all of the gear and kayaking techniques needed to have a great experience on the water. Looking for a family-friendly adventure for kids 6-12? Check out our Family 3-Hour Kayak Tour! We take the proper time to ensure everyone is comfortable in their gear before loading up into our tandem Expedition Sea Kayaks. Our dock slips allow us to enter and disembark the boats without touching the water - score!
On the Tour - Our typical 5-Hour Kayak Tour route heads north past Pearl Island, passing by Posey Island State Park before rounding the corner at McCracken Point. We'll then head south, starting our circumnavigation of Henry Island! We'll take a break for lunch on a local beach, soaking in the sunshine as we refuel. Our Guides will point out any wildlife you may encounter, including harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, sea stars, jellyfish, and a variety of other marine species! Whale sightings by kayak are rare, occurring only a handful of times each season. Ask our Guides all of your nature questions!
Back to Land - As we cruise back into Roche Harbor, we'll reflect on our time on the water. If you feel inclined, our Guides accept gratuity via cash or Venmo. Thanks for paddling with San Juan Island Outfitters!
What to Wear
Top - Layers! We recommend a comfortable athletic base layer, a warmer outer layer, and top windbreaker shell. We can store any extra layers in our locked boxes at the dock if you decide to leave any layers behind.
Bottoms - We recommend wearing athletic bottoms that you are comfortable sitting in for multiple hours.
What to Bring
We provide dry bags that you can borrow to keep any extra items nice and safe. Most of our PFD (life jacket) models have a front pocket, perfect for cell phones and small cameras.
- Lunch!
- Warm layers
- Footwear you don't mind getting wet - You'll step into about a foot of water departing the boats for lunch!
- Camera
- Snack
- Water bottle
- Sun protection
- Please no alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana.
All of our kayak tours depart from the historic Roche Harbor Resort, located on the north side of San Juan Island. From the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, it is a scenic 20-minute drive. Free extended parking is available at Roche Harbor. Walking on the ferry? Ask us about scheduling a complimentary shuttle between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor!
San Juan Island is accessible only by Washington State Ferry, plane, or private boat. Ferries depart the mainland from Anacortes, Washington. Ferry reservations for vehicles are strongly recommended. Ferry questions? Give us a call anytime at (360) 378-1323.